A typical query:
I am a student who is interested in selling downloadable files, such as fonts, brushes, etc. and am looking for something that is affordable off the bat.
I need hosting, a domain, and the ability to have ecommerce as well.
If there are no options cheap enough for the shop, can I use software through an FTP client to create and run my own?
I know a little about web design and so on, it’s just the whole online store thing that I’m not terribly familiar with.
I am hoping for suggestions from people who have experience in this field, not from people who are affiliated with websites offering hosting.
I am *NOT* looking for a job, and I am definitely not interested in Deviantart. I know all about dA and they have absolutely nothing there that works for me, I want to SELL things online. You can not sell photoshop brushes or fonts, or anything of that sort on that site!For example: I want to get a WEBSITE hosted and then have a store I can sell downloadable files from.
I have a job. I don’t want a job.
Answer: Warning! Using unreliable cheap hosting can leave you devastated when your hard work disappear without warning. Web hosting is one of the most important part of your web presence and can mean the life or death to your business.
Before we answer your question, let us review the 7 qualities to look for in a good web hosting. An excellent hosting:
- has excellent support and rated at least A+ by Better Business Bureau (BBB),
- gives more-than-enough diskspace,
- offers no limit on bandwidth,
- gives multiple add-on domains,
- has easy-to-use Site Builder with thousands of unique templates,
- has QuickInstall to quickly install apps like WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, OSCommerce, ZenCart and more
- can be easily upgraded to VPS or one of the best dedicated server plans if and when your business require.
To answer your question, many experienced web developers suggest to try Hostgator. If you are building your first website and needs a hosting plan, experts usually highly recommend going with Hostgator because they are the best best domain hosting around.
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Hostgator Complaints
No web hosting service is perfect. Some complaints about Hostgator plans include:
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Chris says
I know of a couple website to help you get started:
workthenet.info/webhosts.html
squidoo.com/ WebsiteConstruction
Both have information on web hosting and list prices of the best web hosts. The 2nd page also helps with other information on making a website. The 1st page seems to still be in a Beta phase, but there is good hosting info there. Good luck!
mike says
If you are a student I recommend find a site that offers ecommerce that relates to your career rather then build from scratch. Like most bands for instance use merchnow and most graphic designers use http://www.deviantart.com
Anne says
Hi there.
I also get sick and tired of all these spammy answers.
I have a website which I built with Zen Cart and it works great with down loadable stuff.
I do hosting as well and would gladly assist you.
My basic package in South Africa costs about R2000 which includes the domain registration, the basic setup of the store which has a "front end" and a "back end" and six months free hosting.
I don’t know the exchange rate or what country you are from. But I’m sure I could help.
The first link is to my website design site and the second one is to the site where I used Zencart.
Randy says
Here is a host that are very cheap.
http://neoprohost.net/