| When you're running a business you know that web | | | | even more than regular text pages. |
| hosting and web space are very important elements | | | | And of course larger businesses that are running |
| to the success of that business. Even if your | | | | many different programs or that need large amounts |
| business is not one that you maintain online, most | | | | of data stored will need even more space than this. |
| customers will appreciate a website where they can | | | | Understanding your own needs for your space will be |
| find your location, hours, prices, sales, and everything | | | | the first step toward understanding how much web |
| else they need before they visit your address. A | | | | space you'll need from your host. |
| good website is a sales tool for anyone and | | | | Bandwidth Versus Space |
| everyone, from hair salons to bakeries, restaurants, | | | | Those who are unfamiliar with web hosting and web |
| and even cleaning services. | | | | space may confuse it with bandwidth. These two are |
| If you're new to maintaining a website, you may not | | | | often advertised together, so it's easy to |
| understand all the elements of web hosting and web | | | | misunderstand their differences. Bandwidth refers to |
| space, and may not realize how to choose a good | | | | the speed of data transfer and how much of this |
| host that will provide the space you need. You will | | | | you use up every month, not the actual storage |
| need to get a basic understanding of this however if | | | | space of your data. |
| you want your site to be successful and to maintain | | | | The more space you need to store pages and files, |
| a strong web presence. | | | | the more bandwidth you'll need in order for them to |
| Start With Your Site | | | | move quickly. When pages load slowly or files cannot |
| The amount of web space you need will be | | | | be found, visitors are bound to click away and rarely |
| determined by your site. Do you need just a few | | | | do they come back. It can also make it difficult to |
| pages that give the hours and location of your | | | | use the site internally between coworkers. |
| business, or will you need additional elements as well? | | | | Understanding the specifics about web hosting and |
| Many today add flash which is a form of text or | | | | web space will mean the difference between a |
| graphics that move; you've no doubt seen them on | | | | working site that gives you a strong web presence |
| many sites you've visited. | | | | and a successful business, or one that doesn't work |
| Some also need contact forms on their site for | | | | as it should and that detracts from your business. If |
| customers and visitors to send an email or inquiry. | | | | you're not clear on the details of this important |
| You may also want to upload video or at least | | | | aspect of web design and hosting, it's a good idea to |
| photographs. All of these additional elements will take | | | | learn what you must in order to make the right |
| up quite a bit of space, usually a good ten times or | | | | decision for your site. |