Online Basics

Get Online and Succeed with Business Web Hosting Services

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Category: Online Basics , Finding A Web Hosting Package

In today's technology-driven world, it's essential for the vast majority of businesses to have a website. Your business Web hosting provider will run the server that functions as an online home for your website's content – thus making it available to any one who types in your domain name, finds you on search engine results pages, or clicks your pay per click ad. So how can it work for you? Using Web hosting for business begins with two simple steps:

  • Register a domain name. This is your online business address. Make it easy to remember and identify, and keep in mind that your first choice may not be available. Many business Web hosting packages include a free domain name.
  • Open an account with a Web hosting provider. While a free Web hosting company is an option, business Web hosting often requires a higher level of disk space, bandwidth, number of emailboxes and services more often provided by a paid Web hosting company.

Once you have your domain name registered and your Web hosting account opened, you can start exploring the Web hosting services included in your plan. These services will differ based on the Web hosting company you choose, which is why it's so important to take a close look at the business Web hosting services offered by your chosen company before you open an account.

Website Builder

Many business Web hosting packages include a website builder tool that is designed to help even the least tech savvy business owner get online. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions to upload content onto your site. If you're still hesitant to try your hand at Web design, ask your Web hosting provider if they offer professional design services.

Blog Hosting

Just as traditional websites allow you to talk to your customers, a blog allows you to interact with your customers -- which can be much more powerful. Blogs allow you to make a personal connection with your customers, gain valuable feedback from their comments and even establish yourself as an expert in your industry – all great reasons to consider making a blog part of your business Web hosting plan.

Traffic Reports

With a brick and mortar store, it's difficult to determine what brought customers to your store, and at what point they decided to leave. Yet business Web hosting packages often include website traffic reports that can tell you that kind of useful information. You'll be able to see how many visitors you're bringing in and from where -- for example, a traffic report can tell you which search engine and keywords a visitor used. It's just one of many ways Web hosting services can help you improve your online business.

Technical Support

Business Web hosting puts your business online, where – with the help of a reliable Web hosting company -- it is "always open." This 24/7 availability makes around-the-clock customer support access a necessity, not a luxury. Your ability to reach technical support by phone, email and even live chat will give you an added sense of security – no matter what time of day. And be careful – although some Web hosting companies will provide this support as part of your Web hosting package, others will charge an additional fee.

While you may feel overwhelmed in the beginning, you're likely to be surprised by how easy it is to use Web hosting to get your business online and succeed. Don't forget that successful business Web hosting is truly the sum of its parts, so give careful consideration to the Web hosting services you choose.