When you sign up for digital marketing or SEO services, your provider will likely ask for access to your Web Hosting logins, cPanel logins, or FTP (File Transfer Protocol) details. This is an expected request, as placing or editing certain files on your server is necessary. However, this basically grants control over your digital assets (including, in most cases, your business e-mail accounts) to your provider. It’s a big ask, especially since you’re likely only just at the beginning of this relationship with your SEO. It’s the same level of crazy as cutting a house key for someone you’ve been seeing for a week.
What is cPanel?
CPanel is a web hosting control panel that provides a graphical interface and automation tools designed to simplify the process of hosting a website. Cpanel is typically used by web hosts to allow their customers to manage their own accounts. It includes features such as email account management, database management, file management, and much more.
Why Do SEOs Need cPanel/FTP Access?
There are a few reasons why your SEO provider may need access to cPanel or FTP. One reason is that they may need to edit your .htaccess file. This file is used to control how visitors access your website and can be used to improve your website’s security, redirect traffic, and more.
Another reason they may need access is to install an SSL certificate. This is a type of security for your website that is becoming more and more important, especially if you’re running an eCommerce site.
Finally, they may need access to create or edit cron jobs. Cron jobs are used to automate certain tasks on your website and can be very useful in managing your website’s content and
Can you do SEO without access to cPanel?
SEO can be a complex and time-consuming process. While it is possible to do some SEO without access to cPanel, it will be very limited. However, if you’re working with a professional SEO provider, they will likely need access to cPanel or FTP in order to properly manage your campaign.
If you’re not comfortable giving your SEO provider access to cPanel or FTP, you may want to consider finding a different provider. However, it’s important to remember that this is a standard request and is necessary in order to properly manage your SEO campaign.
Extra tips for your security
There are a few things you can do to help secure your account even further.
First, create a separate FTP account for your SEO provider. This will give them access to only the files they need and nothing else. You can also set up IP restrictions so that they can only log in from certain locations.
Another tip is to create a unique username and password for your SEO provider. This way, if their account is ever compromised, your other accounts will remain safe.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye on your logs. This will show you any activity that takes place on your account and can help you spot any suspicious activity.
Taking these extra steps will help you to feel more secure about giving your SEO provider access to your cPanel or FTP account.
In conclusion
While it may seem like a big ask, giving your SEO provider access to cPanel or FTP is a necessary part of the process. By taking some extra steps to secure your account, you can rest assured that your website is in good hands.
If you have any questions about SEO or cPanel, be sure to contact us. We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help put your mind at ease.
