3 Criteria for Choosing the Right ECommerce Host

Introduction

Having the wrong ecommerce host can end up burning your budget, time and cause operational difficulties. Website migration can be frustrating and hence it is important to choose a host that meets your budget constraints, development and support requirements as well as growth potential. Let’s take a glance at 3 important factors that need to be considered while choosing your ecommerce host.

Budget

Your ecommerce platform can be built and hosted for as low as $10 or for as high as $10,000. The decision boils down to numerous factors including web design, security, customized apps, maintenance, license, hosting period, programming, functionalities etc.

Getting the cheapest package offered may invite additional costs in the form of add on features. Choosing the highest package does not necessarily cater to all your requirements. Budget allocation for hosting largely depends on features and growth in future.

In this context it is advisable to go for an all-in-one host where the premium packages contain almost all the necessary features. On the other hand, a stand alone web host is more suitable for a startup small scale ecommerce platform with minimal features.

Development Experience

Certain ecommerce websites may need frequent add ons or changes as and when they evolve. If the developer or ecommerce owners are experienced in hosting, design and development, it is ideal to develop the site and add features by themselves as and when the platform picks up.

So based on one’s developmental potentials or targeted growth in the nearest future, it is a good decision to purchase your hosting, extensions and other features separately and integrate by inhouse team. It has to be noted that, simultaneously marketing of your products and services is the success of your business and hence a cost efficient outsourcing can be in the cards if the in-house team is less or not experienced.

Support Requirements

This is connected to your information technology skills, experience and knowledge. If you are not much aware of what you are doing with hosting, it is better to go for a host that is equipped with user friendly interfaces, features and resources. If you have a beginner’s knowledge in hosting, a full fledged website builder along with hosting, maintenance and troubleshooting may be of great help. Services with credible online reviews and customer service priority are to be looked upon.

Summary

Hosting providers are literally business partners, especially in the case of ecommerce platforms. You have to choose one that is trustworthy and has potential to build a long term relationship. We based business segments are ever evolving and hand in hand support is essential from your host for hassle free operations and growth.