Contributed By:
VIP CONTRIBUTOR
Journalist,
Digital Media Consultant and Investor
Source: Entrepreneur
Let’s say your small business has an amazing product, your sales
and customer service teams are exemplary, and you have powerful
marketing that drives customers to your website. Despite all that, without a
reliable web host to deliver a stellar online retail experience, people are just a
click away from supporting your competitors. Even major corporations aren’t
immune to challenging website issues. As CNBC reports,
during Cyber Monday in 2015, Target’s website crashed, resulting in not only
loss of sales, but in negative sentiment spread through social media.
In 2018, worldwide retail sales will
reach more than $28 trillion so
it’s vital your business has a strong web strategy. It all begins with a
website that functions correctly, which requires a stable Web host to guarantee
very little downtime and a pleasurable user experience. Whether you’re
launching a brand-new site or sprucing up an existing one, here are five
features to keep in mind when searching for a Web host for your small business.
1. Backup.
You can’t have security without stable backup solutions.
If your website does get attacked, you’ll want to make sure all your site
content is backed up and easily accessible so you can get back up and running
again quickly.
Pro-tip: Try
one-click off-site backup because it allows your data to get back online
immediately. This should apply to both backup of data you input, as well as the
backup of your Web host’s data in case something happens to its server.
2. Security.
Security should be at top of your mind when searching for a Web host since
cyberattacks and malware threats can cause your site to crash, or put your
customers’ private information at risk.
When choosing a Web host, search for one that uses encryption
technology between the user and the server, or between the Web host server and
your business server. This ensures communications are encrypted and protected
from hackers looking to obtain data.
Pro-tip: Inquire
about password storage — you’ll generally want your Web host to avoid storing passwords in
plain text format.
3. Analytics.
When you’re searching for a Web host, learn about the built-in
analytics it offers. Analytics can help drive your marketing and content
strategy. It should also be updated in real time and easily accessible.
You’ll also want to work with a Web host that makes it easy for
you to integrate changes to your website. Search for one that allows for simple
and straightforward login capabilities, both to make updates to content and to
access features such as email.
Pro-tip: Look for a Web host that features an easy-to-use control
panel that allows you to not only access and edit any aspect of your website,
but one that allows you to use search engine optimization tools.
4. Customer support.
The Web never sleeps, and neither should your Web host customer
support team. Around the clock support is essential, especially for businesses
with Web visitors from around the globe. Pick a company with qualified customer service agents available to answer your questions at
any time, in the language you speak.
Pro-tip: Ask about
typical wait times when calling support on the phone, and about chat and email
support capabilities.
5. Scalability
If you’re hoping your website leads to more business, you’ll
want a Web host that can grow along with you and not crash as you grow. Ask a
potential Web host what their uptime guarantee is. The closer you get to 99.9
percent uptime, the better.
Pro-tip: A
substantial uptime guarantee comes from reliable server capability and support,
so look for a host that’s heavily endorsed by reputable customers.
Also, be wary of shared hosting, which means your website will
be on a server with many other sites. It can negatively affect your site if
another website on the shared host is troubled in some way. It can also impact
your website speed, which affects customer satisfaction. If you do go with a
shared host, make sure the host has the ability to grow with you. Also
evaluate any potential cost increases based on growth.
Putting a website online can be simple, but it will only be
successful if your Web host provides the relationship your small business
deserves. Get to know your host and how they can benefit your business before
locking down a partnership.
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