Your company Website is key to the success of your business. These days, if you don’t have an online presence you’re not only going to lose out on many possible opportunities but, you can really shoot yourself in the foot with already existing customers who like to know the companies they do business with are up-to-date and on board with the technological boom that’s been going on for many, many years now. Basically, there is no excuse for not having a business site these days.
So you’ve got your site built and it’s ready to go. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the Web hosting service provider that’s right for you? Here’s an overview of the different ways to have your site hosted.
Free Web Hosting
Free Web hosting is a great option for those working as a one-man bad or for very small businesses. Though this is the cheapest option of all, free hosting is typically supported by ads. Yuck. You may want to use this method to beta test pages at first but unless you really can’t afford any other option plan to migrate to something a little more robust than free hosting for your site.
ISP hosting
Like free Web hosting, ISP services are limited. There are usually rate restrictions and you don’t get a whole lot of extras included in your purchase. It is also recommended that this method be used either for sites that won’t be trafficked much (and surely that’s not what you want when it comes to your business) or for personal sites.
Paid Hosting
Standard paid hosting is a great option for web-based businesses. With paid hosting, you pay money typically once a month for space and services on a hosting provider’s site. Prices can range from very cheap to very expensive depending on what service you opt for. If you choose this method, carefully research what you do want, so you’re not inadvertently paying for any extras.
Direct Internet Access
Direct Internet access allows you to maintain control of your own site. It is more costly as it requires you to have a web server computer, software and a very high-speed Internet connection with a dedicated IP address but if you really want to be in charge of your site, this might be an option worth exploring.
Domain Hosting
Domain hosting sites allow you to pay for your domain name and host your site anywhere you like. This option offers a lot of flexibility but there are also many, many domain hosting sites out there to sift through. Justhost, GoDaddy, and Inmotion are just a few. If you’re interested in this option do some comparison-shopping. See which hosts offer the most “bang for the buck”. The hosting company Bluehost offers a $4.95/month charge and is chock-full-o unlimited pluses like unlimited emails, unlimited sub-domains and unlimited space. See how different companies stack up against each other before you make a decision.
No matter what, remember that the Internet means serious business. A presence is most likely mandatory. Choosing the correct host for your Website will probably be a big part of ensuring that your company stays as successful as it already is or of taking your business to the next level. Choose wisely and don’t be afraid to spend some money to get the service you need. A Website that doesn’t perform will surely drive clients and customers into the arms of another.