Choosing A Domain Host

By Rosanne Dobbins

Due to the numerous types of Web Hosting companies
that exist today, choosing the right one can sometimes
be a daunting task. However, by following just a few
helpful guidelines, the task can become a much more
pleasant experience.

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself the
following questions:

* What kind of web site do you want or have?

* Is it personal or business related?

* Will you need ecommerce services?

* Will you need the ability to run CGI scripts?

* How much can you afford to pay?

* What kind of traffic do you expect to generate?

In addition, their are certain standard features that
you should make sure that any host you choose offers.
Following is a list of such services that are crucial
to any successful website.

* Free Domain Registration

* Unlimited Autoresponders

* Unlimited E-Mail Aliases

* Secure Web Space for Order Forms

* Unlimited Traffic Allowance

* CGI-Bin, preferably with installed scripts

* 24 Tech Support

Pay close attention to the last option in the list above.
This may be the single most important part of making the
correct choice. Putting your website on the internet is
exciting, but it can also be very frustrating at times.
When you find yourself in need of assistance, you will
want to be sure that you can reach someone 24 hours a day.
Furthermore, you need to be able to reach your host not
only by email, but my telephone as well. One of the
biggest complaints that many people have with their Web
Host is a lack of customer support. Don't let yourself
be one of these people.

When you have answered the questions above, noted the
standard features you need to look for, and are aware of
the importance of technical support, you will have a
general idea of what kind of hosting services you need
and it will help you tremendously when you begin your search.

There is a company on the web that compares hundreds of
web hosting companies as well as their features & prices.
You can find it at: http://webhostlist.internetlist.com/
but with so many hosts to choose from, it can be quite
overwhelming. Sometimes it helps if you can find a person
that has had experience with a certain company and can
testify to the fact that the company is reliable as well
as affordable. This is where I come in...

I personally recommend http://www.virtualis.com/ to all my clients and customers. I am confident in their service and after switching host's
several times myself, I can recommend them with complete assurance
that anyone who chooses to host their site with this company will be
in very good hands.

Even though a recommendation has been made here, I encourage
you to search around and make your own decisions. Noone knows
you and your business better than you do. By making the right
hosting choice, you will be well on your way to a successful
and profitable internet presence.

Rosanne Dobbins is publisher of the 'Advice Daily' ezine.
Every day she answers questions about Internet Marketing,
promotion, advertising, site design, HTML and much more.
If you would like to subscribe free, send a blank email to mailto:advice-on@mail-list.com or visit http://www.promotiontools.net