Every web site needs a host. In theory, your own computer could host your web site, but for people to be able to see your site, you'd have to leave your computer hooked to the internet 24/7/365. When you sign on with a hosting company, you in effect rent some space on their server (computer) and they DO maintain a 24/7/365 connection to the internet on a "T" line, which can carry a large volume of traffic at much higher speeds than most home connections. For a small extra charge, you can also register your own domain name, which helps you to "brand" your internet business or web site.

Free website hosting is available, which is OK if you're on a tight budget, but most businesses prefer paid web site hosting with assurances that the hosting company maintains their servers, offers 24/7 tech support, and operates a domain name registry. There are hundreds of web hosting companies out there to choose from. Those listed here are a few that we are familiar with and have either used or seen good reviews of. Monthly cost for a basic site can be as little as $10 a month or less, with premium service upgrades available as your traffic expands, at twice or three times the cost of basic service.

If you're not ready for site hosting yet, but have a catchy business name you'd like to register and reserve, you can buy a name now and "park" it until your site is ready to go. You can always move it to another hosting registry when you decide on your hosting company. Domain name registration bargains are available here

Third Sphere is the web hosting company for several of my sites. I can host multiple sites on one account and not exceed my very generous bandwidth limit. Third Sphere has one of the most attractive packages out there. Their plan includes both single and sequential autoresponders, a web-based HTML editor, tons of free scripts, a shopping cart, self-expiring download pages, and tons more. When you consider all the extras you're getting, which you'll no longer have to pay additional fees for, plus their generous affiliate program which pays you for any web hosting accounts you refer to them, this is really an incredible bargain.   This is my current favorite web hosting provider. Highly Recommended, especially if you need lots of bandwidth, host multiple sites, or want to be painlessly e-commerce enabled.

EZwebHosting is the hosting company run by the man who introduced me to all the nitty gritty on internet businesses, and he's been in business on the internet for a number of years. A quality product from a well-regarded internet marketer, and your account comes with tons of features. Sign up for one year of hosting and you get a free domain name and free online "site studio" web site builder. They also have 60 scripts that you can install to your site in a matter of minutes. Among the most truly unique things I've seen in hosting is this company's "rollover bandwidth" policy. If you don't use up your bandwidth allowance in a given month, then it carries over to subsequent months. How cool is that? I haven't seen that feature anywhere else.

Host 4 Profit has kind of an interesting gimmick, in that they provide you with a number of "plug-in profit streams" that you can have up and running an a few minutes. You also gain access to the Warriors Marketing Forum, which is one of the most highly regarded internet marketing resources out there. The "warriors" is a group that is becoming legendary in internet marketing circles. Host4Profit also pays generous commissions on any new customers you refer, and your hosting account comes with ad tracking and other features. Additional sites hosted on the same account are only $5 per month. I have a "Plug-In-Profits-Site" in conjunction with my H4P account, and it started turning a small profit after only two months, so I now have two sites hosted here essentially for free.

Infinology is the way to go if you need a huge bandwidth allowance at a rock bottom price. This hosting provider consistently ranks #1 or very close to it on the Cnet User Polls, indicating a high degree of customer satisfaction. I have an account with them myself, and have had a totally pleasant and trouble-free experience. The one time I needed help from their support desk, my emails were answered very, very quickly and thoroughly, and answered my questions completely. Based upon my own experience with them, I'd give this company a solid "thumbs up".