In our last post, we talked about Domain names, and how to get them and set them up. The next thing to do after getting a Domain name is to decide who to use for web hosting. Remember if you haven’t read the Terms and Definitions for websites, that’s where to go if you encounter any terms you don’t know. Basically a web host is a place that lends you space on their server to have the files needed to make up your website. Sometimes they offer Domian Name Services, meaning they keep track of the IP address for your website, and when someone asks to see your website by name, this place will tell their computer what the IP address is so that they can see your website. What kind of services can you conceiveably get from a web host? Lets see a simple listing of services, then I’ll compare some of the top Web Hosts for you.
Web Hosting Services
- Disk Space
- Domain Name Features
- Email Services
- Website Management Tools
- Website Development Tools
- Application Features
- Databases
- Website Security
- Web Marketing Tools
- Support for Open Source Applications
- Customer Service
These features come with some sites, and not with others. There are some things that are important for us as Affiliate marketers, and some features that we really don’t need. Lets look at the features i’ve got listed here and decide exactly what we need as affiliate marketers.
Disk Space – This is a decent thing for us to have, but really it’s not totally nessecary. The more you can get for the least amount of money, the better off you will be.
Domain name Features – Some web hosts will allow you to purchase your domain name along with web hosting services. Some affiliates like having it all in one, and some would rather have it with two different companies. The technology, and relatively small downtime with newer equipment, basically makes any argument kind of weak for either, so you can really decide on your own how you will do this, as it really makes no big difference.
One thing you very much want though is for the web host to allow Unlimited Domains. This will allow you to put up many websites using the one host, and usually is not much extra money.
Email Services These are offered by most web hosts, and is very nice to have. Also some places offer more robust email services, including an exchange server type program with also having the ability to put together email lists which is a great thing for us Marketers. Almost mandatory. So the better the email services, the better the Host for our needs.
Website Management Tools Every host will have some sort of website management tools so that you can manage all the of the services they offer with the hosting package. Cpanel is a popular one that most people have seen and find very easy to use and is a good example of a website management tool. There are different kinds, and some are easy to use and some are not as easy, before you choose a host, make sure you can check out their management tool, and see how hard it is for you to use.
Website Development Tools Some hosts will offer online tools or downloadable tools for use in actual creation of the website. Some are WISYWIG tools, which are easy to use and very helpful to those who have little experience with site creation. As an Online Marketer, it’s a good idea for you to have some knowledge here, but if you know little, this kind of thing will be helpful in getting you started with learning. If you do not know what these tools are, and know nothing about site design, it’s a good idea to get a host that offers these tools, or to use something like WordPress or Joomla to create your site. These are both good tools and free for use, for making websites.
Application Features & Databases These features are kind of advanced for most users, but in some cases depending on what you want to do with your site, good to have. Features of this sort allow access to SQL databases (for blogs, forums, or just holding lists of data), Audio and video streams, and automatic backups. All of these are good to have, and if you plan on blogging, having unlimited SQL access is almost a must have.
Web Marketing Tools & Support for Open Source Applications Some web hosting companies will offer marketing tools such as search engine submission, special access to certain PPC programs, certain access to some paid search postings as well. These are very good to have for us marketers, but these are not a must and usually come with a hefty markup in price. Not something i’d pin the decision on, but if it’s cheap and they offer it anyways, take it for sure! The support for open source applications such as WordPress, Joomla, Mambo, phpBB, Gallery2, wiki, etc are almost a must have services for any web host that an affiliate would want to use. Some affiliate sites are granted just a couple of pages of advertising and that’s it, but it’s starting to be that websites really need to have some value and these applications can help add that value for the consumer making your life much easier.
Customer Service Not many people think much about this, but a host that has a customer service that’s 24/7 and easy to talk to and get ahold of by email or phone is also a must have in my opinion. The value of having the help there when you need it, at any time is inestimable.
So now you are all experts on the services offered by web hosts and you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which ones to choose. I’m going to make it even eaisser for you, i’ve done the reasearch already and have a list of the top 5 web hosts for our purposes, which i’ll review for you to make your choice eaiser. That said, remember it’s your choice, and i’m just going to give you the options and let you make your own (now informed) decision.
This is 1&1 hosting. They have fairly reasonable prices, and offer many different services. They don’t have unlimited domains, but they offer up to 5 which is not so bad. They also have the ability to build mailing lists, and quite a large number of website creation programs offered as well. Overall a decent choice for hosting, and they offer domain name servcies as well if you want to keep all with one company.
GoDaddy is a very good and well known host, they haven’t been so hot in the past but have really gotten their act together. They offer all you could ever need as an affiliate marketer, including unlimited domains, website creation software, an easy to use website manager, and the ability to use any of the open source applications you want. Definitely a very good choice, and prices are fairly decent as well.
Hostgator is a good host as well, they offer cpanel for website managment, unlimited domains, unlimited SQL access, open source application support, 24/7 customer service, email programs and more! They have excellent prices, and they are the company i chose to do my hosting. They don’t have any list building software like some other hosts, and they don’t offer domain name registration, but are still an excellent choice for the affiliate marketers web hosting.
This is a great hosting service and one of the most well respected domain name registrars out there. You can put all your services in one with these guys, and have excellent customer service to go along with it if you need help. All the services mentioned above, including unlimited domains, email services, open source application support, website management and development tools, as well as a good amount of disk space, and SQL services are included. This one is a bit priceyer, but this is an excellent host and well worth the money in my opinion.
I’m quite sure there are lots more great web hosts out there, but honestly my hands are getting tired, and i don’t want to confuse you all with a billion and one choices. These four offer all you as an online marketer would need, at fair prices, and all come with my personal recommendation. Thanks for sticking with me for this long post, and keep on the lookout for installment #3, Beginner Web Design!
