The Middle East is flourishing. Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman are becoming the home of more businesses with many people going to these areas to work from Europe and the United States.
The main reasons why people who can are choosing to work in the Middle East is the opportunity to earn tax free income. Many go to this area on a temporary basis to earn before moving back home a few years later. Many companies offer free accommodation which means expenses are significantly less than at home. It is not just businesses who want Western workers, but schools and other service based industries, such as hospitals.
Salaries are sometimes lower, but can be equal to Europe. As there is no tax the take-home pay is significantly more than in Europe. If we take the UK as an example, those earning over £37,000 a year pay 40 per cent tax, while those earning over £150,000 pay 50 per cent. If someone is earning the same in the UAE or Kuwait, for example, but tax free then in reality they are keeping much more. Even if earning a little less than in Europe the money employees keep at the end of the month will be higher.
On hziegler.com there is a comparison that shows just how much more can be earned in the Middle East. If we take their figures for the US and compare then to the UAE, we can really see the difference. If earning $60,000 annually in each, someone in the US is paying $15,000 in tax, while someone in the UAE is paying absolutely nothing. If provided, accommodation can also be nothing while in the US is an estimated $10,000 per year. Transport and utility costs are also more in the US meaning the total spent on these factors is just $2,100 in the UAE, but $31,400 in the United States, which means employees only have just over half of their earning left. According to the hziegler.com figures you end up $29,300 better off every year in the UAE as people are able to save the majority of their income. Even if someone spends another $10,000 a year, they still end up $60,000 better off after three years if working in the UAE compared to the US.
Other benefits of living and working in the Middle East are that there is usually six week annual holiday, medical needs are often paid for by companies, and many get paid a yearly service award, which is effectively a yearly bonus.
There are of course some negatives. It is often not possible to take your family, which is difficult for many, and the culture is very different to the West. This is why many work in the Middle East for a few years to save a significant amount of tax free income and then return home with this money left over.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Masahati is a portal for Kuwait Real Estate.
Hziegler Statistics
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Basics of Graphic Design
There are many considerations when it comes to graphic design. Here are some of the general basic principles that cover all types of graphic design.
FONT
It is important to get the font size right. There are potential negatives if text is either too small or too large. If it is too small it poses an obvious problem; people can’t see it as well and may not notice it. Having it as large as possible is not necessarily a good thing either though, as it can detract from everything else, meaning the full message is not received by the audience. Text is vital. The majority of the time it is how you will get your message across so it does need to stand out. Emphasis should be given to the most important text; the text that portrays the core message. If there are a few words that really sum up the message then these should stand out above the rest, possible by being slightly bigger or using a different font style. Whether capitals or small lettering is used is something that needs to be thought about. Capitals obviously stand out more, but studies have shown that font where the first letter is a capital and the rest of the word has small lettering is easier to read.
There are many styles of font, and this decision is just as important. What stands out, what is easiest to read, and simply what looks good should all be thought about. It may be better to use a variety of fonts, or use the same throughout.
COLOUR SCHEME
The majority of the time colour works better than black and white, but there are times that black and white can be used artistically to make an impression. If Graphic Design is on behalf of a company then the colour schemes of the company and their logo should be used. It needs to be in keeping with the company’s image. As with decorating a room, how colours go together needs to be thought about with graphic design. Connotations need considering as well; which colours give certain connotations, and do you want to avoid or portray these connotations.
PICTURES
Pictures need careful consideration. It is crucial that any pictures fit the message or the company image, or what the company does. Pictures that have no coherence with this shouldn’t be used as they will confuse the audience and detract from the message. Choosing the wrong pictures is a missed opportunity as using the right pictures can be massively beneficial.
LAYOUT
Something that has to be thought about is where each element is on the page. Most importantly it needs to be easy to read and understand. Each element should work with all other element. They are not separate entities, but part of the same story. Where pictures are in relation to relevant text is an important factor. Simple can be best and it is not usually best to have big white spaces. At the same time it is not good for it to be too cluttered.
