Do you ever feel like your web hosting account has so many options and features that you don’t know where to begin? Are you overwhelmed (or underwhelmed) with your website? Check out our guide to getting the most out of your web hosting account.
Use it
According to Domain Tools, 149,175 domains have been registered in the last 24-hours. It’s an unfortunate fact that many of those domains will never be developed or found their way online. A good number of people who bought a domain name yesterday will also purchase a web hosting package and then fail to follow through with their dream of running a successful website. The biggest stumbling block for most: not understanding how to manage their web hosting account.
Tip:When you signed up for an account, your web hosting company sent you an email that detailed the features of your account, gave you a username and password, and welcomed you aboard. Read the letter. It will show you how to log in to your account, reach the support team and upload your very first webpage.
Ask for help
Many people don’t ever launch a domain because they just don’t understand the process of getting a website online. Is that you?
Tip: Your web hosting company is there to support your dreams of becoming a webmaster. The fee you pay each month to keep your website online also entitles you to support. Each host is different, but if you sniff around your host’s website for a few moments you may find some or all of these types of hosting support available to you:
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Email
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Online help desk
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Live chat
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Telephone
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Instant messaging
Additionally, many hosts have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on their website that gives answers to commonly asked questions.
Use all your available resources
It can be frustrating finding all the scripts and plugins and software you need to create the website you have in mind. First, you have to actually find the software and then you need to install it, adjust script permissions and figure out how it all works.
Tip: Most web hosting packages today come with a built-in control panel that is rich with preinstalled scripts and software. Poke around inside your control panel. It will give you one-click installation of popular blogging software like Wordpress, forums, newsletters, shopping carts, and just about anything else you can imagine.
Make money with your web host
The cost of web hosting packages has dropped dramatically in the last few years. For the price of a cup of coffee or two you can now own and operate a website. Even so, those first getting started sometimes need a little financial incentive to keep going.
Tip: Many web hosting companies offer affiliate programs where you’ll earn money each time someone signs up for an account through you. Add an affiliate link to your website and in the signature on your emails and forum posts. You’d be surprised how much you can make!
Once you’re up and running, if you’re happy with your web hosting company consider writing a review. Web hosting reviews help others find good hosting companies and avoid the bad ones.