| Web Hosting | | | | Some restrict you to designing your site with their |
| You've chosen a great domain name. Now what? | | | | site builder. |
| | | | Some don't allow enough space for your needs and |
| What exactly is the function of a web host? | | | | for your inevitable growth. |
| In simplest terms, a web host provides server space | | | | Remember, reliability is key when you set up your |
| and file management for your web site. | | | | site. You expect it. Your customers expect it. |
| Your domain is your store front ...the name of your | | | | 2. What about paid hosting? Look for reliability. Look |
| business . Now you need a great office to house | | | | for available data transfer or bandwidth. Average |
| your business. This is your host. | | | | sites use maybe 4 GB max.What about disk space? |
| There are a number of host providers from which | | | | You'll likely not use more than 8 to 10 MB. Look for a |
| you can choose. Some are free... some charge | | | | host provider that provides a secure server for doing |
| monthly fees. All of them are in business to make a | | | | business transactions. Find a host that provides a |
| profit for themselves, just as a landlord expects to | | | | control panel. and allows you to manage your |
| make a profit from leasing you a business office. | | | | passwords and email accounts. |
| There are some considerations when choosing a host | | | | It's good to have a host that allows sub domain |
| provider: | | | | hosting or multiple domains. |
| 1. What about a free hosting provider? Remember, all | | | | Find a host that has a price and a payment plan that |
| host providers are in business to make a profit. Most | | | | you can live with. |
| "Free" hosts place advertising on your websites. | | | | While it's true that you usually get what you pay for, |
| Some use simple ad blocks while others use pop ups | | | | you don't have to settle for the most expensive. |
| or banners. Using your site for this free advertising is | | | | Some really good hosting companies are quite |
| how they cover the costs of providing web space. If | | | | reasonable, and when compared with the services |
| you don't mind having the advertisements on your | | | | they provide, they are a good investment. |
| site, then explore several different ones and | | | | When picking your hosting provider think of the |
| determine which you would be ok with. Check them | | | | future of your business. You want to be there for |
| out carefully. | | | | the long haul. |
| Some have frequent down time. | | | | Think reliability, manageability, and growth capability. |
| Some can close without warning. | | | | |