Free Web Hosting?
When looking for paid or free web hosting you need to base your
decision on the nature of your site. Paid web hosting is a
must for some sites since it offers more space and many other
features. Free web hosting is usually advertisement supported
and has limited functionality. Both will host your
site, but you need to choose which option is the best fit for
you.
Do you really want "Free Web Hosting"?
If you have been designing or developing web pages for a year or
more now chances are you are starting to consider moving to a paid
host if you haven't already made this wise decision. Free web
hosts are free but chances are they have left you frustrated.
Some of the frustrations you may receive are as follows:
Domain Name?
http://www.yourfreewebhost.com/blah/blahblah/yoursite/
Does the URL above sound like something you would remember?
Free web hosts require you to use a sub domain off the host's name
or give you a folder, somewhere on their server. Sub domains
and folders are not meant for landing pages and are often much
harder to remember. Paid web hosts allow you to use your own
domain names and often times include it with their service
offerings.
Banner Ads, Pop-up Ads, and Ads in your
Dreams!
Many free hosts rely solely on ads to make money. Your site
may have many unwanted ads on each of your pages. These ads
can reduce how well your page is perceived and often prevent
visitors from returning to your website!
More Downtime than Uptime?
Many free hosts have a lot of downtime. Their subscribers are
not paying for service so many hosts do not feel obligated when it
comes to dependability. Keep in mind, these hosts are running
on a tight budget so they have to cut costs and many times this is
with their support staff. If there are dissatisfied users,
the web host is rarely bothered by that fact. Remember the
old saying, beggars can't be choosers?
The World of Limitations
Where to begin? Disk space, data transfer, speed, file types,
etc... Basically, in order to stay profitable, the free web host is
hoping you use extremely minimal system resources and still get a
reasonable amount of traffic to support their ad revenue.
Most everything is extremely limited. What happens if you exceed
what they expect? You will be halted or your site will be
taken offline without notice if they choose.
Customer Support? Anyone There?
If you experience problems with you web hosting you will most
likely have to rely on the Facts and Questions page. Most
free web hosting do not have the money to hire customer support
teams to answer live questions or emails. Once again, if they
do offer this service, they normally could care less about
resolving your issue or satisfaction.
Zero Advertising Revenue
There is only room for a one advertiser with a free provider and
it's not you! If you are looking to sell advertisement on
your webpage, free web hosting is the way to go. Many free
hosts do not allow you to sell advertising on your webpage.
Web Hosting Reality
Paid web hosting has become so incredibly low priced that it is
amazing free web hosting companies still exist. Face it, free items
are normally too good to be true. Save yourself from the
frustrations and limitations that included with free hosting and
try a paid host. Most include free trials and even domain
names!
