Do I own my website? That's a simple question often overlooked by business owners regarding their web design and development. Despite its simplicity, getting an answer can be like trying to pin down a politician on a sensitive topic.
The grayness primarily stems from how many web companies make a profit. The traditional "software" approach is build a system once then sell it over and over again. Typically with this scenario you "rent" your website through a license but do not "own" it. There are pieces they still may let you have, such as the content you write. However, like any landlord, stop paying your rent and see what happens.
As a business owner your online presence (which includes your domain name, website, content, images, code, traffic, reputation, etc) are an asset to your company. If the company ever sold, these are things that would add to the purchase price and the better they are the more they add. Having someone else control these pieces and being locked into a relationship that you will forever pay or lose what you have is a liability.
How can you tell if you own your online presence or not? Hopefully you have something more than a handshake that spells it out and protects you. If not, simply ask whoever handles your website to tell you what would happen if you ever moved. If they turn politician and can't give you a simple straight answer then it may be time to do some soul searching. Building a house on land you don't own may not be the best proposition for your business.