Digital Asset Checkup: Start with Your Domains, SSL, and Your Digital Depot

Your business runs on digital - but when was the last time you gave it a proper checkup? This week on Rooted in Revenue, we're getting real about the nuts and bolts of your digital foundation. Susan Finch and Lany Sullivan share their hands-on experience managing domains (including those late-night wine-inspired purchases we've all made), keeping backups current, and yes - discovering that even storage facilities need retention policies. No fluff, just practical advice on protecting your digital assets and organizing them in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you're a tech pro or still figuring out what DNS means, we've got you covered with straightforward talk and simple solutions for keeping your business's digital world running smoothly.

Here are the key points from the episode:

1. Domain Management Essentials:

• Consolidate all domains to one account/provider
• Document registration and renewal dates
• Verify owner, admin, and tech contacts are current
• Have a clear purpose for each domain
• Make every domain work for you - forward unused ones to active properties
• Never respond to mail-based domain renewal solicitations (they're scams)
• Export and document DNS settings as a backup

2. Website Security:

• Ensure SSL certificates are current and test your site in incognito
• Verify site works securely with and without 'www'
• Keep security protocols updated

3. Documentation & Organization:

• Create an "Asset Depot" to store all digital asset information
• Include backend links, affiliate info, products/services details
• Keep all access credentials organized and updated
• Document all processes and systems

4. Backup Systems:

• Implement regular backups not stored on the same host
• Verify backups are actually working
• Test restoration process periodically
• Organize files for efficient backup

5. Retention Policies:

• Understand your industry's specific retention requirements
• Only retain what's legally required
• Create organized folders with destruction dates
• Set calendar reminders for data destruction
• Be careful with development/test data retention

6. Regular Auditing:

• Make this a yearly review process
• Get an outside perspective on systems and processes
• Test all systems and access points
• Verify all contact information is current