🛠️ Website Platforms & CMS Access

Understanding Website Platforms

What is a Website Platform?

• Your website = Your house

• Website platform = The foundation and structure that holds everything together

• Content = The furniture and decorations you can change

• Web browser = The door visitors use to enter your house

Why Platform Access Matters for Marketing

• Add tracking codes - Like installing security cameras to see who visits

• Optimize for search engines - Make your website easier to find on Google

• Create landing pages - Build special pages for advertising campaigns

• Install marketing tools - Add features that help generate leads

• Improve website speed - Make your site load faster for visitors

• Update content - Keep information current and relevant

• We cannot see your private client information

• We cannot access your email or personal accounts

• We cannot make changes without your approval

• We cannot break or damage your website

Common Website Platforms for Law Firms

WordPress (Most Popular Choice)

1. WordPress.com - Hosted version (they handle technical stuff)

2. WordPress.org - Self-hosted version (you handle technical stuff)

• Check your website address bar: Look for /wp-admin at the end of your website URL

• Look for login pages: Try going to yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

• Check emails: Search your email for "WordPress" messages

• Look at website footer: Sometimes shows "Powered by WordPress"

• Admin dashboard login - Username and password to get into the control panel

• Admin user account - We need "Administrator" level access (not just "Editor")

• Website files access - Sometimes we need FTP access (file transfer)

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard (yourwebsite.com/wp-admin)

2. Go to Users → Add New

3. Enter our email: access@cirqley.com

4. Select Role: Choose "Administrator"

5. Click "Add New User" - We'll receive an email to set up access

• Official WordPress.com Guide to Adding Users

• WordPress.org Documentation on User Management

Squarespace (User-Friendly Option)

• Website URL: Look for .squarespace.com in your website address

• Login page: You log in through account.squarespace.com

• Email receipts: Monthly billing emails from Squarespace

• Website style: Clean, modern design typical of Squarespace templates

• Contributor or Administrator access through your Squarespace account

• Site editing permissions to modify content and add tracking codes

• Analytics access to view website performance data

1. Log into your Squarespace account at account.squarespace.com

2. Go to Settings → Permissions

3. Click "Invite Contributor"

4. Enter our email: access@cirqley.com

5. Select permission level: Choose "Administrator" or "Website Editor"

6. Send invitation

• Squarespace Guide to Website Permissions

• How to Add Contributors to Your Squarespace Site

Wix (Beginner-Friendly Platform)

• Website editor: Drag-and-drop editor interface

• Wix branding: May show "This site was created with Wix" (on free plans)

• Login method: You log in through wix.com

• Email notifications: Billing and update emails from Wix

• Editor permissions on your Wix website

• Site management access to install apps and tracking codes

• Analytics access to monitor website performance

1. Log into your Wix account at wix.com

2. Go to your site dashboard

3. Click "Roles & Permissions"

4. Click "Invite People"

5. Enter our email: access@cirqley.com

6. Select role: Choose "Admin" or "Site Member" with editing rights

7. Send invitation

• Wix Guide to Site Roles and Permissions

• How to Invite Team Members to Your Wix Site

Custom-Built Websites

• No platform branding: Doesn't mention WordPress, Squarespace, etc.

• Unique design: Looks completely unique, not based on templates

• Developer involvement: A web developer or agency built it specifically for you

• Custom features: Has features specific to your law firm's needs

• Developer dependency: Usually only the developer has access

• No standard login: Access methods vary depending on how it was built

• Technical complexity: May require technical knowledge to manage

• Documentation gaps: May lack clear documentation about access

1. Contact your web developer or design agency

2. Request admin access to website management

3. Ask for documentation about how to manage the site

4. Get hosting and domain access information

5. Request training on how to make basic updates

• "How do I log into my website to make changes?"

• "Can you create an admin account for my marketing team?"

• "What hosting service is my website on?"

• "How do I add tracking codes for marketing?"

• "Can you provide documentation about managing my site?"

