3 Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Web Host

By Candice Pardue
Posted Friday, June 18, 2004

Choosing a web host is the first vital step you'll take
toward having your own website. Your web host
will provide space on the Internet for your site so
that the whole world can view it. But, choosing a
web host is not as easy as it may seem.

There are a few mistakes to avoid while choosing
your host. I'd like to share these with you below,
and explain why it's important to avoid these
mistakes at all costs - especially if you wish to
start an online business.

3 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Free Web Space - Remember seeing all those
ads that mention "free web space"? Please avoid
participating in these services. In most cases, the
reason it's free is because the company will place
advertisements for other websites all over your
web page. This defeats the entire purpose of
having "your own" web business.

Why should you have to give your potential
customers away? Shouldn't you be able to keep
the visitors that you have paid to receive through
your own ad campaigns?

With "free web space" sites, you'll give away
more business than it would cost you to get your
own domain and hosting service. It's not worth it.

2. Limited hosting - Avoid hosting packages that
will not allow you to add order forms, statistics,
or multiple email accounts to your website. These
are necessary tools for any webmaster who desires
to open an online business.

It's best to choose a hosting service that offers
many options such as:

-- Multiple POP Email Accounts
-- Dedicated Hosting
-- Secure Servers
-- Web Usage Statistics
-- Web Space Allocation (you can get how
much web space you'll need)
-- URL Redirection
-- Autoresponders

These are just a few "necessary" services to
look for when choosing a web host for your
new website.

3. Low Cost Hosting - Watch out for very
low cost hosting packages (i.e. $2.50 per
month). They usually require something in
return, which can take away profits from
your online business.

I must admit that it does sound appealing to
sign up for free or very low cost hosting, but
count the costs before signing up...

- Each time an advertisement banner is placed
on your website, it's designed to get your visitor
to click out of your website and go some place
else. Most free or low cost web hosting services
place these banners at the very top of your web
page - giving the visitor an opportunity to click
out of your site before getting to the first words
of your presentation.

- One complaint that comes to mind about a
free hosting service was that the company's
server became overcrowded and the customer
could not get their website to come up 50%
of the time. When this happens, your business
is closed - and you have no control over this
situation.

One final point about hosting before closing.
If you get your own domain name, and your
own hosting, your visitors will have more
confidence in your site, and will be more
willing to buy your products or services.

Search for a web host that offers fabulous
service, affordable rates, and everything
you'll need for your online business. You'll
be glad you did!

About the Author
Candice Pardue, editor of
Web Design Weekly. Still searching for a web
host that meets the requirements above? Look no further.
Go here for a special hosting starter package offer...
(http://www.webmastercourse.com/web-hosting/)