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After you've selected a great domain name and you're ready to
get started, the next step is choosing the "right" web host for
your business needs.
Your web site will be the very foundation of your Internet
presence. Selecting the right web hosting service is critical
to your success. I am sure you have heard the old saying, "you
get what you pay for". This usually rings true on the internet,
as well as in the real world.
Consider your choices:
1) Free Websites. A few megabytes of storage space, slow
servers, usually no customer support, can't use your own domain
name, bogged down with their advertisements, are not indexed by
most search engines, and none of the features you'll need to
make money.
2) Low Cost Web Hosting. Often unreliable, bare essentials,
little or no real technical support, lacking in features, not
really for a serious online business.
3) The Right Choice. Lots of storage space, super fast servers,
real people to speak with in case of problems, all the
features necessary to make big bucks. (your own cgi-bin for
interactive features, autoresponders, form mail, secure server, etc.)
If you are serious about your online business success, the
choice is obvious. Why not use a web hosting service that
allows you to take full advantage of the Internet's
capabilities. You will most likely, not be able to compete and
will be losing big money as a result. Here are the essential
features you should be looking for in a quality web hosting
package:
1) Fast Servers - Quality hardware and redundant OC3 or T3
connections. How fast your web pages load is directly
proportional to your income. Don't let anyone tell you a
server can be too fast.
2) Domain Name Support & Registration Services - Your web host
must allow the use of your own domain name. They should offer
free registration and work closely with Internic to get things
done fast.
3) No Bandwidth, No Access, or Hit Charges - There is
absolutely no reason to use a web host that charges for
bandwidth, access, or hit fees. Unless you have an adult web
site. The best hosting services offer unlimited bandwidth with
standard packages.
4) Unlimited CGI Access (FTP/Telenet) - You will need CGI
scripts at some time or another. Make sure that you have your
own cgi-bin and the ability to upload any scripts you want.
Never use a web host that limits you to the their scripts only.
5) Unlimited Technical Support - A good web host should have
live humans to speak with on the phone. Insist on free,
unlimited technical support via both email and telephone.
You'll be glad you did.
6) Control Panel or Web Based Administration - Most quality
web hosts have some type of interface that allows you to
manage your server via the web. This is not necessary, but
can be very handy for many who don't consider themselves to
be the technical type.
7) Secure Server - If you plan on selling anything directly
from your web site, you'll need secure server capabilities.
The best offer low or no additional setup fees, and a low or
no monthly fee for SSL.
8) Email Services - Your web host should offer full email
services. Including, POP mailboxes, unlimited email aliases,
and a generous supply autoresponders. Do not pay extra for
these features.
9) No Minimum Contract - Don't ever sign a long term
contract. It's not necessary. If something should happen and
you decide to switch hosts, being locked into a long term
contract could be very costly.
10) Money Back Guarantee - A quality web host offers a 30 day
money back guarantee. You should insist on it! It is the sign
of a professional company that will stand behind it's service.
Don't make the common mistake of sacrificing quality and
essential features just to save a couple of dollars. The simple
truth is that using an inferior web host will not save you
money at all. You will inevitably end up paying a lot more due
to down time and lost profits.
Earl B. Hall is the publisher/editor of NetPower New-World
Gazette and owner of NetPower Publishing.
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