Choosing a Web host provider is one of the most important steps when you start an online business. A web host provider is a service that provides server space where you will store and launch your website so it is visible by the online community. Using a Web host provider is like a piece of online real estate that you buy so you can place your website on it.
If you are going to run a successful business it is very important that you choose a quality provider. This may seem easier said than done since hosting providers are a dime a dozen on the Internet. Well, if you follow a few simple strategies you can find a provider that you can trust with your online business. Here are a few tips on choosing a Web host provider.
Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness and reliability is number one when you choose a provider. Make sure you do your homework to ensure that the Web host provider supplies reliable service and that their server is up at least 99.9 percent of the time. They should also provide tech support around the clock 24/7.
If your provider is unreliable your clients will not be able to access your website and it will actually cost you money in lost sales. Take the time now to do your research to find a reliable Web host provider. There are many resources on the Internet where you can talk to others and read reviews on the Web hosting company.
Disk Space
When you choose Web hosting you will need at least 10MB of disk space for the average size website. 10MB of disk space will allow you to launch your business with room to expand as your business grows. Review all of the packages that the Web host provider offers to ensure you do not choose a package that has services you will never use. Some providers will offer you a package with unlimited disk space and more often than not you end up paying for more space than you need.
Bandwidth
Ask the hosting provider what their policy is for bandwidth and if they have a specific limit. Bandwidth refers to the amount of traffic that you can receive to your website on a daily basis. If the host providers places limits on bandwidth your site will become inactive when you reach the maximum limit for bandwidth. If the Web host offers unlimited bandwidth investigate the offer a little further because the company has to pay for the bandwidth and if your site results in receiving high traffic volume there may be a hidden clause where you are required to pay a fee.
User Control
The Web host provider you choose should provide you with a console where you can control all of the operations and maintenance for your website. This includes making changes to your pages, uploading new pages, controlling email, and other tasks associated with maintaining your website.
If you have to contact the provider every time you want to make a change to your website you will be wasting a lot of time, especially as your business starts to grow. Make sure you have complete control over all of your website maintenance tasks.
The Web host provider should provide you with business email services that utilize your own domain name. For example instead of using a free email account like yourname @gmail.com you can use a professional email that reflects your domain name such as yourname @yourdomain.com. This tells your clients that you have taken the time to set up your business properly and that you are less likely to disappear into the night like you could with a free email address.
Finally, take price into consideration but pay close attention to what you are getting for the price. Avoid free Web hosting services because they often display irrelevant ads on your website.
These are just a few simple tips to follow when choosing a Web host provider. You will find a variety of more things to consider if you do a search on the Internet.
Kevin Traynor is an online business coach and mentor who is currently training people how to get started and be successful in their own online business.
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