Soho Business Web Hosting

A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea

Finding Reliable Business Web Hosting

Although it is a difficult task, it is possible to find reliable Web hosting for your small business. Most Web hosting companies focus on the high-end corporate market and often overlook the fast-growing SOHO needs. This makes finding quality Web hosting a challenge especially if your small business is on a limited budget. You can simplify the process if you know just what you want and need.

Clarifying Your Business Web Hosting Needs

Determine how much disk space and bandwidth are necessary for the Web site you have planned. You will require CGI or database capacities if you plan on ecommerce Web hosting or need online completion of forms. Whether you choose Windows or Unix Web hosting will depend on whether you will have ASP or PHP scripting controlling you business Web site. If your business Web site will change substantially in the future, you must plan for it.

Gather Recommendations for Your Business Web Hosting

It is good to look at Web hosting directories but be wary of the information provided. Many of them are owned by Web hosting companies.

Obtain opinions from individuals and businesses that you know who have Web sites. Find out who their hosting company is. If you belong to any trade associations ask other members who they recommend.

Now make a list of Web hosting companies that you see are recommended the most and complained about the least. Determine which hosting companies offer specific services that you need and have scalability for your future changes. Determine which hosting companies fit your price range.

Now, visit each Web hosting company site. Look to see how quickly it loads. Look for support options.

Ask Questions about Your Business Web Hosting

Ask each of the Web hosting firms a technical question to determine their knowledge and accuracy. You can ask more than one question to determine their commitment to customers. If they provide simple, polite answers put a mark by their business name.

Look at their support FAQ or help section. It should be easy to navigate and provide lots of information. If it is missing or has very little information, forget working with them.

Making Your Choice

As a small business you may feel more comfortable with a small host who better understands your needs. Do not be seduced by a Web host that offers more than you need and then has little support. Sometimes the price of affordable hosting is that you are expected to be technically knowledgeable and self-sufficient. This is not always true.

Choose a host who is flexible, scalable, and who can grow with your business. Make sure you can add domains to your plan and have sub-domains. This may not be important now but may in the near future.

Watch for signs of rudeness, impatience, and unresponsiveness before you sign any contract for Web hosting. Do not sign a long-term contract for Web hosting services until after you have tried their services for a few months.