COMPANY PERCEPTION
Something else that should be thought about is the public’s perception of a company. If they are known for, and popular because of, certain aspects then this should be utilised. If it is a well known company this is even more important as it can be used to an advantage.
Andrew Marshall (c)
FONT
It is important to get the font size right. There are potential negatives if text is either too small or too large. If it is too small it poses an obvious problem; people can’t see it as well and may not notice it. Having it as large as possible is not necessarily a good thing either though, as it can detract from everything else, meaning the full message is not received by the audience. Text is vital. The majority of the time it is how you will get your message across so it does need to stand out. Emphasis should be given to the most important text; the text that portrays the core message. If there are a few words that really sum up the message then these should stand out above the rest, possible by being slightly bigger or using a different font style. Whether capitals or small lettering is used is something that needs to be thought about. Capitals obviously stand out more, but studies have shown that font where the first letter is a capital and the rest of the word has small lettering is easier to read.
There are many styles of font, and this decision is just as important. What stands out, what is easiest to read, and simply what looks good should all be thought about. It may be better to use a variety of fonts, or use the same throughout.
COLOUR SCHEME
The majority of the time colour works better than black and white, but there are times that black and white can be used artistically to make an impression. If Graphic Design is on behalf of a company then the colour schemes of the company and their logo should be used. It needs to be in keeping with the company’s image. As with decorating a room, how colours go together needs to be thought about with graphic design. Connotations need considering as well; which colours give certain connotations, and do you want to avoid or portray these connotations.
PICTURES
Pictures need careful consideration. It is crucial that any pictures fit the message or the company image, or what the company does. Pictures that have no coherence with this shouldn’t be used as they will confuse the audience and detract from the message. Choosing the wrong pictures is a missed opportunity as using the right pictures can be massively beneficial.
LAYOUT
Something that has to be thought about is where each element is on the page. Most importantly it needs to be easy to read and understand. Each element should work with all other element. They are not separate entities, but part of the same story. Where pictures are in relation to relevant text is an important factor. Simple can be best and it is not usually best to have big white spaces. At the same time it is not good for it to be too cluttered.
COMPANY PERCEPTION
Something else that should be thought about is the public’s perception of a company. If they are known for, and popular because of, certain aspects then this should be utilised. If it is a well known company this is even more important as it can be used to an advantage.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Friday, June 25, 2010
Basics of Web Design
FOCUS ON THE MESSAGE
It is important that the design of your website focuses on getting your core message across to the audience. So if you are a business you need to get across what you can do for your customers or any offers you may have. Most internet users visit a website only briefly if they do not immediately see what they want so it is very important to get to the point. Think about what the first thing visitors see when they visit your site.
A WEBSITE IS AN ADVERT
Remember that a website is essentially an advert. You need to give a positive impression to your visitors so they want to use your services or find out more. Focus on what you want to achieve from your website, whether it is selling your services, selling your products or offering information. Then design your site with this in mind.
BALANCE BETWEEN THE BASICS AND MAKING AN IMPRESSION
It is important to get the right balance between getting the basics right while still making an impression. You don’t want to over complicate things and make it difficult for visitors so a simple and concise design is something you should aim for. Web designers often make the mistake of trying to impress too much. You also need to make an impression though. If you don’t catch visitors’ attention in a few seconds they will look elsewhere. You need to give your target audience something to stay for, so it is a difficult balance.
LAYOUT & CONTRAST
It is usually best to choose a simply layout. This is what the majority of visitors want as more complex layouts can be confusing. The website needs to be easy to read. For the same reasons the colours of the background and the overlaying text need to contrast one another.
PAGES
Depending on the content of your site, you should have a number of pages with each of them focussing on something different. This simplifies the whole site and it gives it a flowing structure. It is important to think about what each page is going to say. You should plan the structure of the pages before you design the site. The homepage needs to get the overall message across. It should summarise what you and your website is about and point visitors to the relevant pages for more information.
