How to Choose the Best Website Host

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By Alison Rothwell ⋅ November 23, 2009 ⋅ Post a comment

Each website is stored on a server that is operated and owned by a separate company. Often this is the company you purchase your domain name through but it isn’t always the case each time.

You’re looking for someone to store your data, and allow access to your website. They often also offer ways to combat spam and have antivirus systems in place to protect your site. If they do not then it’s probably not the best place for a business web site to be parked.

In choosing a host one of the main things to consider beyond this is their downtime. All servers will go down at some point, generally for regular maintenance, if there is a power blackout where it is stored or for other reasons. You need to know what the chances are and what downtime statistics look like. Good hosts will have this information to look at on their web site, including their back up power sources and percentage of time that sites will be live.

While 100% up time is ideal it may not be actually possible but you’re going to want a host that aims for it. If they can offer you 99% then this may be suitable, but remember that each time your website is unavailable potential customers are turned away. They cannot gain access to your contact details, any information at all in fact. It is as if your webpage doesn’t exist and they will be told that their browser cannot locate it.

If this is a regular occurance the chances of losing business are high. It will have a negative impact on your web site marketing. It’ll also lead to word of mouth that your business has closed, or at least stop people checking back if you’re turned away more than once without accessing the business information at all then it’ll be considered forgotton and outdated. Ensuring you choose the right website host should be a key element in your internet marketing strategy.

For a free seo help guide which explains how to DIY your marketing on the internet, grab a free report over at Alison’s website, the SEO Training Club.

Tags: Internet & Online, affiliate, Networking, branding, advertising