So this isn't a completely computer related issue, but I figured I'd take advantage of being part of a forum and ask anyway.

I will soon be entering the world of websites and all that comes with it. I have my own business and we've been doing well over the years. Luckily, for me, our efforts at other types of marketing have been good (social media, newspapers, local magazines, word of mouth, etc) and we have a steady flow of clients. I thought of starting a website a while BACK, but we just didn't have ENOUGH staff and I didn't have enough time to keep it up and going the way I'd want it to be. But now, I'm in a position to dedicate time to it and I think it might help step up our game.

I've got the domain sorted and am looking at web builders or templates and trying to find a host. I've done loads of research and have a fairly good idea of what is good or not, but one can never be too sure and the extra feedback from others with sites would help. I'm looking at potentially using http://website.1and1.com/make-your-own-website (link attached for reference) for hosting. They have packages for businesses that do SEO stuff which I though might be handy and a web builder. I used to use their services in the UK a while back when I worked there. I liked them but need more info about their services here. I'm open to hearing about other companies that you like and how they work for you. It would help me narrow down my list.

Also, It's gonna start off as a simple site but could grow to a more intricate one where we accept payments online. So I need a host that will allow my site to grow with my business if needed.

Thanks!


The company your mentioned, 1 and 1, is a big a reputable company.
However,  There are hundreds, even thousands of companies that  give good service.
Here is one in the UK that has been around for years.
http://www.34sp.com/

Also, both Google and Yahoo offer hosting plans.One THING to consider is that most web servers are Linux while some are Microsoft Server OS based. Depending on your website plans you have in mind, you may want to know what Server OS is backing your site to avoid problems.

If you will have a pretty basic web site ( no database and no server side scripts , just basic HTML and Javascript etc ) either server platform will do, however if you have say an eCommerce site with a database etc you may find troubles in one designed under a Microsoft Server ENVIRONMENT working on a Linux Web Server.

Just wanted to mention this before you agree to a host. Many hosts have a choice of Linux or Microsoft Server to host your site. Generally the Linux based servers are a cheaper package, while the Microsoft based servers cost more because of the licensing that they push off to the customers, while most Linux server's are free so no licensing costs get pushed off to customers.Thanks Dave for the heads up.

The whole Linux and Microsoft thing hadn't crossed my mind but thanks for bringing that up. I should probably go with the same just in case I need my website to expand.

I gotta get this all sorted soon but thanks for the help. Rather than using an all in one website building service like 1&1's you may want to consider getting regular Linux web hosting (that supports PHP which pretty much everything will) and then build your website on that using a Content Management System such as Drupal or Wordpress.  Both of these have loads of premade themes (Wordpress has more than Drupal) and allow you to expand the site with plugins to add functionality such as galleries, online stores.etc.

By doing this you are not tied into a specific company - With 1&1's system you must stay with them and if you want to move you basically have no option other than to rebuild the site from scratch, with Wordpress/Drupal you can move hosts by simply downloading all the files and backing up the database, then restore the files and database onto your new web hosting.

There is loads of information online about setting these systems up - Many web hosts even offer "one click install" options to install them on your web hosting automatically.Another thing to try is just buy some cheap web hosting and see if it works. About half of them do work as advertised. Not sure, but over the years I have used maybe 40 different cheap servers. For about $1 a month you can get a web space that has most of the popular scripts and support packages. Including PHP , CGI, Pearl and even Front Page extensions.
I will not give an cheap names out. Then tend to dry up after a couple of years. You find them on eBay. I use them because I can not afford the pricy ones. So about once a year I have to find another firm with cheap space.
There are thousands of web hosting sites.
This list is, IMHO, a credible list. Notice 1and1 is liste4d twice. Some big companies share there equipment with others to make a little extra money. Example is Amazon.
http://myip.ms/info/top_hosting/TOP35_World_Website_Hosting_Companies_2014_year_Real_Time_Statistics.html

Stay away from and company involved with a scam or frond. Even if they say they are sorry.
A  Google search for hosting scams
Look at the one that says "Fake Web Hosting Invoices Issued in BC, Canada Fraud Case" I think I have had something like that happen to me. I just ignore the invoices.
Stop already...GEEK.