admin | 
12 2nd, 2009| 
If you are planning to put up your own website you may already know that you will need a web host. There are literally thousands of suitable choices available to you, so the big question is how do you decide which one to pick. Certainly your budget is one factor, but there are many others. Start by deciding what you really need, and then it will be easier to locate an appropriate web host source.
First, think about what general type of site you are planning to build. Is it a purely personal site, for example? Your personal site will be far different than an all out eCommerce site. Most web host companies can accommodate the full range but you need to know what you must have first so you get the services you need without paying for services that you don’t need.
If all you need is a relatively simple personal site you will be able to find host choices that are actually free to you, as long as you realize that they will post advertising on your site. If you can’t deal with advertising on your site, you may still only pay as little as $5 per month. Some hosts will provide you with a proprietary domain name at no extra cost.
If however, you are a professional firm you will need a domain name for sure so look into the cost. Also look for a host that has excellent templates and other support to make your site creation and site maintenance easier. Additionally, if you plan to take customer financial or personal information you must have data security. The professional website will cost you as little as $5 up to $30 per month, depending on the feature package.
If you will engage in eCommerce, you will need systems for security as well as shopping cart, checkout and credit card processing features. Unless there will only be a few items for sale, this type of site will also require more bandwidth and server space. All this adds up. You may be able to come in at as little as $15 per month, but it could go way up from there.
Will your website be used for data sharing between employees, customer order tracking, or delivery scheduling and the like? If so, what you need is called an enterprise level hosting site. It will require the most advanced security features and probably an online customer service center. This may be as little as $100 per month but heads uphill fast form there as your site gets bigger and as you add essential features.
When establishing online presence through a website, it is always best to start by identifying your needs. You will then be better able to locate an appropriate web hosting company.