GRAPHICS
Graphics can be very effective tools if used well, but can also be a distraction. Make sure you don’t overuse them. Most people use the internet looking for information so make sure this isn’t lost by overusing graphics. Make sure pictures reflect the theme of the text around them. Graphics should complement the rest of the site and not distract from it.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Moore Wilson are a Web Design Agency in London.
It is important that the design of your website focuses on getting your core message across to the audience. So if you are a business you need to get across what you can do for your customers or any offers you may have. Most internet users visit a website only briefly if they do not immediately see what they want so it is very important to get to the point. Think about what the first thing visitors see when they visit your site.
A WEBSITE IS AN ADVERT
Remember that a website is essentially an advert. You need to give a positive impression to your visitors so they want to use your services or find out more. Focus on what you want to achieve from your website, whether it is selling your services, selling your products or offering information. Then design your site with this in mind.
BALANCE BETWEEN THE BASICS AND MAKING AN IMPRESSION
It is important to get the right balance between getting the basics right while still making an impression. You don’t want to over complicate things and make it difficult for visitors so a simple and concise design is something you should aim for. Web designers often make the mistake of trying to impress too much. You also need to make an impression though. If you don’t catch visitors’ attention in a few seconds they will look elsewhere. You need to give your target audience something to stay for, so it is a difficult balance.
LAYOUT & CONTRAST
It is usually best to choose a simply layout. This is what the majority of visitors want as more complex layouts can be confusing. The website needs to be easy to read. For the same reasons the colours of the background and the overlaying text need to contrast one another.
PAGES
Depending on the content of your site, you should have a number of pages with each of them focussing on something different. This simplifies the whole site and it gives it a flowing structure. It is important to think about what each page is going to say. You should plan the structure of the pages before you design the site. The homepage needs to get the overall message across. It should summarise what you and your website is about and point visitors to the relevant pages for more information.
GRAPHICS
Graphics can be very effective tools if used well, but can also be a distraction. Make sure you don’t overuse them. Most people use the internet looking for information so make sure this isn’t lost by overusing graphics. Make sure pictures reflect the theme of the text around them. Graphics should complement the rest of the site and not distract from it.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Moore Wilson are a Web Design Agency in London.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Ways of Saving For Children
Many parents have decided to save for their children. There are many reasons why they may want to help their children once they become adults.
Many want to assist their children through their education. More and more young adults are choosing to go to university, something that can be a major expense. It costs several thousands of pounds a year, so savings to assist with university fees can be a great help. Housing is something that is an increasing problem for young people, with a shortage of affordable housing a common occurrence. Therefore, helping to get their children on the housing ladder is an incentive for many parents to save for their children. If parents have saved for eighteen years, for example, then there could be a significant amount to assist their children to take their first step on the housing ladder. The age of eighteen is the time that many people learn to drive. So another thing that money saved on their behalf can assist with is driving lessons or buying a car.
There are many affective ways of saving for children. The most basic is making payments into a bank or building society account. Many banks and building societies offer special account for the purpose of saving for children. This is the safest option of saving but interest rates tend to be relatively low so this doesn’t have the potential of some of the other savings methods.
Investing in the stock market is an example of a savings method whereby there is more potential for greater growth, but there are also more pitfalls. Stocks can increase very significantly but they can also crash. Over the long term though, most stocks will increase. Over a period of five, ten, fifteen or more years the likelihood of an increase is greater, as there aren’t the same risks as short term investments, which can suffer from short term dips. Stocks are likely to grow more than money paid into a savings account but there is no guarantee.
Using the services of an investment trust is a sensible way to manage investments in the stock market. Here, parents can make payments on behalf of their children and it will be invested by the investment managers. They take a cut, but they are experts in their field so they can usually be trusted to make good decisions. This also means you don’t have to worry about it and can leave it to them. If you lack understanding of the stock market then this is safer than investing in your own choice of stocks and shares.
