Do You Need To Pay For Web Hosting?
If you're new to this industry you may hear the buzz words "web hosting" without fully understanding exactly what a web hosting service does or even if it's something you need to pay for.
The short answer is that you probably don't need to pay for web hosting if you're just starting out.
In their most basic form web hosts are companies that provide space on a server for their clients to store data.
A web hosting service allows individuals and organizations to make their own websites accessible over the internet. In part because of the highly competitive marketplace web hosting companies now provide numerous other services (described below).
Another way of thinking about this is that with email accounts and webpages the information isn't just floating around aimlessly in cyberspace the way that a lot of people imagine. Even though the information isn't stored on individuals' desktops it is housed somewhere - on a server like the ones pictured below.
Without getting into too much technical detail I'll simply say that the scope of hosting services varies widely.
Like cell phone service or a cable bill website publishing may sound like just another monthly technology payment that you'll have to fork over if you want the service but fortunately that isn't the case.
While in the past web hosting was a mandatory expense for anyone aspiring to have an online business thanks to innovations that's no longer the case.
Free hosting services are sufficient platforms for most people just starting out.
So why do
(1) Web hosting is extremely cheap; usually around $5 a month. To avoid being penny wise and pound foolish most people don't get cheap when it comes to their income generator (their websites).
(2) 24/7 customer support is available from most premium web hosting companies.
(3) Complete autonomy free from concerns about free service providers putting unwanted restrictions or regulations on you and your website.
(4) Top level web content management features (automated templates, easily editable content, scalable feature sets, etc.) are provided that are beyond the scope of traditionally free web hosting services.
(5) Hosting space and bandwidth are limited with free providers but normally unlimited with premium services.
(6) You handle or intend to handle a lot of traffic.
(7) Domain names are often included as part of premium programs. Registering specialized domain names are an additional charge with free providers.
(8) Anti-spam and anti-virus features are standard with premium web hosting.
For a complete tutorial on the value added by premium web hosting visit the below web host provider and read the "why aplus?" section located on the toolbar across the top.
After exploring this site (blog, forum, products/services, etc.) you'll have a very complete understanding of when and why premium web hosting might be a smart fit for your company.
