One of the many items to consider when starting a small or home-based business is creating a business website. In addition to finding the right domain name, choosing the right logo and coming up with an intuitive design, every business owner must find the right web hosting company to host their business website.
In today’s advanced technological business environment, having a website can potentially make or break a business. As a result, it’s even more important to find a reliable web hosting company. Let’s face it, a virtual business with an unreliable website might as well close up shop. Web hosting services play essential role for internet marketing services such as search engine optimisation, social media marketing and importantly ecommerce content writing services.
Here are a few things business owners should consider when looking for a web hosting company:
Hosting Company Cost
Traditionally, business startups don’t have a lot of cash. Unless the business has investors bankrolling the operation, more than likely cost will be a significant factor in determining which web host to go with. Web hosting packages range in price from free to very expensive. It is recommended that a new business start small and inexpensively.
Be wary of free website hosting. Although the service is free, most often the web host requires the business’ site to display ads that are controlled by the web host. The ads may not be a seamless fit and can hurt the business’ credibility by portraying the wrong image. Business owners who elect to go with a free site should keep in mind that ‘you get what you pay for.’
Select the Right Platform
A shoestring budget might force a business owner to design and code the website until enough money is generated to hire someone. Many hosting companies offer website templates and WYSISYG (what you see is what you get) coding options which makes it easy for a novice to create a website. Having said that, business owners should select the hosting platform they are most familiar with. Web hosting companies most frequently come in two flavors, Windows and Unix. Those who are more familiar with using the Windows operating system should choose a hosting package that runs its servers on a Windows platform.
Individuals who are more familiar with the Unix operating system should choose accordingly. Hosting packages that run on Unix platforms tend to cost less since Unix is an open-source free software. Unlike Windows, Unix web hosts don’t have to pay licensing fees to use Unix, which cuts down their operating cost. The savings are then passed on to the business owner.
Reliability and Uptime
More important than the cost and platform familiarity is the web host’s reliability. Saving a bundle on hosting charges with a hosting company that is only up 50% of the time is no savings at all. As a matter of fact, it will ultimately cost the business in both customers and profits. Look for a hosting company that has both a 99.9% uptime guarantee and a money back guarantee. Reputable hosting companies offer both.
Website or Blog?
Business owners who are new to the Internet and are just getting their feet wet with an online presence might want to opt for a blog. Depending on the type of business, a blog can serve as a good beginning. There are several free blog hosting sites where business owners can get their feet wet and learn the ropes. Sites such as WordPress.com and Blogger.com offer free blog hosting.
The one thing business owners can be assured of is that there is an online option for every operating budget.