Step-by-Step Platform Identification Guide

Method 1: Check Your Email

1. Open your email program (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)

2. Search for these terms:
• "WordPress" - WordPress platform emails
• "Squarespace" - Squarespace billing and updates
• "Wix" - Wix account and billing emails
• "Website" - General website-related emails
• "Hosting" - Web hosting service emails
• "Domain" - Domain registration emails

• Monthly billing emails from website services

• Account creation emails when your website was set up

• Password reset emails for website platforms

• Update notifications from website services

Method 2: Try Common Login URLs

• Try: yourwebsite.com/wp-admin

• Try: yourwebsite.com/wp-login.php

• Try: yourwebsite.com/admin

• Try: yourwebsite.com/login

• Squarespace: account.squarespace.com

• Wix: wix.com (then sign in)

• Weebly: weebly.com (then sign in)

Method 3: Ask Key People

• Web developer who built your website

• IT person who manages your technology

• Marketing agency who helps with your website

• Office manager who handles vendor relationships

• Previous employee who managed the website

• "What platform is our website built on?"

• "How do we log in to make changes to our website?"

• "Who has the username and password for our website?"

• "What company hosts our website?"

Method 4: Use Online Detection Tools

• BuiltWith.com - Shows what technology your website uses

• WhatCMS.org - Identifies your content management system

• Wappalyzer browser extension - Shows website technology

• Website analyzer tools - Various free online tools

1. Go to the tool's website (like BuiltWith.com)

2. Enter your website address (yourfirm.com)

3. Click "Analyze" or "Check"

4. Look for "Content Management System" in the results

5. Take a screenshot of the results to share with us

• BuiltWith - Website Technology Lookup

• WhatCMS - CMS Detection Tool

• Wappalyzer Browser Extension

Understanding Different Types of Website Access

Admin Access (What We Prefer)

• Install tracking codes for marketing analytics

• Add new pages for advertising campaigns

• Modify website settings for better performance

• Install plugins or apps for marketing tools

• Access analytics and performance data

• You remain the owner - We're added as authorized users

• You can revoke access anytime through your platform settings

• All changes are logged - You can see what we've modified

• Professional separation - We use business email, not personal passwords

Editor Access (Limited but Sometimes Sufficient)

• Create and edit content on existing pages

• Upload images and files to your website

• Modify text and basic formatting

• Access some analytics and performance data

• Install new plugins or tracking codes

• Modify website settings or security features

• Create new page templates or major design changes

• Access advanced features needed for marketing optimization

FTP Access (Technical File Access)

• Custom websites that don't have admin panels

• Installing tracking codes that can't be added through the platform

• Website speed optimization requiring file modifications

• Advanced customization not available through standard access

• Secure file transfer using special software

• Professional handling only - requires technical expertise

• Backup everything first - We always backup before making changes

• Documentation provided - We document all changes made

• FTP server address (like ftp.yourwebsite.com)

• Username and password for FTP access

• Port number (usually 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP)

• Connection type (FTP, SFTP, or FTPS)

Security and Safety Information

Why Proper Access is Important

• No password sharing - Reduces risk of account compromise

• Activity tracking - All changes are logged and traceable

• Easy revocation - Access can be removed instantly

• Professional standards - Meets business security requirements

• Audit compliance - Proper access trails for business records

• Professional liability - Reduces liability from password sharing

• Team accountability - Clear responsibility for website changes

• Business continuity - Access doesn't depend on individual password knowledge

What Information is Safe to Share

• Platform type (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)

• Login usernames (not passwords)

• Website hosting company name

• Domain registrar information

• Contact information for web developers

• Passwords - Use secure methods only

• Personal account information unrelated to business

• Client confidential information

• Financial account details

• Personal social media passwords

Secure Methods for Sharing Credentials

1. Platform user invitation (preferred method)

2. Secure password managers (LastPass, 1Password)

3. Encrypted email with password protection

4. Phone call for temporary verbal sharing

5. In-person meeting for sensitive access

• Create separate user accounts when possible

• Use business email addresses for all access

• Enable two-factor authentication where available

• Document all access for security records

• Remove access when services are complete

Common Website Platform Issues and Solutions

"I Don't Know What Platform My Website Uses"