However you choose to invest on behalf of your children it is a good idea to compare the various investment products on the market, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Jump Savings is a savings plan designed specifically for Savings For Children
Witan Investment Trust offers a variety of investment products to private investors.
Many want to assist their children through their education. More and more young adults are choosing to go to university, something that can be a major expense. It costs several thousands of pounds a year, so savings to assist with university fees can be a great help. Housing is something that is an increasing problem for young people, with a shortage of affordable housing a common occurrence. Therefore, helping to get their children on the housing ladder is an incentive for many parents to save for their children. If parents have saved for eighteen years, for example, then there could be a significant amount to assist their children to take their first step on the housing ladder. The age of eighteen is the time that many people learn to drive. So another thing that money saved on their behalf can assist with is driving lessons or buying a car.
There are many affective ways of saving for children. The most basic is making payments into a bank or building society account. Many banks and building societies offer special account for the purpose of saving for children. This is the safest option of saving but interest rates tend to be relatively low so this doesn’t have the potential of some of the other savings methods.
Investing in the stock market is an example of a savings method whereby there is more potential for greater growth, but there are also more pitfalls. Stocks can increase very significantly but they can also crash. Over the long term though, most stocks will increase. Over a period of five, ten, fifteen or more years the likelihood of an increase is greater, as there aren’t the same risks as short term investments, which can suffer from short term dips. Stocks are likely to grow more than money paid into a savings account but there is no guarantee.
Using the services of an investment trust is a sensible way to manage investments in the stock market. Here, parents can make payments on behalf of their children and it will be invested by the investment managers. They take a cut, but they are experts in their field so they can usually be trusted to make good decisions. This also means you don’t have to worry about it and can leave it to them. If you lack understanding of the stock market then this is safer than investing in your own choice of stocks and shares.
However you choose to invest on behalf of your children it is a good idea to compare the various investment products on the market, looking at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Jump Savings is a savings plan designed specifically for Savings For Children
Witan Investment Trust offers a variety of investment products to private investors.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Types of VoIP Services
VoIP’s popularity is ever increasing. There are many different ways that VoIP can be utilised and some of these are outlined here.
CALLING BETWEEN TWO COMPUTERS
Calling from computer to computer is the original VoIP. It is the most basic type of VoIP whereby two people simple talk to each other through their computers. The caller and receiver make contact through a piece of software that they are both logged into. The main advantage is that these services are sometimes free, with Skype being the best known free VoIP provider. Each user will use a headset, or their computers’ speakers and microphone, to communicate. This type of VoIP has the reputation for not being of the best quality but it has improved over the last few years.
CALLING A PHONE FROM A COMPUTER
As well as using a computer to call another computer it is also possible to call a phone with a computer. You can call any number in the world in this way, including mobile numbers. It is easier than calling another computer as that requires both the caller and the receiver to be logged on and to be at their computers. This means that you can’t call someone unexpectedly as, unlike the phone, it won’t ring when called. An advantage of calling a phone is just that; that you can call at any time as it doesn’t need to be prearranged. So it has some of the advantages of using a telephone, but there is still the advantage of the cheaper calls VoIP offers. VoIP providers charge for this but it is significantly cheaper than calling between two phones. Many use it to call friends and family living abroad as international calls offer particularly large savings. With phone providers these can be very expensive but the difference between local and international calls is small by comparison when using VoIP.
VOIP PHONES
These are phone like devices that are designed specifically for VoIP. In fact, in terms of operation and look, they are extremely similar to regular telephones. Users speak through them and hear through them just as with a telephone. They also usually have answer phones and other features similar to phones. The VoIP phone is connection to the internet and can be used to call anyone by dialling the number just as you would with a telephone. Another major advantage is that people can call you, by entering a number that will ring your VoIP phone as it would with a regular phone.
VOIP ADAPTERS
VoIP adapters allow people to use their existing telephones to use VoIP. They are used to connect a phone to the internet connection therefore allowing the use of the VoIP system. This means there are the advantages of VoIP, such as cost savings, as well as the advantages the use of a telephone offers. The user experience is similar to using a VoIP phone.
