E-Commerce Web Hosting Services
Web hosting services are the crux of any online business. Hosting is the way your website connects to the internet and eventually to your customers. Whether you choose to purchase a small hosting account for one domain, or require a full-blown server to manage your network of sites, you will invariably need a hosting company with a data center. In any hosting scenario, the server can literally mean the difference between sales and going bankrupt. And what happens when you are not around is crucial to your success.
Ask yourself these questions if you already have e-commerce web hosting services ...
- Do you know if your site is live 24/7?
- Are support staff available 24/7?
- Can you get an answer that makes sense and fixes your problem when you ask for help?
- Can the host properly install your SSL Certficate?
- Do you know if others on the same server as you are sending out spam emails and causing your site to be slow or unreachable by potential customers?
- Are the people who manage your server reliable, honest and qualified? Or do you find that your website does not work half the time because someone has changed something at the host's end? Do upgrades and additions to the server cause connection problems with your databases? And how soon do you become aware of the issues?
- Does the host nickel and dime you every time you want to add something new? For example, do you have to pay extra for more than one database?
- When you send out legitimate newsletters to your clients and customers, have they been flagged as coming from a spam IP address and thus, you have managed to end up on a blacklist somewhere?
- Has your host told you that they cannot turn on certain features so that you can integrate various sections of your online store? Do they restrict what you can do by withholding updates and features that are commonplace for other hosting companies?
- Is your hosting company being run by professionals in a real Network Operations Center or by kids with servers in their closets?
- Are you entrusting your online business to a free host?
Unfortunately, the reality of the internet is that server management companies and general hosting companies are a dime a dozen. The process of finding and keeping a good host is laden with much trial and error. And remember that error means you are losing money!
Lodi Commerce has spent considerable time over the years researching and using various e-commerce web hosting services. Our livelihood depends on the server solutions we employ, and as such, we have positioned ourselves with the most reliable companies in the industry according to WebhoSting Advice. When you host with us, you can be assured that your site is live at optimal speeds, and that you are treated promptly and with respect through our convenient ticket system. In cases of emergency, we are available via telephone, email, and instant messaging. We understand what it is like to "have a business go down", and we will work to solve your issues in a timely manner.
Lastly, we should mention that price should not be the determining factor when choosing a host. Indeed, if you cannot afford the most expensive scenario, you are limited, but also, you should absolutely not choose the cheapest. Price should only be considered once when you have properly assessed each company. Create a chart with each company's name, features, and restrictions. Then, complete your short list of companies that make the cut. Finally, all things being equal, choose from the list, taking into account the pricing.
Instead of getting caught up in the quagmire of hosting companies, and feeling like a guinea pig, why not contact us today so that we can review your e-commerce web hosting services requirements?