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What happens if you want to switch to another company before period is up? Sometimes there’s a charge to keep domain name or to transfer it. This should be clearly stated in their FAQ's or in text of hosting contract before you agree to use their service.
Do you have enough bandwidth? Many free web hosting services are providing their services in such a way that you will need to upgrade your hosting package if your site has any degree of minor success. The tipping point is usually bandwidth. That is a measure of how much text, pictures, ftps etc. you can send to your web customers every month.
The Bandwidth in your contract is measured on a monthly basis. Check contract to see if there are any fees for going over your monthly amount, or if you will lose your free hosting privileges.
Free host today, no host tomorrow There is a very high turnover for free web hosting services that heavily depend on advertising revenue. Even most successful web companies will find that their advertising revenue varies on a monthly basis. Will company suddenly go out business if they hit a three month slump?
There should be a written policy on what happens to your content if they site suddenly goes out of business. Can you still access your files? Is there an alternative URL or login site with your information? How much time do you have?
You are only as reliable as your hosting service Check out statistics on uptime for their servers. This applies to any hosting service, whether you are paying or not. If their uptime is in low 90’s and below, then try to find another hosting provider.
You are taking a big risk if you use a free web hosting services for your business site. The inability to control your advertising, high turnover rates among free hosting providers, and variable contracts usually spells disaster for e-commerce sites.
To run a successful online venture, 24-hour live customer service, high uptimes ratios and control of your advertising space is a must. These features are also major weaknesses of average free hosting provider.
A better option for you company would be to sign up for an affordable or cheap web hosting provider. You will have many service options in this category and can usually avoid limitations of free hosting companies.
This article may be freely distributed as long as there's an active link to http://www.rapidlingo.com Syd Johnson Editor