Andrew Marshall (c)
CALLING BETWEEN TWO COMPUTERS
Calling from computer to computer is the original VoIP. It is the most basic type of VoIP whereby two people simple talk to each other through their computers. The caller and receiver make contact through a piece of software that they are both logged into. The main advantage is that these services are sometimes free, with Skype being the best known free VoIP provider. Each user will use a headset, or their computers’ speakers and microphone, to communicate. This type of VoIP has the reputation for not being of the best quality but it has improved over the last few years.
CALLING A PHONE FROM A COMPUTER
As well as using a computer to call another computer it is also possible to call a phone with a computer. You can call any number in the world in this way, including mobile numbers. It is easier than calling another computer as that requires both the caller and the receiver to be logged on and to be at their computers. This means that you can’t call someone unexpectedly as, unlike the phone, it won’t ring when called. An advantage of calling a phone is just that; that you can call at any time as it doesn’t need to be prearranged. So it has some of the advantages of using a telephone, but there is still the advantage of the cheaper calls VoIP offers. VoIP providers charge for this but it is significantly cheaper than calling between two phones. Many use it to call friends and family living abroad as international calls offer particularly large savings. With phone providers these can be very expensive but the difference between local and international calls is small by comparison when using VoIP.
VOIP PHONES
These are phone like devices that are designed specifically for VoIP. In fact, in terms of operation and look, they are extremely similar to regular telephones. Users speak through them and hear through them just as with a telephone. They also usually have answer phones and other features similar to phones. The VoIP phone is connection to the internet and can be used to call anyone by dialling the number just as you would with a telephone. Another major advantage is that people can call you, by entering a number that will ring your VoIP phone as it would with a regular phone.
VOIP ADAPTERS
VoIP adapters allow people to use their existing telephones to use VoIP. They are used to connect a phone to the internet connection therefore allowing the use of the VoIP system. This means there are the advantages of VoIP, such as cost savings, as well as the advantages the use of a telephone offers. The user experience is similar to using a VoIP phone.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The Impact of Google Caffeine
Google Caffeine is the new Google indexing system, with the aim of providing better results for their 128 million worldwide users. So what is Google Caffeine and how will it affect Google’s users and website owners?
What is Google Caffeine?
Google caffeine is Google’s updated system of assessing websites to decide how to rank them in their search engine. Although some have referred to it as their new search engine, it is really more of an improvement of the existing one. Users will not notice any major physical differences but there will be some variations in results and the way that results are presented. It is, however, likely to have an impact on web designers and those who work in SEO (search engine optimisation)
What is the purpose of Google Caffeine?
The purpose is simple; to give users more accurate results. Google are always trying to give users the results that are most relevant to what they are looking for. Google wants to prevent spam sites from reaching the top of their results pages and return the best and most relevant sites instead. Through a number of measures they believe they have improved their search engine with Google Caffeine to assist users further. They are also attempting to give quicker news stories and make them more prominent when appropriate.
How does it work?
One of the issues that has become more important with Google Caffeine is the speed at which websites load. Sites which load slower could be penalised although it is unlikely to make a major difference. Some webmasters have panicked over this and looked for ways to speed up their sites. However, there are so many factors that contribute to Google’s rankings so this factor alone in unlikely to make the difference. The speed that Google returns results is also quicker with results being returned in up to half the time it was previously. However, as results are typically returned in under one second the speed increase will generally be unnoticeable.
According to the official Google blog, “Caffeine provides 50 percent fresher results”. They are referring to the higher prominence of news stories, With Caffeine news stories, blogs and forums are indexed quicker, so they are included in the results pages earlier. They will also be included more often where relevant. This is in keeping with the times and the evolution of blogs and social media sites. In fact websites in general will be indexed quicker further improving the results returned.
