Hosting a Blog

Very cheap web hosting will allow you to get started in the online business world.  It may takes awhile before you start making money off your blog.  You’ll have to make your way out of the mythical (or not so mythical) Google sandbox.  Then you’ll have to build enough traffic to support your site everyday and that in itself can be a lot of work.  In order to keep going during a recession and while you build your business you’ll need to save money wherever you can.

Starting an internet business really opens up the business world.  A few years ago you probably wouldn’t have even been able to think about opening up a store.  However, on the World Wide Web you’ll have a very low overhead.  You won’t have to pay the rent or utility bills that a traditional brick and mortar store would have required.  You don’t even need a product which cuts down on storage space and your overhead.  You can make your own products like e-books and web writing or you can just promote someone else’s products and get a share of the affiliate commission.  Really all you need to get started is web hosting and a domain name and you can even save money on these items.

Don’t forget the freebies.  You really don’t need to buy both the domain name and the hosting although neither one works well without the other.  However, you can look for freebies.  Most hosts will offer a cheap domain name and web hosting.  The domain name will either be free or the hosting will be.  You’ll have to pay for every other additional domain name, which can add up over time.  You’ll also have to pay extra if you want your WHOIS information hidden for privacy reasons.

Web hosting can be a lot more expensive than it traditionally looks.  You can save a lot of money by just avoiding scams.  Don’t sign up for sites that don’t offer you truly secure ways to pay them such as Paypal.  Find the catch, and there always is a catch.  Are you going to have to sign up for a long contract to get the best price?  Knowing exactly what you need and what you are getting can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Watch out for promos.  Every once in awhile a hosting company will offer a truly stellar coupon.  Before you sign up you’ll want to ask why is the coupon being offered.  Is it a smaller company that’s trying to get their name out there and if so, do you trust them enough to commit to their service?

You can also save money by singing up as an affiliate with the web host.  You’ll want to read the TOS carefully. Some hosts may allow you to buy the service through your own affiliate link which serves as a huge discount.  It may even be equal to you getting your first year free.  However, you’ll still need the money upfront.  Then you’ll receive your affiliate commission in a few weeks or months.

A cheap web hosting service makes the online world accessible.  You can still find a quality host even if you don’t have a lot of money.  Think of finding a host as a part time job.  You’ll save money so it’s like getting paid to do research.