nWeb Hosting for Small Business

Hosting service includes more than simply hosting Web sites. You should also consider how many domain names and email addresses a hosting plan supports.

Website Design and Admin Tools

Web site design tools for small businesses should be free and easy to use. The tools should include a large variety of templates from which to choose a theme that you can customize. If you plan to write your own HTML, it's important that you be able to upload and test new pages easily. Having a control panel from which you can access all of your Web, email, domain management, and other tools is an important consideration. Two of the most popular control panels are Plesk and cPanel.

Intuit Websites is a service aimed at small businesses that want to create a website from scratch. You start by choosing a professionally designed template, from a library containing of hundreds of designs. Customize it with your own text, logo, images and a domain name. Then click a button to publish your website on the Internet. Intuit Websites offers a free 30-day trial, and costs $7.99/month if you decide to continue.

Another popular option is 1&1 My Website. You start by selecting a business category. Next, enter your business's contact information and select your desired layout and color scheme. Add your own photos, text, and your company logo, and you're good to go. No knowledge of programming, HTML or other technical stuff is required.

If you've already got a website, and are looking for a new hosting service, check out Liquid Web, WestHost or GoDaddy. I've used all three, and found them to be reliable and very good with issues requiring support.

Tech support is probably the most controversial issue among hosting service customers. Support should be available 24/7 via phone, email, and online chat. If possible, test a hosting service's support before you get locked into a long-term contract.

If you plan an ecommerce Web site, be sure to investigate all of the features of whatever ecommerce platform a hosting service offers. There are many different online catalogs, shopping cart platforms, and payment processing systems. Many hosting services offer promotional extras to attract new customers. Promotional items can include credits for Google Adwords advertising; search engine optimization services; and other goodies that can help get more exposure for your site.

Unless you're hosting a website as a hobby, stay away from "free hosting" offers. These services are almost always overloaded, slow and unreliable. Some even place advertising for other companies on your site. You won't be giving your customers a good first impression of your business by doing it on the cheap.

Approach a hosting service as you might approach a potential spouse. Ask lots of questions during the dating period. Get a trial period, like an engagement, during which you can test the hosting service's performance hands-on. Don't get hitched for the long term until you are completely satisfied.

Which hosting service do you recommend, or warn against? Post your comment or question below...