This is another important step in developing a successful online business. Consider
your web host as a Business Partner. There are many factors to consider and I will
discuss them briefly shortly. Research their reputations and reliability. The old adage
is true, “you get what you pay for”. Check what their backup systems are like, their
technical service and the performance of the server. Make sure it’s fast and efficient
because “time is money”. If the system is down, you could potentially be losing a lot of
money. Your web site is automated and is working for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, so should your host. Your reputation is on the line, so make sure you get a good
web host.
As already mentioned you need a fast server, FTP files transfer, SSH (Secure shell) to
encrypt data between your web site and customers when they are purchasing items,
full email services, CGI (common gateway interface) with full CGI-bin access. You
want a web based administration interface to manage your web site via the web and
access to server logs to analyze your web site traffic. You want reasonably web space
(most are between 10 -50 mb), excellent scripts, software etc.
Avoid FREE services because you’ll get shotty service, a domain name with another
business name on it, no control over advertising on your site, pop-up windows which
annoy your visitors. You will get a slow connection, poor customer service and
unreliability. All your time and energy is promoting someone else’s website. You could
be shut down at any time if you’ve accused of spamming without an opportunity to
defend yourself. There are so many negatives it’s just not worth it.
Choose your web host carefully. I would recommend ipower. Here what you get for
US$7.95 month:
• 300 GB / 2,500 Emails
• 3000 GB of Bandwidth
• 1 FREE Domain Name
• SSL / CGI / PHP / MySQL
• E-Commerce Enabled
• Marketing / Content Package
• $30 google Credit
• $50 yahoo Credit
• Website Builder & Templates
• Host 6 Domains in 1
• Tech Support (available 24/7)
300 GB of space is huge considering most hosts only offer 10mb. The above plan has
been the number 1 seller since 2003 worldwide. Their package and service is outstanding and
only $7.95 a month
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