A great web hosting service is a key consideration to be made when setting up an online store. A web host is an internet service provider which provides a platform from which a business connects to the internet. This allows the business to be accessible to internet users. Registration with a reliable web hosting service is therefore the next step to be taken once the business domain name has been selected and registered. A web host is like a launching pad for a rocket which cannot leave earth without this platform.
Online business owners have a wide range of options to consider when selecting a web host. However, there are THREE key considerations to be made. These are:
Reliability and quality of the web hosting service
Presence of cPanel with Fantistico, mySQL, and PHP
Availability of an e – commerce shopping cart and SSL
Reliability and quality of the web hosting service
The first consideration to be made is the reliability and quality of the service. Web hosting providers are evaluated on issues such as network stability, backup of the website and provision of technical support services. Network stability means that the web site should be available online twenty four hours a day. This is important for sales, since customers and potential income can be lost due to error messages indicating that the website has crashed.
Automatic back up of the website should be included to allow for safety of the sites contents on a continual basis. This is the loss prevention manager. One can also argue that the provision of a 24 hour technical support system is perhaps one of the most critical factors related to reliability.
Customer ratings and reviews are two great sources of information about the reliability and quality of web hosting services.
Presence of cPanel with fantistico and PHP
The second factor is the presence of cPanel. cPanel or control panel supports many operating systems. Its interface allows web site owners to carry out numerous administrative functions. cPanel allows site owners to upload files to the website; set up email accounts and autoresponders; add subscription forms and images and perform quick and automatic blog installation. Fantastico is therefore a key component of a good cPanel, since it is necessary for installation of the web platforms such as B2evolution, WordPress and Joomla.
PHP is another component to look for when selecting a web host. PHP is a scripting language in programming. This script or software language allows website owners to carry out functions like adding feedback forms, guestbooks, message boards and stat counters to web sites. This allows for greater and more effective interaction with customers.
Availability of an e-commerce shopping cart with SSL
Thirdly, a secure e-commerce shopping cart is an absolutely necessity for an online business store. A shopping cart allows customers to easily process online transactions. The cart should be able to accept payments by credit card merchants such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as other services such as PayPal.
The hosting service should therefore provide SSL for the security of online purchases. SSL is a security feature which encrypts data online and protects transfers of information on the internet. Some web hosts also provide built in additional shopping cart services such as analytic reports, shipping rates, surveys and forms to assess customer satisfaction. The final choice depends on the needs of the business owner.