1. Check your email for website-related messages

2. Contact your web developer or IT person

3. Use online detection tools like BuiltWith.com

4. Look for clues in your website's appearance and functionality

5. Ask your office manager who handles vendor relationships

• Screen sharing session to help identify your platform

• Website analysis using professional tools

• Contact your developer on your behalf if needed

• Platform identification as part of our onboarding process

"My Web Developer Built My Website and I Don't Have Access"

1. Contact your developer and request admin access

2. Request website ownership transfer to your business accounts

3. Ask for training on how to manage your website

4. Get hosting and domain information transferred to your control

5. Consider platform migration if developer is unresponsive

• Admin user account for your business email

• Hosting account access information

• Domain management login credentials

• Website documentation and user guides

• Training session on basic website management

• Website audit to determine reconstruction feasibility

• Platform migration to a system you can control

• New developer recommendation for ongoing support

• Legal consultation if contractual issues exist

"I Think My Website Account is Suspended or Locked"

• Can't log into your website platform

• Website is offline or showing error messages

• Email notifications about account problems

• Billing issues with platform or hosting provider

1. Check email for suspension or billing notices

2. Contact platform support with business verification

3. Verify payment methods are current and valid

4. Review account activity for any policy violations

5. Contact your web developer if they manage the account

• Platform communication on your behalf with proper authorization

• Account recovery assistance using business verification

• Alternative solution development if account can't be recovered

• New platform setup with proper business ownership

"I Have Multiple People Who Might Have Access"

1. Create a list of everyone who might have website access

2. Contact each person to verify what access they have

3. Compile all access information in a secure document

4. Verify current access by testing login credentials

5. Organize access levels based on current needs

• Primary admin - Main person responsible for website

• Secondary admin - Backup person with full access

• Content editors - People who update website content

• Marketing access - People who manage marketing tools

• Developer access - Technical person for major changes

Platform-Specific Detailed Guides

WordPress Complete Guide

• Pros: Easy to use, automatic updates, customer support

• Cons: Limited customization, fewer plugin options

• Best for: Simple websites, non-technical users

• Cost: Free to premium plans ($4-45/month)

• Pros: Complete control, unlimited customization, all plugins available

• Cons: Requires technical management, security responsibility

• Best for: Professional websites, custom functionality

• Cost: Free software + hosting costs ($3-50/month)

• Administrator: Complete control - can do everything

• Editor: Can publish and manage posts and pages

• Author: Can publish and manage their own posts

• Contributor: Can write and manage posts but not publish

• Subscriber: Can only manage their profile

• Administrator access for complete marketing optimization

• FTP access (if available) for advanced customizations

• Hosting account access for server-level optimizations

• Database access (if needed) for advanced tracking setup

• Strong passwords with numbers, letters, and symbols

• Two-factor authentication plugin installation

• Regular backups of website content and database

• Security plugin installation and monitoring

• Regular updates of WordPress core, themes, and plugins

• WordPress.com vs WordPress.org - Complete Comparison

• WordPress User Roles and Permissions Guide

• WordPress Security Best Practices

Squarespace Complete Guide

• Personal: Basic websites ($12/month)

• Business: Professional features ($18/month)

• Basic Commerce: Online store capability ($26/month)

• Advanced Commerce: Full e-commerce features ($40/month)

• Owner: Complete control of website and account

• Administrator: Full website editing, no billing access

• Website Editor: Can edit content, limited settings access

• Content Editor: Can edit existing content only

• Contributor: Can create content, but not publish

• Commenter: Can comment on blog posts only

• Administrator or Website Editor access for marketing optimization

• Google Analytics connection permission

• Code injection access for tracking pixel installation

• Style editor access for design optimizations

• Professional templates designed for service businesses

• Built-in SEO tools for search engine optimization

• Mobile responsive designs automatically

• Security included - SSL certificates and security monitoring

• Customer support available for technical issues

• Limited customization compared to WordPress

• Template constraints - harder to create unique designs

• Plugin limitations - fewer third-party integrations

• Export difficulties - challenging to move to other platforms

• Squarespace Permission Levels Explained

• Squarespace Plan Comparison

• Squarespace SEO Guide

Wix Complete Guide

• Free Plan: Basic website with Wix branding

• Combo: Remove ads, connect domain ($14/month)

