Quick Summary
Learn how to safely provide website access for WordPress, Webflow, Shopify, FTP, and cPanel. Follow security best practices to protect your site while giving your team the access they need.
What You'll Learn
- Sharing WordPress credentials safely
- Providing FTP and cPanel access
- Webflow editor access
- Shopify collaborator access
- Security best practices
- Temporary access management
WordPress Access
Admin Login Credentials
What to Provide:
- WordPress admin URL (usually yoursite.com/wp-admin)
- Username
- Password
- 2FA status (enabled or disabled)
How to Share:
- Use secure request field in Thrivepix
- Or use password manager share link
- Never email passwords in plain text
Creating Temporary Admin User
Recommended Approach:
- Log into WordPress admin
- Go to Users > Add New
- Username: thrivepix or similar
- Email: (your PM will provide)
- Role: Administrator
- Generate strong password
- Send notification: No (share manually)
- Click "Add New User"
After Project Completion:
- Delete temporary user
- Or change to Editor role
- Keeps your site secure
Two-Factor Authentication
If 2FA is Enabled:
- Option 1: Temporarily disable 2FA for temp user
- Option 2: Provide backup codes
- Option 3: Add team member's phone to 2FA
Recommended: Create temp user without 2FA
WordPress Access Example
WordPress Access Information:
Admin URL: https://mysite.com/wp-admin
Username: thrivepix_temp
Password: [provided in secure field]
2FA: Disabled for this account
Notes:
- Full administrator access
- Please delete this user after project completion
- My main admin account has 2FA enabled
FTP and cPanel Access
When FTP Access is Needed
Required For:
- Theme file modifications
- Plugin customization
- Direct file uploads
- Server-level changes
- Debugging certain issues
Not Always Needed:
- Most WordPress work doesn't require FTP
- Ask your PM if FTP is needed
FTP Credentials
What to Provide:
- FTP hostname (ftp.yoursite.com)
- FTP username
- FTP password
- Port (usually 21 or 22 for SFTP)
- Protocol (FTP or SFTP)
How to Find FTP Credentials:
- Check hosting provider dashboard
- Look for "FTP Accounts" or "File Manager"
- Or contact your hosting support
cPanel Access
What to Provide:
- cPanel URL (yoursite.com:2083 or cpanel.yoursite.com)
- cPanel username
- cPanel password
When Needed:
- Database access required
- Email configuration
- Domain management
- Advanced server settings
Creating FTP Sub-Account
Recommended for Security:
- Log into cPanel
- Go to "FTP Accounts"
- Create new FTP account
- Username: thrivepix or similar
- Set strong password
- Directory: /public_html (or specific folder)
- Quota: Unlimited or appropriate limit
- Create account
After Project: Delete FTP sub-account
FTP Access Example
FTP Access Information:
Protocol: SFTP (secure)
Hostname: ftp.mysite.com
Port: 22
Username: thrivepix_ftp
Password: [provided in secure field]
Directory: /public_html/wp-content/themes/mytheme
Notes: Access limited to theme folder only
Webflow Access
Editor Access (Recommended)
How to Invite Editor:
- Open your Webflow project
- Click Project Settings (gear icon)
- Go to "Editor" tab
- Click "Invite Editor"
- Enter email: (your PM will provide)
- Send invitation
Editor Can:
- Edit content
- Design pages
- Manage CMS
- Publish changes
Editor Cannot:
- Access billing
- Delete project
- Transfer project
- Change hosting settings
Designer Access
For Complex Work:
- Go to Project Settings
- Click "Collaborators" tab
- Click "Invite Collaborator"
- Enter email
- Select "Can edit" permission
- Send invitation
Designer Can:
- Full design access
- Edit all pages
- Manage CMS
- Publish changes
- Access project settings
Webflow Access Example
Webflow Access:
Project Name: My Company Website
Access Type: Editor
Invitation Sent To: designer@thrivepix.com
Notes:
- Editor access should be sufficient
- Let me know if Designer access is needed
- Project is on CMS plan
Shopify Access
Collaborator Access (Recommended)
How to Add Collaborator:
- Log into Shopify admin
- Go to Settings > Users and permissions
- Click "Add staff"
- Enter email: (your PM will provide)
- Select permissions (see below)
- Send invitation
Permission Levels
Full Permissions (Most Common):
- All areas of store
- Can make any changes
- Cannot access billing
Themes Only:
- Edit theme code
- Customize theme
- Cannot access products or settings
Custom Permissions:
- Select specific areas
- Products, Orders, Customers, etc.
