Every website is stored on a server that is owned and operated by a different business. Sometimes this is the company you purchase your domain name through but it isn’t always the case every time.

You’re looking for someone to store your data, and allow access to your website. They often also offer methods to combat spam and have antivirus systems in place to protect your website. If they do not then it won’t be the best place for a business website to be parked.

In choosing a host one of the main things to think about beyond this is their downtime. All servers will go down at some point, generally for regular maintenance, if there is a power blackout where it is stored or for other reasons. You need to understand what the odds are and what downtime statistics look like. Good hosts will have this information for viewing on their site, including their back up power sources and percentage of time that web sites will be live.

While 100% up time is ideal it may not be realistically possible but you’re going to want a web host that aims for it. If they can offer you 99% then this may be suitable, but remember that each time your website is unavailable potential customers are turned away. They cannot access your contact details, any information at all in fact. It is as if your page no longer exists and they will be informed that their browser cannot find it.

If this happens regularly the chances of losing business are high. It will have a negative impact on your web site marketing. It’ll also lead to word of mouth that you are no longer in business, or at least stop people checking back if you’re turned away more than once without finding the business information at all then it’ll be considered outdated and forgotten. Ensuring you choose the right website host should be a key element in your internet marketing strategy.

For a free seo help guide which explains how to DIY your marketing on the internet, grab a free report over at Alison’s website, the SEO Training Club.