Finding a Home for Your
Internet Enterprise
A Point by Point List
by Francisco Aloy
After much Net surfing and looking at all the
offers you've decided to take the plunge! You've investigated a good name for
your idea. You've decided it's time to start searching for a home for your
Internet vision. By golly, it's time to start your own enterprise! You're tired
of all the reading and research! You're ready to go mano-a-mano!
But, there are a million and one providers
available! How do you choose? What should a first time entrepreneur get?
Thankfully, there is a way to come upon a good choice! Read on and I'll explain
what you should examine when making your selection.
The main thing to consider is what kind and how
many different services are you going to need. What do you think are the most
basic things you want your website to do? Those are practical considerations
since you don't want to leave out some essential service; all the same, you
don't want to buy more than what you really have to.
The general trend appears to be in favor of
providers that offer many integrated services (built-in); it makes perfect sense
getting all the services you'll need from one location. As an added bonus, it
does make administration easier since you don't have separate accounts to deal
with. You'll also save money because the packages are less expensive than buying
extra services piecemeal.
You do have to be careful when choosing
packages because you could pay a high price for things your startup can't use or
won't need! The trick is to get all that you need and provide a little room for
future expansion. When it comes to this buying decision, pricing - though always
important - should be your last consideration.
Services, room for growth and price are the
basic elements of your purchase decision. Let's take a look at each one:
Services:
You don't want to skimp on this one! Think
about all that you'll need and get it. Mainly, you'll need a way to bill your
customers, track their interests and stay in touch with them.
You have to make sure your provider offers all
the services you're going to need to process Credit Cards and email. In
particular, services related to initial customer contact and follow up with
sequential emails. Another item to consider is the ability to track your
visitors and learn what their interests are!
You should look to get as many integrated
services as you can. That's so important because it's VERY expensive to order
them after the fact.
Room for Growth:
If you think you'll ever branch out, this is
something to consider: Will you be able to create additional Internet addresses
linked to your main account, at no extra cost? Some providers allow you to take
advantage of that feature; a point well worth considering for future expansion.
Pricing:
When considering how much to spend, you have to
take into account all of the above plus your financial situation. Only you know
how much you can afford to pay.
Extra Considerations
Since only you know what kind of enterprise is
going to anchor your initial Internet adventure, you should consider all aspects
related to it. As an example, if you're going to offer sound and streaming video
to your customers, your needs should be met by a provider that has all the
specific requirements needed for those services.
Hosting AND a source of Income
There are some providers that will offer you
discounts or financial incentives to bring in subscribers. A point to consider
because you get two birds with one stone: A home for your enterprise and a way
to make a steady monthly income from your referrals. I've heard some folks are
making a very good living doing that!
Hunting for a place to host your Internet
venture is a big decision that will affect your entire Web operation. You should
take your time and consider all the angles. It's something so basic! Making the
right choices will make your first Internet presence a streamlined and
productive affair.
About the Author:
Francisco Aloy is the creator of The Newbie
Business Guide. For more resources on website building, visit Mr. Aloy's Website
and look at our section on KiosK.ws integrated hosting. http://www.newbie-business-guide.com/website_building.html
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