Establishing a web presence is essential for any business. In today’s modern age it is no longer a question of whether or not a company will be online but rather how will they set up their site and where will they host it. For the “Do it Yourself” person it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which company to work with for their domain and hosting needs.
Here are several things to look at when choosing a provider:
1. Domain: Try to purchase the domain from the same company that is hosting your website. That way you don’t need to worry about transferring the domain over prior to making the site live. It is also one less bill and login to worry about.
2. Customer Service: There is nothing more frustrating than getting poor customer service. When you, or your tech support, have challenges with the site the last thing you want to do is wait on hold, be treated poorly, or be unable to reach someone. Check for online review prior to making your decision.
3. Price: There are often hidden fees associated with hosting. For example, an advertised rate may only apply to a base package. If you have an e-commerce component to your website additional certifications need to be paid for and the prices go up drastically. Describe how your website is supposed to function to a sales representative to ensure you get the correct pricing.
4. Email: Choosing a provider that also offers email will make things much more convenient.
5. Cloud Options: Determine what you need your website to do. For companies that want to use it as a communication and storage tool for employees, a cloud option is a good way to go. Google’s platform allows you to upload and share documents and calendars with your employees.
6. Downtime: If your domain goes down your website will not pull up. Check reviews to make sure the provider you are chose is not currently having problems.
Your website is the face of your company. It allows you to build your brand, get your message out, and engage customers. Spend the time comparing providers now and choose carefully to avoid frustrations down the road. Remember when choosing a provider – you are the customer. Let them know what you need and give them the opportunity to create a solution that is easy and effective.