My big three consideration for selecting a Web host, besides
service and reliability, are:
-
Cost. Price is a constant favorite of mine,
number one on my all time budget hit parade.
-
Features. Those required to produce a
profitable website
-
Megabytes. Amount of useable storage
space on the host's computer, and transfer allowance.
After all, your goal is to build a profitable
website.
I am confident that you have noticed already that the
Web is loaded with so-called "free" web-hosts and pondered, "Is hosting my new business site with a "free" host, the
way to go?
After all, if you're
going to run a Web site, you've got to find a home for it -- a "host" to
store the computer files that contain all the information on your site,
and keep that information connected to the Internet.
Companies
specializing in Web hosting abound, and enable even the smallest
e-business to gain an online presence quickly and inexpensively.
But what about those free hosting services?
At last count there were over 200 free Web hosting services on the
Internet that offer you a free Web page, as expected, you'll have to
design it yourself, but they'll host it without charge.
One caveat, you'll usually be required to post on of their banners on
your index (front) page.
Often free
Web hosting is bundled together with your basic monthly fee from your
ISP.
And, Are "Free" Hosts Really Free?
The problem with most free sites, outside of your ISP, is that their
service is by nature, advertising-driven, this is how they make their money. Also,
you don't customarily have any control over the ads that appear on your
site, which are often in separate
windows that pop up every two minutes.
Operating a commercial site, potential customers may not
want to be advertised to by third parties just to see your commercial
pitch!
Also, when they come thru my front door, so to speak, I
don't want to drop-kick them right out of my front door!
For businesses, free services are worth exactly what you pay for them,
nothing. You'll receive little or no help when there are problems with
your hosted site, no guarantees about the quality of hosting service,
and little or no flexibility when it comes to such services as software
for collecting orders and payments, or gathering information about your
customers.
What may be especially galling to some customers are the
animated banners most of these websites require, and placed at the top
of each page.
So, if your not going to get your site hosted for free, how
much will it cost?
Many smaller site owners receive excellent service from their hosts for
a small monthly fee.
The more support and functionality your site requires,
the more money you will end up spending. As with most services, the
bottom line depends on the services you use.
However, I'll only suggest web-hosting where you will
find features more then sufficient for your needs now, as well as in the
future, when developing a
profitable website and at a very low cost.
Choosing a host for your website should
not be taken lightly. Once committed, it becomes a real headache to move
elsewhere, not to mention the damage that can be done to your business
if you make the wrong choice.
Once you've selected a domain name and you're ready to
get started, the next step is to find a web hosting company that meets
your needs.
They'll provide the technology you need to get your web site
up and running - so you don't have to invest thousands of dollars on
your own hardware, software, and heavy-duty Internet connection.
Remember, your web site forms the very foundation of your Internet
presence, and selecting a good web hosting company is not a chore to be
taken lightly. Generally speaking, as with just about anything else in
life you get what you pay for.
Let's consider the options:
There are a few good databases of
hosting companies that you'll want to consult. Namely, TopHosts
(http://tophosts.com) and the Web Host Directory
(http://webhostdir.com).
While it may seem a little confusing at first, each site compares
over 500 popular web hosting companies, is fully searchable, and gives
you all of the info that you'll need to make an informed decision based
on your needs.
The difference between a run of the mill and an excellent web host is
no more than a few dollars a month, so don't make the mistake of
sacrificing quality and necessary features just to save a few bucks.
The truth is that using an inferior web host doesn't save you money
at all, you'll actually end up paying a lot more due to lost profits.
My Suggestions & Recommendations
I personally suggest you check out these:
Lonex
(more
info...)
NTCHosting
(more
info...)
icdsoft.com
For $70.00 a year, with no set-up fee you can acquire
333 MB of space.
They have one plan, but feature 4 payment plans.
Home
**********************************
HostCabin.com
A low budget web host provides 200 MB for one price $59.95 year. No set
up fee.
Home
Each of the web-hosting suggestions above were selected because of
personal knowledge. Not just for price, but service as well.
The best thing is for you to first compare these with other offers you
find in the field. Web hosting is not only a basic prerequisite of any
online business, it can be the foundation of a profitable website.
When you are comparing hosts make sure the key ingredients you need are included.
While price is only one consideration, your overall overhead will be
essential to your business profits, more than ever in the early stages
of business building.
