Web Hosting : Free vs. Paid-for
When you first start out your new business, budget is generally a sensitive issue. You may consider cutting corners where it doesn’t impact on the quality of the product or service you deliver.
One of these ’corners’ you may consider ‘cutting’ is using a free web hosting service.
We are certainly not saying that there is no place for free web hosting. You may very well find that when starting out, you have no option. Free web hosting is also perfect if you are simply creating a personal website or blog to share information with friends and family.
What you also need to know, is that paid-for web hosting is NOT EXPENSIVE! Really! Consider these web hosting costs as well as the domain fees. It is money well spent!
What we aim to do in this article, is highlight where free web hosting could potentially let you down. At the very least, it will give you an idea of what benefits awaits you, once you are ready to upgrade to a paid-for web host so that you are able to plan ahead.
There are also some very important points to consider in advance, because moving from one web host to another can be tricky.
As always, OpenHost suggest you do proper research and speak to the experts before making any decisions!
OK, let’s dive in and look at some of the pressure points that set paid-for and free web hosting apart.
These are the main points to consider:
- Adverts
- Support
- Bandwidth
- Growth Opportunity
- Website Security
- Uptime
Now, let’s break each of these points down so you may better understand it.
Adverts
Your free web host provider may use your website to display their ads – advert pop-ups. After all, it does cost the web host money to host your site and return on investment makes business sense. Ads popping up all the time, irritates website visitors so they may leave just as fast as they arrived … This also takes away from the unique brand you are trying to establish.
Support
Unless you are a tech guru, you will need support at some point or another. Being a free services provider, the web host does not have any obligation to provide you with great customer service. If support is in place, it may neither be prompt nor sufficient. Often you are simply referred to the Frequently Asked Questions section on the host’s website which means you are spending hours finding answers!
Bandwidth
Bits-per-second is what you need to think about if you want your website to load fast. Internet users are impatient … if a site takes too long to load the user simply moves onto the next one! If you are offering videos, podcasts or animated content, it is especially important that you have sufficient bandwidth. Don’t let your potential customers get stuck in the slow lane …
Growth Opportunity
Free web hosting may limit the number of email addresses you can generate. Storage space may also be minimal which impacts your image and video database content. Adding additional features or functionality that will enhance user experience could be a problem. There may even be a limit on the number of web pages you may use when creating your website!
Website Security
Cyber criminals hack into servers and networks all the time. A lack of cyber security leaves your website, your data and your customers vulnerable to attack. Free web host providers may offer very limited online security. You need SSL Certificates, back-up options and firewalls to say the least!
Uptime
Reliability is very important! If your web host’s servers are down, your website is down. If your website is down, potential customers are taking their business elsewhere. Professional web hosting companies offer a 99% uptime. This not only ensures your website is visible online but should there be a spike in your website traffic, it can comfortably be managed.
Consider all of the above before making a final decision. As mentioned, paid-for web hosting is very affordable and the benefits outweigh the cost, time and time again. The credibility of your business and your brand is elevated so much more when your online presence is professional and the user experience is smooth.
