I have received many mails from readers requesting me to guide them in finding a suitable web host to host their websites
on a shared web hosting environment. I am glad to receive these emails because these people have taken a decisive step in the right direction. This article assumes that you have done your home work on your
business concept, business model and idea. Make sure that you read this article on web hosting and domain names.
If you don't want to invest any money on your online venture, the number of options become somewhat limited. You can start with a free-blog and when you make some money, you can go for your own
website.
When you start an online business, your website becomes the lifeline of your business. No compromises can be made here. But that does not mean you have to spend a fortune on it. I will tell you about the cost and a few other fine points.
There are thousands of web hosting companies and hundreds of them are great. I can tell you of my experience. It is up to you to do your own research and take a decision. I have used many web hosting companies. Most of them are good. However, I find HostGator.com to be an excellent web hosting company. I have many, many websites on their servers. If you don't know much about web hosting, then sign up with this web hosting company and you will be glad that you did. Whether you are in India or in Antarctic, you can host your website with the US web hosting company HostGator.com . All you need is a credit card or a PayPal account.
If you don't have a credit card. you will have to find a local web hosting company. 99% of these 'local web hosting' companies actually buy reseller hosting account from companies such as HostGator.com, subdivide the account, resell it and make decent profit. Hey! you too can be a reseller.
Cost of Web Hosting
How much will you spend when you want to start an offline business? Even for a substandard small office space in a remote place, you will be expected to pay Rs. 750 a month and a hefty rental advance. If the space is in a posh location, then you have to pay several thousands a month. However, with a small budget you can successfully start an online business.
Assuming that you want to host your website on HostGator.com, There are two direct, unavoidable costs:
Domain name: $8 - $15 (Rs.350 to Rs.650) per year
Web hosting: $84 - $120 (Rs.3800 to Rs.5400) per year
If you are an experienced web developer, you can register your domain name with Godaddy.com for $8 and host it with HostGator.com for $84. However, if you are new, register the domain name with HostGator.com and host it there Even though you will spend $7 more, you will not get lost in the cyber space.