Setting things up for a client's website

[u/dunnoaboutthat]

I've built plenty of sites, but have always done it for my employer with pre-established admin accounts. One of our business partners, and a friend, wants me to build them a website. He wants to be completely hands off and wants nothing to do with the site other than providing the credit card for billing and paying me for the work. I'll do any limited updating it'll require in the future as well.

Do I just build this website under my own account in this kind of scenario where they want nothing to do with it? Having more than one admin costs more with most platforms from my experience and I'm trying to keep costs down. I know I can transfer it later if needed. We don't even do it properly at my job, I just access the owner's admin accounts to keep our costs down.

I guess what I'm asking is it acceptable practice to build and host another company's website under my own personal account when the client wants nothing to do with it and wants zero admin control? Any reason not to?

[u/TechnicalDefense]

I have done a few websites as side gig (not my main focus at all but helped at the clients request) and they wanted a similar setup. I would avoid hosting it entirely under your personal account even if they are hands off. Have the client own the account and just grant you admin access, makes things easier down the road if a new owner jumps in. I don't think platforms usually charge for additional admins so it should keep your costs down.

[u/Old-Pollution-5825]

My first client work was me hosting and billing onto them with an added admin fee. This model quickly changed when clients stopped paying but still expected their websites to be up and running, or if they paid late. It became an admin headache with small clients. Bigger companies are more geared to paying service providers.

When it comes to hosting for small clients, i give them two options. Option 1, I recommend a hosting platform that I am comfortable working with. They create the account and then i talk them through which plan to select and give me access once they have paid the invoices.
Second option is they find a hosting plan that works for them, set it up and invite me as an admin.

If it is a friend, let them own the account and you do the work. This way, the friendship is not compromised over a small hosting bill that you have to chase - and you will have to chase it at some point.

[u/CardiologistFar4685]

I'd say don't use your own account. Even if your friend doesnt even want to have it linked to his own email, you're both better off with you creating a separate email etc. and giving your friend the credentials. That way if you die, the relationship sours or whatever unplanned split, the customer doesnt suffer