Free Web Hosting

If you’re a beginner looking to put up a simple website, a free web page is definitely a very economical way to start. I know that’s where my first attempts were put over ten years ago. If I remember correctly, Geocities had the honor of hosting my very first web page over ten years ago. And they still offer hosting today. The hosting is easy and inexpensive or even at no cost. If your home or business has Internet connections, chances are your Internet service provider (ISP) offers you some free web space on their computers as a thank you for being a customer. Many people don't even know that their ISPs offer their customers them free hosting. Usually the allocated space is quite limited (between 5 and 10 megabytes) but it’s yours for the using. Also some companies that sell domains names also include free hosting as a thank you. GoDaddy is definitely one that does. Buy your domain name through them and they will host the basic web page for you.

With a free web hosting, the host will either place third-party adverts on your site, or have advertising pop-ups appear when your web site is accessed. They will usually advertise their own hosting services on your free web page as well. Many of these web-hosting services do not allow you to upload your own design, but provide online templates for you to build your site from. If your web site is not commercial and you're just looking for an online presence, this could be the type of web hosting service to consider.

The web hosting is so low cost it’s free and some even throw in a free email, so why isn’t every website on a free serves? The answer to that is fivefold. First most of the free sites are supported through advertising and so some form of advertising, usually in the form of a flashing or static banner, is placed prominently on your page, thus distracting your visitors from the important things you have to say. Second, the sites are usually limited in design choice, style, software development or color. As well, there is usually no or very limited security options, making it difficult to do business from that site. Technical support is virtually non-existent making it difficult for the beginner to get the help they need. And lastly, it is impossible to maintain a database on the site or get assistance in database management.

Free webs are great for sites with low traffic such as a family site or a display of your hobbies, but they are not recommended for high traffic or someone who is trying to build a real business. Most times your cannot use your domain name at a free site as you’ll be assigned a URL similar to http://wwww.name-of-the-free-site.com/users/~your-login-name.htm. Not an easy name to remember or to share with others, and definitely not very professional.

Free webs have their place on the web. They’re great for the beginner, the learner of HTML, for the kids and teenagers, and for the very basic non interactive website that millions create every year. However, the serious business builder usually progresses to on the many paid hosting options.