• Unlimited: More storage and bandwidth ($18/month)

• Pro: Priority support and professional features ($23/month)

• VIP: Full support and features ($39/month)

• Owner: Complete control of website and account

• Admin: Full site editing and management

• Site Member: Can edit content and manage specific sections

• Contributor: Can create content but not publish

• Admin access for complete website management

• App installation permissions for marketing tools

• Analytics access for performance tracking

• Custom code access for advanced tracking installation

• Drag-and-drop editor - very user-friendly

• Professional templates for service businesses

• Built-in marketing tools including email marketing

• App market with many business applications

• Customer support with live chat and phone support

• Template lock-in - can't switch templates after publishing

• Limited SEO capabilities compared to WordPress

• Loading speed can be slower than other platforms

• Export limitations - difficult to move content elsewhere

• Wix Site Roles and Permissions

• Wix Plan Comparison

• Wix SEO Best Practices

Legal-Specific Website Platforms

LawLytics (Legal Industry Platform)

• Legal-compliant templates designed specifically for attorneys

• Built-in SEO optimization for legal keywords and local search

• Client portal integration for secure client communication

• Legal directory integration with Avvo, Justia, and others

• Compliance monitoring for legal advertising requirements

• Admin dashboard access for complete website management

• SEO tool access for optimization and tracking

• Analytics integration for performance monitoring

• Custom code access for advanced marketing tools

• Website: lawlytics.com

• Support: Available through platform dashboard

• Training: Comprehensive training programs available

FindLaw Websites (Thomson Reuters)

• Legal industry expertise with specialized templates

• Directory integration with FindLaw's legal directory

• Local SEO optimization for legal services

• Marketing tools including PPC and content marketing

• Compliance support for legal advertising rules

• Proprietary platform - managed by FindLaw team

• Limited direct access - changes often made by FindLaw

• Marketing coordination required through FindLaw account manager

• Integration limitations with third-party marketing tools

• Account manager coordination for marketing changes

• Analytics access through FindLaw dashboard

• Custom integration requests through support

• Compliance review for all marketing additions

Justia Websites

• Free website options with basic legal templates

• Premium customization available for enhanced features

• Directory integration with Justia's attorney directory

• Legal content library with regularly updated legal information

• Basic SEO tools for local search optimization

• Platform limitations - less flexibility than general platforms

• Customization constraints - limited design and functionality options

• Integration challenges with advanced marketing tools

• Support limitations - basic support for free plans

Troubleshooting Common Access Issues

Password and Login Problems

1. Go to your platform's login page (WordPress, Squarespace, etc.)

2. Click "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password"

3. Enter your email address (try both personal and business emails)

4. Check your email for password reset instructions

5. Follow the reset link and create a new password

6. Write down the new password in a secure location

• Your email address (most common)

• Your first name

• "admin" or "administrator"

