Once you have 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. 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 :
Option 1
Free Web Hosting. A few megabytes of storage space, usually no customer
support at all, slow servers, can't use your own domain name, and none of
the features you'll need to make money.
Option 2
Avoid hosting packages that will not allow you to add order forms, statistics
or multiple email accounts to your website. These are necessary tools for
any web master who desires to open an on line business.
Option
3
The Smart Choice. Tons of storage space, lightning-fast servers, live humans
to speak with in case of problems, all the features you need to make big
bucks.
Even if we dont recommend you'll rightly opt for Option 3. The choice is
obvious, yet in our experience nine out of ten online marketers aren't using
a web hosting company that allows them to take full advantage of the Internet
- and they're losing big money because of it.
Here are the features that you should be looking for in a quality web hosting
package :
Fast Servers
Quality hardware and redundant connectivity. The speed at which your web
pages load is directly proportional to your income, and there's no such
thing as a server that's too fast.
Full Domain Support and Registration Services
Must allow the use of your own domain name. Most can handle the registration
of your domain name for you, but the best companies are listed at Host and
can normally get things done faster than you can.
No Access,
Bandwidth, or Hit Charges
These days there is no reason to use a web host that charges access, bandwidth
or hit fees - not until you're getting 50k visitors a day anyway. The best
companies offer unlimited bandwidth with standard hosting packages.
Unrestricted CGI Access
You're going to need to use CGI scripts at one time or another, so be sure
that you have your own cgi-bin directory - and the ability to upload any
scripts you want. Don't use a web host that limits you to the scripts they
decide you can use
Telnet Access and Cron Jobs
Telnet access is not absolutely required, but sure comes in handy for things
like debugging CGI scripts. Cron jobs allow automation of behind-the-scenes
activities, and this feature is also quite desirable from an Internet marketing
standpoint.
Web-based Administration
These days most quality web hosts have some type of web-based admin interface
which allows you to manage your server via the web. It's not necessary,
but may come in handy for those who don't consider themselves to be the
technical type.
Access to Raw Server Logs
You'll need access to your raw server logs in order to best analyze your
web site traffic. Do not use a web host that doesn't offer this, you should
have unrestricted access to your logs.
Secure Server Capability
If you plan on selling anything directly from your web site, you'll need
secure server capabilities. Look for a web host with low or no additional
setup fees.
Full Email Services
Your web host should offer full email services, including POP mailboxes,
unlimited email aliases auto responders. Do not pay extra for these features.
Unlimited FREE Customer Support
With a good web host you shouldn't have many problems, but if you do you
will want a live human to speak with on the phone. Definitely insist on
unlimited customer support via both email and telephone - one day you'll
be glad you did.
No Minimum Contracts
Don't ever sign a long-term contract, it's not necessary and by doing
so you give up a lot of flexibility. If something happens down the line
and you decide to switch to another host, being locked into a long-term
contract could be costly.
Money Back Guarantee
You can look for offers which give 30-day money back guarantee, and so
do many others. You should insist on it - just in case you're not happy
with their services. It's the sign of a professional company that stands
behind it's product and eservices.
There are a few good databases of hosting companies and directories that
you'll like to consult. We wont name anyone,our database 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 mediocre and an excellent web host is no more
than $30 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 which are inevitable.
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