You may think you’ve found a valuable service for your company at a remarkably low price when you sign up for free Web hosting services.
But Don Reinhart cautions that you should scrutinize the fine print and think twice before you click on that acceptance box.
“It’s like that old cliche, nothing is free. If they say it’s free, count on the fact that somebody’s paying for it and it’s probably going to be you — you just may not realize it until it’s too late,” says Reinhart, president of Incipio Inc., an Akron Internet and electronic commerce solutions provider.
To show why it’s often better for businesses to purchase Web services from a tangible provider, Reinhart takes you behind the scenes of the “free” Web hosting world.
- Typically, free hosting is supported by some form of advertising, either distracting page banners or pop-up ads. If someone is going to make money by advertising on your page, shouldn’t it be you?
If the host claims it won’t advertise on your site, ask if your customer profile will be sold to other companies for marketing. If so, you may be bombarded with junk e-mail and unsolicited postal mailings.
- Check for clauses that oblige you to use its Web page development or other services. Will you have to pay inflated prices for other services you’ll likely need, such as additional server space and e-mail addresses for your staff? Ask for a price list of all services before signing up, and shop around for prices of other providers.
- Considering that image is important, will your URL address be www.YourCompany.com or www.SomeOtherCompany.com/free/~YourCompany? Will your e-mail address be [email protected] or [email protected]?
- Some free hosts don’t offer the features a robust site may need, nor do they allow you to control your site. Ask about features such as configuration and front-page extensions that allow your own site developer to create your site, file transfer protocol so you can place your own files on the server, and common gateway interface access for an interactive or database driven site.
- What about traffic statistics? Will the host provide information that tracks your site visitors?
- Is the host overselling server space to offer such low rates? If so, you might get slow response times. Ask about the speed and connection type.
- Free hosting companies often cut costs by providing inferior customer service. Some merely provide an e-mail address that responds with automated generic messages. Is there a live voice telephone number to call if you have a problem?
- Some hosts have terms of service that allow them to repackage your site for their own marketing purposes. If so, you have no control over how your site may be portrayed.
If you can determine how the host is making money, you can decide if the offering really is a good deal. Scrutinize the terms of service and the FAQ. Call the customer service number (a good host should have one) and ask questions.
But beware, says Reinhart: “Free anything is bound to be full of gotchas.” How to reach: Incipio Inc., (330) 923-9703 or www.Incipio-Inc.com