• Your business name

• Your first and last name combined

1. Check old emails from your website platform

2. Look in your browser's saved passwords

3. Ask your web developer or IT person

4. Contact platform support with business verification

5. Check any documentation from when the website was set up

• Too many failed login attempts - Wait 15-30 minutes and try again

• Payment issues - Check if your subscription is current

• Policy violations - Review platform terms of service

• Security concerns - Account may be locked for suspicious activity

1. Wait and retry - Many lockouts are temporary

2. Check payment status - Ensure subscriptions are current

3. Contact platform support - They can unlock accounts with verification

4. Review recent activity - Look for any unusual account activity

5. Update payment methods - Ensure credit cards are current

Technical Access Problems

• Check internet connection - Try accessing other websites

• Try different browser - Use Chrome, Firefox, or Safari

• Clear browser cache - Delete temporary internet files

• Contact hosting provider - Server may be down

• Try password reset - Use the "Forgot Password" feature

• Check for typos - Pay attention to capitalization and special characters

• Try different email addresses - Use both personal and business emails

• Contact support - Platform support can verify account details

• Check user role - You may not have admin access

• Contact website owner - Someone else may need to grant access

• Verify account status - Account may be deactivated

• Request permission upgrade - Ask for administrator access

• Limited user permissions - You have editor access instead of admin

• Platform limitations - Some platforms don't allow certain changes

• Plugin/app restrictions - Need to install additional tools

• Custom code requirements - Changes require technical expertise

1. Request admin access - Ask website owner to upgrade your permissions

2. Install required tools - Add plugins or apps needed for changes

3. Contact developer - Some changes require professional development

4. Platform upgrade - May need higher-tier service plan

5. Alternative approaches - Find different ways to achieve same goals

Working With Web Developers and IT Support

Questions to Ask Your Web Developer

1. "What platform is our website built on?" (WordPress, Squarespace, custom, etc.)

2. "How do we access the website admin area?" (Login URL, username format)

3. "Can you create an admin account for our marketing team?" (Access level needed)

4. "What hosting service do you use for our website?" (GoDaddy, Bluehost, etc.)

5. "How do we add tracking codes for marketing?" (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel)

1. "Do we have FTP access to our website files?" (For advanced customizations)

2. "What is our hosting control panel login?" (cPanel, Plesk, etc.)

3. "Can we install new plugins or applications?" (Marketing tools, analytics)

4. "How do we create new pages for advertising campaigns?" (Landing page creation)

5. "What backup and security measures are in place?" (Data protection)

Developer Relationship Management

• Response time expectations - How quickly will they respond to requests?

• Change request process - How do you request website modifications?

• Emergency contact information - Who to call if website goes down?

• Billing and payment terms - How are ongoing services billed?

• Knowledge transfer - Can they train your team on basic management?

• Regular communication - Schedule periodic check-ins

• Clear project scope - Define exactly what work is needed

• Timely payments - Pay invoices promptly for good service

• Reasonable expectations - Understand technical limitations and timeframes

• Professional respect - Treat developers as professional partners

• Poor communication - Don't respond to emails or calls

• Excessive delays - Take too long to complete simple tasks

• High costs - Charge significantly more than market rates

• Limited availability - Can't provide ongoing support when needed

• Technology limitations - Don't understand modern marketing requirements

IT Support Coordination

• Document everything - Keep records of all website access information

• Train multiple people - Don't rely on one person for all access

• Regular access audits - Review who has access and update as needed

• Security protocols - Establish procedures for password management

• Backup procedures - Ensure regular backups of website and data

• Service level agreements - Define response times and service standards

• Access management - Clear processes for granting and revoking access

• Communication channels - Established methods for requesting support

• Emergency procedures - Plans for handling website emergencies

• Knowledge documentation - Written procedures for common tasks

Next Steps and Action Plan

Immediate Action Items (Before Onboarding Call)

1. Search your email for website platform communications

2. Try common login URLs to identify your platform

3. Contact your web developer or IT person for access information

4. Use online tools like BuiltWith.com to identify your platform

5. Document what you find - Write down platform type and any access info

1. Locate login credentials for your website platform

2. Test your access - Make sure you can log into your website

3. Identify access level - Determine if you have admin privileges

4. Gather contact information for web developer or IT support

5. Compile documentation - Create a file with all website access information

1. Create admin account for marketing team if possible

2. Update passwords if they're old or shared

3. Enable two-factor authentication for added security

4. Backup important information before making any changes

5. Prepare questions for onboarding call about website optimization

During Onboarding Call

• Platform type (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, custom)

• Login credentials or confirmation that access has been provided

• Web developer contact information if we need additional access

• Hosting provider information if known

• Any challenges or limitations you've encountered

• "What additional access might we need for advanced marketing?"

• "Are there any limitations with our current platform?"

• "What website improvements should we prioritize?"

• "How will website changes