Finding and managing server space
In this, the final Set Up step, you will take your newly-purchased domain name and connect it to the files, images and content that constitute your site. To make this happen, you need to obtain server space.
Server space is the same thing as hard drive space -- they're both places where you save files. The important distinction is that a server is connected to the Internet, which means the files you save to the server are accessible through the Web.
When a visitor clicks a link to your site, their browser reads your domain name (example: www.theindependentpublisher.com) and sends a request to the server associated with your domain name. Upon receiving the request, the server "serves" your site back to the browser. The browser then displays your site's files to the visitor.
The request-serve process is simple, but it requires a fair amount of technical know-how to set up and maintain Web servers. It's certainly possible to buy and connect your own server, but for most publishers it's easier to purchase server space from a hosting company.
The variation between hosting companies is significant. Some are rotten and some make life a joy, so doing research and asking questions is worth the time. A good starting point is WebHosting Talk, a forum-based site where people offer unfiltered opinions on hosting companies.
As you're reading up on different hosting companies, consider the following factors:
Type of content
Earlier in the Set Up process you considered your site's content. If you're going to focus only on text and images, every hosting company out there should be able to accommodate you. If, however, you want to use video, audio and database applications (forums, message boards, dynamically generated content) make sure the companies you talk to can handle these elements. Be sure to ask about additional charges as well.
Growth
Servers are like personal computers -- they have a limited amount of storage space. Most hosting companies offer packages that carve server space into chunks that range from megabytes (MB) to gigabytes (GB). If your site will contain mostly text and image files, 100-200MB of space will keep you running for years. But if you want to add multimedia files, you can burn through 100MB in a week. When you're researching hosting companies, see how much storage space comes with each package and ask about pricing for extra space.
Also, if your future plans call for the addition of larger elements, such as message boards, inquire about upgrading your account. Ask if there are fees associated with upgrades and whether or not an upgrade requires your site to be taken off-line for a period of time.
E-mail
One of the perks of buying your own domain name is having a simple, distinctive e-mail address. Instead of the long string of letters, numbers and @ symbols common in Hotmail and AOL accounts, you can have yourname@yoursite.com. Most hosting companies offer multiple e-mail accounts with their packages, which allows you to set up generic addresses like editor@yoursite.com and privacy@yoursite.com that can be used to field particular user comments and questions. When you talk to hosting companies, ask about the number of included e-mail accounts and the ease with which more can be added. If the company doesn't offer e-mail, you should look elsewhere because there are plenty that do.
Reliability
Good reliability is the hallmark of good hosting companies. Companies with bad servers and service often go off-line, which means your site will not be accessible. The whole point of a Web site is to make it available to visitors, so be sure to ask about the company's "uptime" percentages. They should be in 95-99 percent range.
Customer service
In the event your site goes down or you have a technical question, your hosting provider should be available to you 24 hours a day. Check to see if companies offer both phone and online support.
Recommended hosting providers
| Company |
Used by |
Notes |
 |
| Intelligent Hosting |
Flak Magazine |
"The first place we've been hosted for a reasonable price where A. It doesn't crash, and B. If we have a support question they get back to us really soon with intelligent answers. We talked about sending them flowers at one point."
-- James Norton, editor Flak Magazine |
|
| NetAtlantic |
AllWalking.com |
"They are extremely helpful, especially with technical information."
-- Linda Frahm, senior editor AllWalking.com |
|
| Tilted Planet |
The Morning News |
"Twenty-four-hour support, friendly, good communication. They've become
less our provider and more our friends."
-- Andrew Womack, co-editor The Morning News. |
|
| Media3 |
Filmfodder |
Full Disclosure: Media3 is the hosting provider for my film site -- Filmfodder -- and TheIndependentPublisher.com. They offer a number of reasonable plans and their customer service is top-notch.
-- Mac Slocum, editor Filmfodder, TheIndependentPublisher.com |
|
Got a recommendation?
Send it to: editor@theindependentpublisher.com. |
