The explosion in online commerce over the past 20 years has long since proven that every business must have at least a minimal web site to be successful today. Unfortunately, many companies still aren't sure what makes for successful business hosting.
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Here are some guidelines for companies to consider in choosing business web hosting.
What's the company's reason to put up a website?
As fundamental as this can seem, many companies don't have a clear idea of why they're setting up a business web site. Before starting a website design, company owners and executives should ask questions such as "Will the website be our main marketing tool?" or "Do we want the website to draw customers to our office?" Answering this kind of question is essential to having a website that increases profitability instead of draining it.
Who in our company really knows computers?
Small business owners may be surprised to find out that some of their employees really know their way around the Internet. Find out if any employees have a personal website, or perhaps a blog (but don't frighten them into thinking you're snooping). Make it clear that the company's considering a website, and that anyone who can contribute their expertise would be greatly appreciated. Ask around for recommendations on website designers and small business web hosting services.
What will your technical requirements be?
Answering this question can be tough if you don't know a lot about websites. Here's where you're going to have to ask lots of questions of your website designer. Will you need a database so you can sell products online? Will the website run scripts for transactions that will require support? Can you use a blogging platform?
Who will be your business web hosting vendor?
Small companies often like to deal with local vendors who can offer personal service, especially if the business owners or managers are unfamiliar with websites. The advantages to using a larger web hosting company come from its experience and status in the web hosting industry, along with expanded technical expertise.
How soon will you set up the company's website?
The company website may be ready in a week, a month, or a year from now. Until there's a definite date for "going live," it's not a good idea to waste money contracting with a business web hosting service. It's wise, however, to buy the website's "domain name" or website address as soon as possible. The website designer should be able to help with this task.
Once the website is ready to go online, it's time to choose a business web hosting vendor. Here are the critical qualities a company should look for in its web host:
Reliability. This quality is called "uptime" in business web hosting. It refers to the amount of time that the company website is available to customers. Choose a business web hosting service with an uptime rating of 99.9 percent or greater. This means the company's website will be up virtually all the time.
Technical support. At minimum, the business web hosting service should provide at least a telephone number for the company to call when technical issues emerge. Online contact forms and email are good backup, but when the site goes down, the company needs immediate help. Don't settle for anything less.
