The Right Web Hosting Provider Can Connect You to More Business

Whether you are a startup small business or have been around for some time now, you undoubtedly know how important your Web site is to driving more business your way.

In the event, however, you have not really dedicated the time and resources necessary to your company’s Web site, it all begins with finding the right web hosting provider.

For those small businesses that are looking to not spend a fortune and still receive reliable web hosting services, there are options out there, you just need to know where to look for them.

Before locating the right provider, however, keep the following in mind:

• Know the necessary capacity – The amount of storage capacity your company needs depends on what kind of site you are constructing. If you are putting together an article directory where your necessary web space will increase rapidly, determine how much the cost will grow for such needs;

• Know the bandwidth – It is important to determine what figure of bandwidth your site will likely require, especially if you anticipate providing the public with things such as audio, podcasts, streaming video etc. Lean to working with a provider that allows you to utilize bandwidth greater than your current needs so that you do not end up paying an arm and a leg over time (see below);
• Know what happens when you go past the limits – If you surpass your bandwidth limits; make sure you know whether or not automatic charges will kick in. Make sure that your account will not be automatically deactivated, as that will obviously lead to an issue with providing quality service for your customers;
• Know if you will be charged a setup fee – With the competition among web hosting providers increasing that should mean savings for your business. If a web host provider claims it will be charging you a setup fee for its services, shop around. The more competition should be beneficial and not detrimental to your needs;
• Know the provider’s approach to tech support - The goal is to locate a hosting provider that is available on a 24-hour basis. We all know that server issues happen at all hours of the day, so don’t settle on a service provider that is out to lunch so to speak when you most need them. Come up with some “test” questions ahead of time for each provider to see how they will assist you and how quickly they can do it;
• Know the company’s history - Undertake a background check on the service provider/s you are looking into working with. Determine if they have any track record of complaints, if their company proves to be financially solvent and if they have a track record of quality service. Any red flags should lead you to look elsewhere, especially prior to signing any contract;
• Know the money back guarantee set up – As with anything your company acquires, make sure you have in writing and understand what the terms are specific to your web hosting contract. This is especially key as it relates to any warranty, along with a money back guarantee. Should you not be fully satisfied with the service, you want to be sure you do something about it prior to any pre-noted time limit to act;

Whether your company’s Web site is a top priority or lower on your importance list, it is something that you must incorporate into your business plan.

With the right web host provider leading the way, your company’s site can connect you to additional opportunities to produce a positive return on investment (ROI), something no business owner will debate the importance of.