Do not be a web host victim!

How well do you know the company that hosts your website? In this era of dotcom failures, if your host company goes out of business, you may be in deep trouble.

Let’s cover the basics first. A website is a group of electronic “files” stored on a special computer (also called a “server”). This server is hooked up to the Internet to allow visitors access to web pages 24 hrs a day/7 days a week.

If you own a “first level” domain name, (example: http://www.mycompany.com/), the web site and its pages are your property. But if your host goes out of business, shuts down its servers, and the web pages are not retrievable, your website is not just inaccessible, it’s gone! And you no longer have access to the email address associated with your site.

If you use a free service to host your web pages and have a “second level” domain name, such as www.freehost.com/mycompany, when the hosting company goes out of business, you are completely out of business. No domain and no pages. The domain address you’ve been using (and hopefully advertising!) and the site are completely gone.

Protecting Yourself:

1. You should always retain a copy of all your web pages and images used. This serves a dual purpose. It not only provides a level of safety in the event of a problem with the web server, it also provides a backup copy of your web pages if your provider goes out of business.
2. Buy your own first level domain (http://www.mycompany.com/) if you haven’t already. It looks much more professional than a second level domain, and is an inexpensive investment. Go to: http://123cheapdomains.com/ to register your name for less.
3. If you already own your domain, and had your web designer or host register it for you, make sure the domain name is actually in your name. We had a client recently have to change the domain name they were using, because their former web developer registered the domain in their own name! Go to: http://www.whois.net/ , type in your domain name, then in the next page click on “whois record”. Your name should be the first one listed. The Admin and technical contacts can be your host or web designers.
4. Know your web host company. Like anything, you get what you pay for with cheap web hosting. Support will be by phone or email, and on generally on THEIR schedule. Be aware of what you are getting.

Your best bet is to contact for services with a web host who provides quality service at a reasonable price. Protect yourself from the possibility they might go out of business.

MIND’S EYE NEWS TIP IN PLAIN ENGLISH:
Retain a copy of your website and make sure you own your first level domain address.

Copyright ? Mind’s Eye Presentations. All rights reserved.

The authors of this newsletter are Darlene Cary and Lynne DeLuca of Mind’s Eye Presentations, providing customized, effective web strategies for businesses. Contact them at 615-867-4009.

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