Q: I am in the beginning stages of getting my online business set up and am having a problem keeping up with all the different log in information. Do you have any suggestions?

A: If you have been using the internet for a while now, you definitely know how easy it is to lose track of login IDs and passwords if you don’t start keeping track from the beginning. Don’t feel out of place here, because it is not uncommon for online business owners to request lost password or user ID information from sites. When you first start, it’s not that hard to remember those few login IDs you may have, but once you join multiple sites, and lists, keeping track of those IDs becomes more difficult.

Here are some basic suggestions for keeping track of your login IDs:

Pen and Paper Method:

Purchase a ledger or notebook and write the information down as you receive it.

Excel Spreadsheet:

Create a blank spreadsheet and name it “Login IDs.” Create at least 3 different columns and label them at the top with the name of the site, Login/User ID and Password. Fill in the rows with the information that corresponds with each site. Do this when you sign up and receive such information or you may forget to do it later. Another suggestion when using this method is to make sure you print an updated copy of this spreadsheet every so often and store it in a secure place. This way, you know you have a backup copy if anything should happen to your PC.

Utilize Cookies to Keep Track:

One way to save your passwords is to make sure you check “keep me logged in’ when this option is available. This method is not always recommended due to safety reasons. Keep in mind that you can erase your cookies and temporary files on your PC and when that happens, you have no record. Staying logged in to sites such as forums is a good time saver, but it’s really the best method either.

Password Managers:

There are auto fill in managers that you can use to keep track of user IDs, passwords, etc. Search on the internet for “password managers” and browse around to see what you find. You will have a lot to choose from, but keep in mind that it is absolutely necessary to be very cautious if you choose to implement these types of programs. It is possible for some places to put in more information than necessary and it is also possible or your personal information to get into the wrong hands.

Although there are a variety of ways to keep track of Login IDs, passwords, and email logins, just remember, you need to choose one that works for you. Try different options and stick with the one you are most comfortable with. Regardless of which method you use, make sure you keep your information up to date by adding new logins when received. This will help keep you from having to go through the ‘lost password” hassle as well.

Further Resources

For more help with your online business, grab a copy of my Online Business Action Guide