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Info Center
E-Commerce Web Hosting
Choosing a Web
Hosting Provider
Once your web
site is designed and you’re ready to take your
site live, you’ll need to find a place to host
it so people can see it. There are three ways
to get your site from your desktop to the
Internet:
-
Installing a
web server and connecting it to the
Internet. (This method can be pricey and
complicated.)
-
Setting up your
pages on your Internet service provider’s
space. (Cheaper, but lacking some of the
services a business site needs.)
-
Setting up your
pages using a web hosting provider.
Of these options,
most small business owners find using a web
hosting provider is the easiest and most
cost-effective. A web host also provides a lot
more storage space than you can usually manage
on your own.
There are a
number of options to look for when choosing a
host. Ask about the following to ensure you
find a provider that will meet your needs.
Cost:
Most web
hosting providers charge both a start-up fee
and a monthly service fee. Monthly fees range
into the thousands of dollars, but most
businesses can get the space they need for
between $10 and $50 a month. (ECSnap
Web Hosting: 15GB@ $4.44/mo)
Contracts:
Some
hosts require one-year agreements (paid up
front) while others offer month-to-month
service, allowing you to cancel anytime. Find
out what your contract options are, and ask
about guarantees in writing. Most providers
will allow you to try the service risk-free
for 30 days.
Disk Space:
Make sure that you have enough disk space to
accommodate your current web site content as
well as the expansions you expect down the
road. Most sites use less than 5MB of web
space, but depending on your use of pictures,
graphics, Flash, or multimedia files, you
might need more. Ask how much space is
included and how much extra space will cost
should you need it.
(ECSnap Space:
15GB)
Bandwidth:
Bandwidth refers to the number of bytes
transferred from your site to visitors when
they browse your site. The higher the
bandwidth, the faster your pages will load,
making the browsing experience better for your
visitors. Be sure that the host you choose
specifies exactly how much traffic it will
allow. Most new sites require less than 3GB of
bandwidth per month.
(ECSnap
Bandwidth: 300GB)
Domain Names:
Your web hosting service may offer you free
registration for your domain name. If you need
more than one domain name – one for your home
page and one used to promote specific
products, for example – ask if there will be
an extra fee.
Email Address:
Most hosts offer at least one email address
associated with your site. Make sure you can
get several email accounts to accommodate your
current and future employees as well as
addresses that are dedicated to support and
information, for example,
info@yourcompany.com
or
support@yourcompany.com.
File Transfer
Protocol (FTP):
FTP allows you to
transfer files to and from your web site and
is a necessity for most sites – and it's
included by most host companies. If you are
selling software or other downloadable goods,
you may need an anonymous FTP site so that
users can access and download files.
Security:
If you plan to take online orders or transmit
personal information (such as credit card
numbers), you’ll need a secure server (often
called an SSL server). There may be an
additional fee for secure service, but it will
pay off in the long run because many customers
won’t make a purchase or submit their
information from an unsecured site.
Activity Reports:
Activity or access reports provide you with
information about the people who visit your
site. These reports can include information
about which pages were viewed the most, how
long users viewed each page, and how users
found your site. Find out exactly what
information will be provided and how often
you’ll receive updated reports.
Passwords:
If you need password protected pages (account
logins, for example) be sure the host offers
this service.
Support:
Find out
how service and support will be provided. Ask
if calls are toll-free, and see how long you
can expect to wait for a response to any calls
or emails. Ask if customer service is free,
and because your web site will function 24
hours a day, make sure you have access to
support at any hour.
Finding the right
host for your site is like finding a new place
to live. You want to have all of the basic
amenities, plus a few extra perks to make it a
little nicer. Choose an experienced provider
you feel comfortable working with, one that
address all of your site’s needs, and you’ll
have the right home for your site in no time.
Signup
Online to OneSolution, today! : includes free
15GB web hosting
Questions?
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