The first step to setting up a business
web site is to get a domain name and a hosting service. A domain name will give your site a user friendly, recognizable,
address for your web site. Many changes have occured in the DNS system recently, but the default top level domain
for businesses is still .com. You can learn more about the DNS system at http://www.internic.com/faqs/authoritative-dns.html and info on the new top level domains is available
here: http://www.internic.com/faqs/new-tlds.html
In selecting a domain name, generally, shorter is better. There is no need to have acmewidgetmanufacturingalmagamated.com
if acmewidgets.com is available, or better yet, widgets.com. If the address is printed on business cards, stationery,
yellow pages ads, or brochures, the user will have to type in the address to access your site or send you email.
Shorter and less complicated is generally better. Most special characters can't be used in domain names. Using
dashes and other allowed characters is, but usually isn't a good idea. Someone typing in the wrong address can
access a competitors site or send email to the wrong company.
Domain registration was originally handled by one company. That has now been opened up to competition and this
has resulted in lower prices for registration. Prices vary from company to company, but an official registrar should
always be used. A list of registrars is available at: http://www.internic.com/regist.html
One pitfall in domain registration is that often a company will offer to handle domain registration for you. If
you use one of these services, make sure that the company registers the domain in your name. Although not as widespread
as it once was, some companies will register your domain in their name. If it is a hosting service or design firm
that you receive a poor level of service from or that goes out of business, you may find that you can't change
service providers because they own your domain name. To avoid this, make sure that you actually own the domain
and are listed as the contact person for it. Also be sure that you have any passwords required for the domain registration
and/or hosting service.
The next step is to select a hosting provider. Actually it's a good idea to select the hosting provider before
domain registration, so that you have a place to "park" your domain until the site is built. If you have
a network with a full time, high speed connection to the internet, self hosting is a possibility, but it usually
isn't cost efficient for small businesses. It can be costly and has some security concerns unless you have a well
qualified IT staff to handle the server for you. If that is the case, then you probably aren't reading this.
Prices for hosting can vary widely. There are hosting providers that will host your site for free with domain registration,
but they generally require that you place banner ads on your web pages. In selecting hosting providers, it's best
to shop around and compare prices and features. As with anything, don't pay for services and space you don't need.
Currently, there is a surplus in available internet server space, so there are some real bargains available.
A site that is only used for marketing or informing your customers about your products and services will need few
features and be very affordable. These types of sites can typically be built and maintained for a cost comparable
to a yellow pages ad, but provide much more information about your business and make a much better presentation
to prospective customers.
On the other end of the spectrum, a site that is essential to the day to day operation of your business with interactive
features and online secure ordering will require more options on the server and thus be more expensive to build
and maintain. If the site will be directly generating income for your business, a high speed, very reliable server
is needed for hosting. As with anything, you pay for what you get, and if you're careful in making a well informed
decision, you get what you pay for. A good idea of the role your site will play in your business plan is essential
to getting the most "bang for your buck" in hosting providers.
