I Need Affordable Hosting

In this day and age it is almost unthinkable to have a business that does not have a website. People stay connected to each other through the internet and thanks to new applications, to the businesses they frequent.

You should always have an internet presence so that your customers and potential customers can find you. Mobile access has increased so when people wish to contact your company, having a website makes it easy for them to do so.

Why Do I need Hosting?

Website hosting is the most important part of purchasing a website.

While a catchy domain name is important, without hosting you will be unable to do anything with that snazzy name. Hosting provides the web space needed for your business’s site.

This space is based in a server at the hosting company’s office. Many servers have been converted to cloud storage which allows you to purchase more space for a lower price. Cloud-based servers are faster, more reliable, and offer more security than physical servers.

You web host (hosting company) will provide ways to place your site for public view. This is accomplished by coding on your end. The vast majority of web hosts allow you or your designer to upload the code via FTP or through what is called a cPanel.

What to Look For

When seeking affordable hosting be aware of what packages companies are offering.

If a deal seems too good to be true, as with all things, it probably is. A host offering unlimited server space at a very low price is likely a scam.

• Look for quality over quantity. Ask friends for recommendations. People you know that have websites may be able to tell you about their good and bad experiences.
• Check the ‘uptime’ of sites hosted by the companies on your list. Uptime is how long the sites are up without crashing. Hosts with bad reviews usually have many complaints of low ‘uptime’.
• Look for a company that offers cPanels and FTP upload access. cPanel access is easier for do-it-yourself types, but even established developers enjoy the ease of editing a site that has a cPanel instead of FTP only.
• Customer support with access via email and instant messaging.  Responsive, easy to reach customer service is important. If your site goes down or you need help right away, knowing you can contact someone quickly will make your hosting much better.

Hosting and domain name packages are convenient.

Quite a few hosting companies offer packages where you may pay for a year of web hosting, this includes a free domain name. Paying for a year of hosting up front has the added value of being cheaper than paying by the month, sometimes for savings in the hundreds of dollars.