Thinking of Changing Your Ecommerce Web Hosting Service?
A Home Business Article Contributed by Donna M. Brown
Make a Smooth Move to New Ecommerce Web Hosting
Making the move from one ecommerce web hosting site to another can be a virtual nightmare if you don't plan ahead.
Plan your ecommerce web hosting move the same way you would plan a physical move from one location to another. Moving your virtual business is much like moving your physical business and it's important to help loyal customers feel comfortable with the change.
Make a "to Do" List before You Change Ecommerce Web Hosting Providers
Start your move by making a thorough list of all the things you must do in order to prepare and execute the move from one ecommerce Web hosting service to another. Prioritize the list in order of importance and in a sequential order that makes sense.
Packing: When it comes time to pack up all the electronic elements of your ecommerce business, make copies of all of the pages on your Web site. Store them on to high-quality CDs and secure them in a safe place. Duplicate the disks and keep one set handy. Rent a safety deposit box in which you can store the others. Update your protected copies as your new Web page develops.
Switching services: You will need to make arrangements to disconnect your current ecommerce Web hosting service. Before you do, consider the advantages of keeping your original site in operation while you make the switch. This will make it possible for customers to continue to do business with you while you work out the bugs in your new Web site. It will also give you an opportunity to promote the new address for at least 30 days before you make the actual move to a new Web hosting company.
Forwarding address: Many customers will communicate with you by email and already have your email address stored in their email program address book. Notify customers of the change via email, send your new email address, but also be sure to set up email forwarding from your old address to the one offered by your new ecommerce Web hosting service.
Register your new web site: Notify your original domain registrar of your intended move. When you registered your original domain name, you used a registrar and that company will need specific information about your move including:
-the name of your current ecommerce Web hosting service including the current IP address
-the name of your new ecommerce Web hosting service including your new IP address
Ask Your New Ecommerce Web Hosting Service to Help You Unpack
Setting up shop: You obviously have sound reasons for moving from one ecommerce Web hosting service to another. Perhaps the look and feel of your new Web site will be different than your original Web site. Don't expect to be able to upload your pages onto the new ecommerce Web hosting service without making some changes. Don't be afraid to ask your new ecommerce Web hosting service for help. No one knows the new service better than its own administrators and chances are, they have helped many make the same kind of move and know what kind of problems to anticipate.
Getting the word out: Don't forget to notify all affiliates about your change from one ecommerce Web hosting site to another. Send electronic notices out, but also use other forms of advertising such as direct mail and some personal telephone calls to redirect customers to your new location.
