Step 3 - Choose a Host for Your Website:

Hosting is cheap. I couldn't believe how relatively cheap it is for what you get. "You mean I can actually have a website on the Internet for only $4 per month?" Hosting is cheap across the board, but dependability is not to be taken for granted. A bad host will cause your website to disappear from the Internet for uncomfortable periods of time.

I've had to fire several web hosts over the years because they weren't dependable. You must have dependability for a business website.

After narrowing it down over the years, here are some reliable website hosting companies.

Note: If you're planning to get a pre-built online storefront, then you won't need hosting or an ecommerce enabler because this will already be done for you in the storefront package.

Dreamhost	Over the years, I've tried many website hosting companies. Dreamhost has my favorite package. They are a very established company that won't disappear overnight, and offers a plan that can host an unlimited number of websites. I take full advantage of that! With all the different things I do now in Internet marketing, an unlimited account is a must-have. I have about 50 websites in my account and still haven't really put a dent in the high amount of drivespace and bandwidth that they give with the plan. You do have to pre-pay a full year up front for this plan, so if that's too much you may consider other hosts. I get plenty of bang for my buck because of how many websites I've filled it up with. If you only want to host 1 website and no future plans to build more, it does cost a chunk up front.
Hostway	Hostway is another solid choice for a hosting company.
1-and-1 Hosting	A good bargain-priced host, as low as $3.99 a month.
WebBizBuilder	WebBizBuilder.com offers a free 10 day trial with their hosting account, and also offers a point-and-click interface for building your own web site with menu choices. This is very helpful for beginners.

Getting a hosting account for your domain is fairly easy and any bumps that you encounter can be smoothed out by the technical support of that host.

You will encounter one important choice when you choose your hosting plan. You have to choose between a Unix platform and a Windows platform. I'll try to make this simple. Choose Unix unless you plan to use FrontPage, ASP (Active Server Pages), or an Access database on your website. Those things require a Windows platform. Otherwise Unix is cheaper and will work just the same on the Internet for you.