Find a web host to “display” your website

Most of my clients know they need to register a domain, but are often confused as to why they also need a web host. A web hosting company provides web space to upload your website files (or pages) to. They also provide email addresses for your domain name. Without a host, visitors cannot access your website on the internet. They run special servers that are capable of transmitting your website to computers all over the world via the world wide web. Basically, without a web host, no one but you will ever see your website!

As with domain registration, you literally have hundreds of options when selecting a web host and hosting plan. My recommendation to beginners is to choose a web host running Linux and offering shared web hosting. Unless you plan on running a VERY large website, with a high amount of traffic and data usage, a dedicated server is not necessary and will cost too much money.

I am using HostGator to host www.geraelindsey.com They provide excellent service and support and their plans are very reasonably priced. For beginners, they offer ready-to-use templates and install scripts like WordPress for you.

I recommend the Baby Linux Web Hosting Plan, currently priced at $9.95 per month. They have a slightly cheaper plan, but the Baby plan supports unlimited websites for one price. If you plan on running multiple websites, this is a cost effective way to go.

I also have experience with these web hosts and recommend them as well:

GoDaddy Web Hosting Plans (I recommend them for BASIC websites only)
iPowerWeb, Inc. Hosting (best prices for high traffic websites)
Yahoo! Web Hosting (very easy site builder for beginners)
Easy CGI Web Hosting (another excellent option for high traffic websites)

When selecting your web host, be sure you find out what type of technical support services they offer BEFORE you sign-up.

Select a company that offers multiple options for contacting them in case of an emergency (like you cannot access your emails or your website is down, etc.). The more options the better including toll free telephone support, live chat or an online help desk/support forum that offers round the clock assistance. Find out how they handle after-hour and weekend support requests for any unexpected emergencies that may arise outside of normal business hours.

Other questions you should ask before making long-term commitments:

How long has the company been in business?
Where are their data centers located? This is important – if their data center is located in any area subject to frequent storms, for example, power could be an issue. Lack of it could result in downtime for your website.
Do they offer an uptime guarantee? What is it?
What fees are there for changing or upgrading hosting plans? What about changing domain names?
What happens if you run out of disk space or exceed your allotted data transfer limits? Will you automatically be charged a fee? If so, how much will it be? Or will your website be temporarily shut-down until they have contacted you?
What type of grace period do they offer? What happens if you are late making your payment? Is your website automatically shut off?

Ready to get started? Compare hosting plans at HostGator