Step 4. Hosting your website

What is a website host and how do I find one that will best suit my website?

You will need somewhere for your website to reside that will allow the world to view it 24 hours a day. There are many web hosting companies out there all offering different deals, features and options.

 

Which web host is best for me?

This will depend on the nature of your site. If your site is relatively straight forward offering general information about you and your business without any specialised functionality like a connection to a database or eCommerce facility just about any webhost will suffice.

 

What does web hosting cost?

Hosting fees are usually charged on a monthly basis and can range anywhere from $5 to $60 depending on your requirements. However, as the age-old rule says, cheap is not necessarily the best. Usually it will come down to support and the software requirements needed to run your site. The budget hosting companies traditionally do not have staffed help centres and the only way to contact them with a problem you might be experiencing is through email. The time it takes for them to get back to you and resolve any issue may vary markedly.

 

Ultimately it is best to discuss your web hosting options with your web design company and make sure the service you opt for is capable of running your website effectively. Make sure you do this BEFORE you decide to sign up on any contract.