What is a web host, and why do I need one?
A web host is a company that runs the servers where your website files will be stored, and provides access to them to people surfing the web. The WordPress software, databases, and other associated files run on those servers.
Is it expensive?
It shouldn't be, for the kinds of sites we are talking about. There are literally thousands of web hosts out there, at prices ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars and more per month. For the purposes of most agents, a basic hosting account which does everything you need should be available for under $10 per month.
What should I be looking for in a web host?
You will want the following features, all of which are commonly available.
- Built-in support for WordPress, including an installation script such as Fantastico.
- Unlimited storage and bandwidth.
- Unlimited add-on domains and parked domains. If you decide to set up additional websites down the road, you want to be able to host them all on the same account without having to pay additional hosting fees.
Who do you recommend?
I personally use a company called HostGator, at Hostgator.com. They are one of the most popular web hosts for individual web sites. If you decide to go with them, use the coupon code realestatetoolsonline for 25% off.
Other popular hosts for WordPress include BlueHost and DreamHost (sorry, I don't have any coupons for them...). All 3 of these web hosts have the features I mentioned above.
So, what do I do next?
Take a look at various web hosts to compare features, then sign up for an account! Don't be shy about signing up. HostGator has a 45 day money back guarantee, DreamHost has a 2 week free trial, and BlueHost also has a money back guarantee, in case you try this and decide it's not for you.
Next time, Linking Your Domain Name to Your Web Hosting Account...
Originally posted on my RealEstateToolsOnline Blog.
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