Hosting your website is one of your first steps to getting your site public.  You don't need a hosting server to build your website but it is helpful in building / testing features of the site.   Over the internet there are hosting services from free to $1000s of dollars a month.   Choosing the right package needs a few considerations.

The load your site has on the server, how much processing time will it take to serve your site to visitors.  The more visitors you have the more processor time it will take.   You can always grow as you feel the pinch of poor performance.  If you are doing a major PR campaign that will drastically raise traffic in a short period you need to be sure your website "front door" can handle it.  Larger, high traffic sites require a more robust, faster database software and distrubted computing solution.

The complexity & site design is an important factor.  The site files or content management system in use can effect what type of hosting you will require.  A site built in ASP or PHP have different requirements in terms of server operating system, databases and other features.  Also, certain features like interaction with your Microsoft based products will require specific server software to be used.  An ecommerce site will require more server use per user and hard drive space then a personal or basic business website.

Extra features that don't come standard.  Realtime data backup, highly secure connections and communications systems are other options that can be added to your hosting package.   Certain features can be automated or built into your existing site depending on the hosting solution you choose.  Many backend options that do not directly effect a visitor like off-server backup, SSL and site redundancies are optional.  A bank website and many ecommerce sites will require a lot of these options because you are dealing with sensitive information.

Servicing the needs of your website is a biggest priority especially when making changes, upgrades or when errors occur.   Looking to make additions to a site may seem daunting for someone who isn't an expert.   In most cases going alone no matter what the situation, business or private can take more time, effort and frustration then allowing someone to handle it for you.   Choosing the right upgrade or maintenance solutions for a new or growing business is difficult.  Websites may seem easy but proper utilization on all fronts is complex and time consuming.

Use the checklist to receive a copy of your checklist, a cost estimate for your site and an invitation to learn more.   Once you have a made a choice your next step is getting that site to run the way you want it to.   We are here to help.