Unique content is likely to be more important. Therefore website that consistently update may see benefits in their rankings in the Google search engines. Websites that contain lots of useful information about their subject are likely to see improvements.
Who will benefit?
Simply, relevant website will benefit, while irrelevant websites will lose out. Sites with lots of original content relating to the subject they are targeting and which are genuinely about the subject they are targeting should find themselves better placed. Using white hat SEO techniques should become more important as Google hopes to prevent those using black hat SEO techniques from being successful. As mentioned above, news sites and blogs could also appear higher in Google.
Spam sites, sites with little text, and those generally trying to manipulate the search engines to appear in irrelevant results are likely to suffer with the integration of Google Caffeine.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Moore Wilson is a digital agency specialising in the following services:
Web Design London
Graphic Design London
SEO London
What is Google Caffeine?
Google caffeine is Google’s updated system of assessing websites to decide how to rank them in their search engine. Although some have referred to it as their new search engine, it is really more of an improvement of the existing one. Users will not notice any major physical differences but there will be some variations in results and the way that results are presented. It is, however, likely to have an impact on web designers and those who work in SEO (search engine optimisation)
What is the purpose of Google Caffeine?
The purpose is simple; to give users more accurate results. Google are always trying to give users the results that are most relevant to what they are looking for. Google wants to prevent spam sites from reaching the top of their results pages and return the best and most relevant sites instead. Through a number of measures they believe they have improved their search engine with Google Caffeine to assist users further. They are also attempting to give quicker news stories and make them more prominent when appropriate.
How does it work?
One of the issues that has become more important with Google Caffeine is the speed at which websites load. Sites which load slower could be penalised although it is unlikely to make a major difference. Some webmasters have panicked over this and looked for ways to speed up their sites. However, there are so many factors that contribute to Google’s rankings so this factor alone in unlikely to make the difference. The speed that Google returns results is also quicker with results being returned in up to half the time it was previously. However, as results are typically returned in under one second the speed increase will generally be unnoticeable.
According to the official Google blog, “Caffeine provides 50 percent fresher results”. They are referring to the higher prominence of news stories, With Caffeine news stories, blogs and forums are indexed quicker, so they are included in the results pages earlier. They will also be included more often where relevant. This is in keeping with the times and the evolution of blogs and social media sites. In fact websites in general will be indexed quicker further improving the results returned.
Unique content is likely to be more important. Therefore website that consistently update may see benefits in their rankings in the Google search engines. Websites that contain lots of useful information about their subject are likely to see improvements.
Who will benefit?
Simply, relevant website will benefit, while irrelevant websites will lose out. Sites with lots of original content relating to the subject they are targeting and which are genuinely about the subject they are targeting should find themselves better placed. Using white hat SEO techniques should become more important as Google hopes to prevent those using black hat SEO techniques from being successful. As mentioned above, news sites and blogs could also appear higher in Google.
Spam sites, sites with little text, and those generally trying to manipulate the search engines to appear in irrelevant results are likely to suffer with the integration of Google Caffeine.
Andrew Marshall (c)
Moore Wilson is a digital agency specialising in the following services:
Web Design London
Graphic Design London
SEO London
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Web Hosting advice for a New Business
Choosing the best web hosting provider is an important decision. For small businesses it can be a difficult one with many things to consider, such as the hosting requirements and the all important price. It is especially difficult for new businesses as they don’t necessarily know how many visitors their website will generate, and therefore the bandwidth they will require.
