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
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.