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The difference
between a mediocre and an excellent web host is no more
than $30 a month, so don't make the mistake of sacrificing
quality and necessary features just to save a few bucks.
The truth is that using an inferior web host doesn't
save you money at all - you'll actually end up paying
a lot more due to lost profits which are inevitable.
Once
you've selected a domain name and you're ready to get
started, the next step is to find a web hosting company
that meets your needs. They'll provide the technology
you need to get your web site up and running - so you
don't have to invest thousands of dollars on your own
hardware, software, and heavy-duty Internet connection.
Your web site forms the very foundation of your Internet
presence, and selecting a good web hosting company is
not a chore to be taken lightly. Generally speaking, as
with just about anything else in life you get what you
pay for. Let's consider the options:
The Smart Choice. Tons of storage space, lightning-fast
servers, live humans to speak with in case of problems,
all the features you need to make big bucks.
Here
are the features that you should be looking for in a quality
Host Company:
Fast Servers - Quality hardware and redundant T3
connections or better. The speed at which your web pages
load is directly proportional to your income, and there's
no such thing as a server that's too fast.
Full Domain Support and Registration Services -
Must allow the use of your own domain name. Most can handle
the registration of your domain name for you, but the
best companies work closely with Internic and can normally
get things done faster than you can.
No Access, Bandwidth, or Hit Charges - These days
there is no reason to use a web host that charges access,
bandwidth or hit fees - not until you're getting 50k visitors
a day anyway. The best companies offer unlimited bandwidth
with standard hosting packages.
Unrestricted CGI Access - You're going to need
to use CGI scripts at one time or another, so be sure
that you have your own cgi-bin directory - and the ability
to upload any scripts you want. Don't use a web host that
limits you to the scripts they decide you can use.
Web-based Administration - These days most quality
web hosts have some type of web-based admin interface
which allows you to manage your server via the web. It's
not necessary, but may come in handy for those who don't
consider themselves to be the technical type.
Access to Raw Server Logs - You'll need access
to your raw server logs in order to best analyze your
web site traffic. Do not use a web host that doesn't offer
this, you should have unrestricted access to your logs.
Secure Server Capability - If you plan on selling
anything directly from your web site, you'll need secure
server capabilities. Look for a web host with low or no
additional setup fees, and a low or no monthly fee for
SSL.
Full Email Services - Your web host should offer
full email services, including POP mailboxes, unlimited
email aliases, and unlimited autoresponders. Do not pay
extra for these features.
Unlimited FREE Customer Support - With a good web
host you shouldn't have many problems, but if you do you
will want to solve them fast. Definitely insist on 24
x 7 x 365 unlimited and free customer support and one
day you'll be glad you did.
No Minimum Contracts - Avoid signing a long-term
contract if possible, because by doing so you give up
a lot of flexibility. If something should happen down
the line and you decide to switch to another host, being
locked into a long-term contract could be costly. But
keep in mind short term or month to month hosting may
cost you more money and if one host charge you $60.00
for whole year and some host $20.00 per month for the
same options, select 1 year contract and save some money.
Money Back Guarantee - Our web host offers a 30-day
money back guarantee, and so do many others. You should
insist on it - just in case you're not happy with their
services. It's the sign of a professional company that
stands behind it's product. |
Web
Hosting 