It is a good idea to opt for a cheap hosting package to begin with for the obvious reasons. Your income may not be particularly high as a start up business so you don’t want to be forking out high fees for a hosting package you don’t yet require. You don’t want a large outlay if not necessary so it is best to be a little cautious. Some therefore opt for free hosting, but this is short sighted and rarely a good idea for a business website. Free hosts often force their clients to carry adverts on their site as this works as their income stream (as you are paying them to host your website). This means your website will contain adverts that are not relevant to your site; something that may work against you as a business as it looks unprofessional. Another problem with free hosting is that you often don’t get to choose your own domain name, and the URL must carry the hosting companies name with an extension at the end for your individual site. This again looks unprofessional and means you are unable to use your brand name as the domain name, something that is expected by potential customers. This also makes it harder for SEO purposes (search engine optimisation) because it makes it more difficult to appear high in the search engines for your brand name, making it more difficult for people to find your website. This could have a major negative impact on your business. The cheapest packages, and especially free hosting, cannot cope with many visitors, so if you have a sudden rise in visitors it could pose a problem.
Although you shouldn’t pay too much for your web hosting when you first start out, the most basic packages (such as free hosting) should be avoided as well. You need to find a balance between not paying too much, but while having some scope for an increase in visitors above your expectations. So a fairly cheap and fairly limited package, but with some flexibility is probably the best option for most new businesses. This means some flexibility without the high prices of the most advanced packages.
As your business grows so will your website. As more people get to know your business more will want to check out your site to find out more information. This will mean that a basic package may no longer be adequate so an upgrade may be necessary. Although the prices will be higher, so will your revenue so it will pay for itself.
Managed Hosting is one of the better options once you require more advanced hosting. With Managed Hosting, your hosting is managed by the hosting provider so you don’t have to worry. This doesn’t only have the advantage of meeting your more advanced needs, but also means you won’t have to take care of your hosting as you can leave it to the Managed Hosting provider.
There are so called ‘Unlimited Managed Hosting’ packages available. Although nothing can be unlimited the limits are very high so you are unlikely to reach them. This will effectively mean your hosting is completely taken care of and allows you more time to focus on your core business. It may be more expensive but to many it is worth the extra cost.
Andrew Marshall (c)
It is a good idea to opt for a cheap hosting package to begin with for the obvious reasons. Your income may not be particularly high as a start up business so you don’t want to be forking out high fees for a hosting package you don’t yet require. You don’t want a large outlay if not necessary so it is best to be a little cautious. Some therefore opt for free hosting, but this is short sighted and rarely a good idea for a business website. Free hosts often force their clients to carry adverts on their site as this works as their income stream (as you are paying them to host your website). This means your website will contain adverts that are not relevant to your site; something that may work against you as a business as it looks unprofessional. Another problem with free hosting is that you often don’t get to choose your own domain name, and the URL must carry the hosting companies name with an extension at the end for your individual site. This again looks unprofessional and means you are unable to use your brand name as the domain name, something that is expected by potential customers. This also makes it harder for SEO purposes (search engine optimisation) because it makes it more difficult to appear high in the search engines for your brand name, making it more difficult for people to find your website. This could have a major negative impact on your business. The cheapest packages, and especially free hosting, cannot cope with many visitors, so if you have a sudden rise in visitors it could pose a problem.
Although you shouldn’t pay too much for your web hosting when you first start out, the most basic packages (such as free hosting) should be avoided as well. You need to find a balance between not paying too much, but while having some scope for an increase in visitors above your expectations. So a fairly cheap and fairly limited package, but with some flexibility is probably the best option for most new businesses. This means some flexibility without the high prices of the most advanced packages.
As your business grows so will your website. As more people get to know your business more will want to check out your site to find out more information. This will mean that a basic package may no longer be adequate so an upgrade may be necessary. Although the prices will be higher, so will your revenue so it will pay for itself.
Managed Hosting is one of the better options once you require more advanced hosting. With Managed Hosting, your hosting is managed by the hosting provider so you don’t have to worry. This doesn’t only have the advantage of meeting your more advanced needs, but also means you won’t have to take care of your hosting as you can leave it to the Managed Hosting provider.
There are so called ‘Unlimited Managed Hosting’ packages available. Although nothing can be unlimited the limits are very high so you are unlikely to reach them. This will effectively mean your hosting is completely taken care of and allows you more time to focus on your core business. It may be more expensive but to many it is worth the extra cost.
Andrew Marshall (c)
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