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Finding a Home for Your
Internet Enterprise A Point by Point List
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 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.
by Francisco Aloy
(C)2004 Francisco Aloy
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