We’ve all been there. Something’s changed, the timing’s off, you’re moving in a new direction—and now it’s time to let your web developer know it’s not them, it’s… your new agency.

First of all, it’s okay. This happens all the time. Agencies shift, businesses evolve, and websites go through glow-ups. But like any relationship, how you handle the transition says a lot—and a little courtesy can go a long way in keeping things smooth (and, more importantly, keeping access to all your stuff intact).

So if you’re preparing for a digital “it’s not you, it’s us,” here are a few friendly pointers from someone who’s been on the receiving end more than a few times—and lived to tell the tale.

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1. Don’t Ghost Us

You’d be amazed at how often developers find out they’ve been replaced when they can’t log in anymore. It’s like showing up to your own surprise party only to find out it’s not for you.

Just shoot us an email. A short one! Something like:

“Hey, just a heads up that we’re moving our site over to a new team. Thanks so much for all the work you’ve done—can you help us make sure everything transfers smoothly?”

Easy, right?

Also, be sure it’s you or someone the developer knows who gives the news. There is nothing worse than some rando writing asking for “the files” or whatever. Is this real? Is this a phishing attack?? Don’t make us guess. Just suck it up, be a grown-up, and deliver the news yourself.

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2. We’re Probably Not Mad (Unless You Changed the Passwords First)

Most of us are not emotionally attached to your footer layout. We just want to make sure your site keeps running, your emails still get delivered, and your DNS doesn’t light itself on fire mid-transfer.

We’re professionals. We’ll be fine. But please don’t change all the passwords before telling us. It’s not a spy movie.

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3. We’ve Probably Done More Than You Think ⏰

You may not know this, but your web developer has likely spent nights, weekends, and maybe even a few holidays quietly fixing things you never even saw break. Emergency server restarts? Late-night plugin issues? That time your site disappeared right before a product launch? Yeah—we were there. Possibly in pajamas.

We’re not fishing for sympathy (okay, maybe just a little), but acknowledging the effort with a quick “thanks for all the behind-the-scenes work” goes a long way.

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4. Be Honest, But Not Brutal

If it wasn’t working out, that’s okay. You don’t have to write a breakup letter. A polite message with a thank-you and a request to help with the handoff is more than enough. We don’t need the post-mortem on why your cousin’s neighbor is “just way better at Squarespace.”

(But seriously—good luck to them. This business is wild.)

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5. Kindness = Smooth Transfer

If you’re nice, things go faster. You get your files, we get our dignity, and no one ends up cursing over lost email logins at 2 AM. It’s not just good karma—it’s good business.

At the end of the day, this is a people business. Most of us care deeply about the work we do for clients, and we root for your success—even if someone else is doing the updating from now on.

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6. Leave the Door Open

You never know when paths might cross again. Maybe you come back, maybe we work together on something different, maybe we end up sitting next to each other at a community fundraiser. Life’s weird.

Leaving things on good terms keeps that door open—and honestly, it just feels better.

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TL;DR

If you’re moving on from your current web developer:

• Communicate clearly

• Be polite

• Don’t cut off access before saying something

• Say thanks

• Don’t be a jerk

• Remember: we probably saved your bacon more than once (and were happy to do it)

We’re all just trying to do great work, help good people, and not lose our minds in the backend of WordPress.

And if you ever need a new web partner who gets it, doesn’t take things too seriously (except the work), and believes strongly in kindness and good communication—I know a guy.

✌️
—Casey