- Customize based on needs
Recommended Permissions
For Theme Work:
- ✓ Themes
- ✓ Online Store (pages, navigation)
- ✓ Apps (if app integration needed)
For Full Store Setup:
- ✓ Full permissions
- Easier for comprehensive work
- Still cannot access billing
Shopify Access Example
Shopify Collaborator Access:
Store URL: mystore.myshopify.com
Access Type: Staff account
Permissions: Full permissions
Invitation Sent To: developer@thrivepix.com
Notes:
- Full permissions granted for store setup
- Will remove access after project completion
- Store is on Shopify Basic plan
Other Platform Access
Wix
How to Share:
- Go to Settings > Contributor Permissions
- Add contributor
- Enter email
- Select role (Editor or Admin)
- Send invitation
Squarespace
How to Share:
- Go to Settings > Permissions
- Invite contributor
- Enter email
- Select permission level
- Send invitation
Custom Platforms
What to Provide:
- Admin URL
- Username
- Password
- Any special access instructions
- 2FA status
Security Best Practices
Password Security
Use Strong Passwords:
- Minimum 12 characters
- Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
- Avoid common words
- Use password generator
Never Share Via:
- ❌ Plain text email
- ❌ Unencrypted messaging
- ❌ Social media
- ❌ Phone/SMS
Safe Sharing Methods:
- ✓ Thrivepix secure request field
- ✓ Password manager share link (1Password, LastPass)
- ✓ Encrypted messaging (Signal)
- ✓ Temporary share services (OneTimeSecret.com)
Temporary Access
Create Temporary Accounts:
- Create new user for project
- Use temporary email if needed
- Set strong password
- Delete after completion
Benefits:
- Protect your main account
- Easy to revoke access
- Track who made changes
- Better security
Access Management
During Project:
- Monitor access logs
- Check for unusual activity
- Keep communication open
After Project:
- Delete temporary accounts
- Change passwords if needed
- Remove collaborator access
- Review user list
Two-Factor Authentication
Keep 2FA Enabled:
- On your main account
- Disable only for temp accounts
- Re-enable after project
2FA Options:
- Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy)
- SMS codes
- Backup codes
- Hardware keys
Access Checklist
Before Providing Access
✅ Determine what access is needed
✅ Create temporary account if possible
✅ Generate strong password
✅ Test credentials work
✅ Document what access was given
✅ Share via secure method
Information to Include
✅ Platform (WordPress, Webflow, etc.)
✅ Admin/login URL
✅ Username
✅ Password (securely)
✅ 2FA status
✅ Permission level
✅ Any special instructions
✅ When to remove access
After Project Completion
✅ Delete temporary accounts
✅ Remove collaborator access
✅ Change passwords if needed
✅ Review access logs
✅ Document what was done
Common Questions
Q: Is it safe to share my WordPress admin password?
A: Create a temporary admin user instead. Safer and easier to manage.
Q: Do you need FTP access for WordPress work?
A: Usually no. Most work can be done through WordPress admin. We'll ask if needed.
Q: How do I know what permissions to give?
A: Ask your PM. They'll specify what access is needed for your project.
Q: Can you access my billing information?
A: No. Collaborator access doesn't include billing or payment info.
Q: What if I don't have FTP credentials?
A: Contact your hosting provider. They can provide or reset FTP credentials.
Q: Should I change my password after the project?
A: If you shared your main account, yes. If you created a temp account, just delete it.
Q: How long do you need access?
A: Only during active work. We'll let you know when access can be removed.
Q: What if I'm uncomfortable sharing access?
A: We can guide you through making changes yourself, or use screen sharing.
Need More Help?
Contact support@thrivepix.com or message your project manager