How to Edit Your GoDaddy Website: Complete FTP Guide

Why Edit Your GoDaddy Website via FTP?

GoDaddy's built-in website builder is limited. If you want to make changes beyond their templates—edit HTML directly, update CSS, fix bugs, or add custom code—you need FTP access.

**The problem**: Traditional FTP clients like FileZilla are complicated. You need to install software, configure settings, and navigate file systems manually.

**The solution**: Strickland AI gives you a browser-based FTP editor that connects to GoDaddy in 60 seconds. No software to install. No technical knowledge required.

Step 1: Find Your GoDaddy FTP Credentials

First, you need your FTP login information from GoDaddy.

For cPanel Hosting:

2. Click **My Products** in the top menu

3. Find your hosting plan and click **Manage**

4. In cPanel, scroll to **Files** section

5. Click **FTP Accounts**

6. Your credentials are listed here:

- **Host**: Usually ftp.yourdomain.com

- **Username**: Your cPanel username

- **Password**: Your cPanel password

- **Port**: 21 (standard FTP) or 22 (SFTP)

For Managed WordPress:

2. Go to **My Products** → **Managed WordPress**

3. Click **Manage** on your site

4. Go to **Settings** → **SFTP/SSH**

5. Enable SFTP access if not already on

6. Copy your credentials

**Pro tip**: If you don't see FTP options, contact GoDaddy support. Some hosting plans require activation.

Step 2: Connect Strickland AI to GoDaddy

Now let's connect Strickland to your GoDaddy site.

2. On your Dashboard, click **Add Website**

3. Choose **Connect via FTP**

4. Enter your credentials:

- **Host**: ftp.yourdomain.com

- **Username**: Your FTP username

- **Password**: Your FTP password

- **Port**: 21 (or 22 for SFTP)

5. Click **Test Connection**

6. If successful, click **Connect**

That's it! You're now connected to your GoDaddy site.

Step 3: Navigate Your Files

Once connected, you'll see your file tree on the left panel.

**Common GoDaddy folder structure**:

**Key files to know**:

Click any file to open it in the editor.

Step 4: Edit Your Website

Strickland AI gives you two editing modes:

Visual Editor (No Code)

Code Editor (Full Control)

**Making changes**:

2. Click to open it in the editor

3. Make your changes

4. Click **Save** to save locally

5. Click **Publish** to push changes live

Step 5: Preview and Publish

Before going live:

2. Test on mobile using the responsive toggle

3. Check for broken links or images

4. When ready, click **Publish**

Changes appear on your live site within seconds.

Common GoDaddy FTP Issues

"Connection Timed Out"

"530 Login Incorrect"

"Permission Denied"

Files Not Updating

Why Strickland AI vs. FileZilla?

| Feature | Strickland AI | FileZilla |

|---------|--------------|-----------|

| Installation | None (browser-based) | Requires download |

| Visual editing | Yes | No |

| AI assistance | Yes | No |

| Code editing | Yes | No (just file transfer) |

| Preview | Built-in | Separate browser needed |

| Learning curve | Minutes | Hours |

FAQ

Is it safe to edit via FTP?

Yes. FTP is the standard method for managing website files. Strickland AI uses secure connections (FTPS/SFTP when available) and never stores your credentials.

Will this break my website?

We automatically create backups before changes. You can always restore previous versions. Start with small changes to build confidence.

Can I edit WordPress sites on GoDaddy?

Absolutely. WordPress sites work great with FTP editing. You can edit themes, plugins, and core files directly.

What if I mess something up?

Every edit is saved as a version. Click **History** to see previous versions and restore with one click.

Do I need coding knowledge?

No! The visual editor lets you change text, images, and styles without touching code. Advanced users can switch to code mode anytime.

Start Editing Your GoDaddy Site Now

Ready to take control of your GoDaddy website?

2. **Connect your GoDaddy site** via FTP

3. **Make your first edit** in 60 seconds

No credit card required. Free forever for basic editing.