|
EARL
B. HALL
http://powerpub.com
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 rings as true on the Internet as
it does in the real world.
Consider
your choices:
1) Free Websites. You get a few megabytes of storage space,
slow servers, usually no customer support; you can't use
your own domain name; you're bogged down with their advertisements;
you are not indexed by most search engines; and you get
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 to in case of problems, all the features
necessary to make big bucks (your own cgi-bin for interactive
features, auto-responders, 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
helps you take full advantage of the Internet's capabilities?
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. Your online revenue is directly proportional
to how fast your web pages load. Don't let anyone tell you
a server can be too fast.
2)
Domain name support and registration services - Your web
host must allow the use of your own domain name. They should
offer registration and work closely with Internic to get
things done quickly.
3)
No extra charges for bandwidth, access or hits - There is
no reason to use a web host that charges for bandwidth,
access, or uses 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 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
humans available to speak to 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
technical types.
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)
E-mail services - Your web host should offer full e-mail
services including POP mailboxes, unlimited e-mail 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 downtime and lost profits.
|
