How to select the best web hosting package for a small business
By Ron Thomas
Too many choices can be confusing and lead to what some have called “the paralysis of analysis.” One tool that may help you hone in on what you need is to isolate the key features and benefits important to you.
If you are considering marketing your product or service on the internet, there some basic aspects to mull over. The key decision on selecting the best web hosting package for a small business company must, at minimum, contemplate the following Top 10 Elements to Consider When Selecting a Web Hosting Package:
(1) - What are amount of disk space & bandwidth is available?
Will you need to run images, audio, video or scripts on your site? If so you will need at least 400 megabytes of space available. A multimedia web site will need at least 25 Gigabytes of bandwidth
(2) – How much technical knowledge is needed to implement hosting features?
Unless you are well versed in html, you will want to steer clear of minimal packages that leave to you figure out complex code, and skimp on training.
(3) – Is there flexibility to integrate your own branding and logos, etc?
Beware of cheap, cookie cutter-copy cat templates with an image that will reflect poorly on your fledging business.
(4) – To what extent will web based functions and activities be automated?
Will you be able to make rapid, formatted responses to customer inquiries?
(5) – Does the Web Hosting Package include room for growth?
Maybe you’re not ready for all of the possible bells and whistles now, but isn’t it nice to know that when you’re ready to use a web based video, the capability is already there, not an added cost add-on.
(6) – What level of technical support, anti-spam and virus protection features is available?
Look for evidence that the host will screen for viruses and employ email filters to keep you from being buried with spam. There’s nothing like a spam or virus attack to shut the system down and temporarily change your work priorities, not to mention the impact on potential customers trying to get through or receiving your infected messages.
(7) What is the primary target market of the hosting company?
Does the company appear to cater to the need of small business and home business owners? A company that’s can put itself in your place will anticipate your needs better and grow with you. Otherwise you may be "just another customer."
(8) - Does the hosting package include catalog and online payment processing options?
You will want to capture customers when their interest is hot. Making their purchase fast and convenient is a must for any small business. See how many add-ons, if any, are necessary for you to accept payments online.
(9) – How much do the web hosting features facilitate marketing efforts?
In other words, does the package offer access and channels to a variety of marketing tools such as blogs, forums, ezines search engines, and classifieds. Are there added value features which increase the utility of your sight such as calendars, polls and surveys?
(10) – How much will it cost?
Last, but not least to be considered in your analysis is cost. We wanted you to first have the perspective of what the best web hosting package would look like. Now consider your budget and your goals. Great web hosting packages are available and you could spend anywhere from $25 to $100+ for some of the features mentioned.
Selecting a small business web hosting package is no small decision. The hosting platform is the foundation from which your business undertakes its quest for customers and income. Don’t make a quick decision based on a cheap price that’s dangled in front of you. A little homework is well worth the effort. You’ll be glad you did.
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Ron Thomas has been engaged in internet marketing since 2002. Ron believes that the web is the great equalizer, providing the vehicle for anyone to launch a new small business and be successful. He likes the hosting tools and resources available at
http://homebizh.thirdsphereplus.com/
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