Warning: This may go into rant mode!

I have some strong feelings about this, the whole idea of using a free hosting site for your business (whether established or new) just screams at me as tacky (and if I offended you, maybe this is something you need to think about). I’ve heard folks say the reason they are using a free hosting service is because they don’t have the money to pay for hosting or to purchase a domain, so let’s break the costs down.

Domain: You can typically purchase a .com domain for less than $10.00 for year (that’s about 2 cents a day)

Hosting: My favourite hosting provider, Hostgator (and the one I recommend most often) has a hosting package that...Click here to read the rest of this post at Redhead VA's Biz Bits.

The Redhead VA's Biz Bits Blog is authored by VAF member Renee of Redhead VA.


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I completely agree with your post Renee! In fact, when tutoring new VA's I always tell them to spend the money on the domain/hosting/WordPress theme first, instead of rushing to get the business cards, brochures & flyers. And definitely before doing any mailings or traditional 'marketing' stuff. I've never gotten a client who said they saw my business card, but all of them say "I've been to your website".
That means the impression you make when they land there should be top priority and worth investing in!

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

It's so true, and when you can have all of the "stuff" you need to build your website for the under $100 it just makes good business sense in my opinion.

I agree with you, business cards and other "marketing stuff" is becoming less relevant in my opinion and considering you can get inexpensive cards through places like VistaPrint it just make sense to have your website set up.

I'm even working with another VA doing a barter with them to help them get their site up and running for them (doing the customizing work) in exchange for services I can use from them. So if you are creative, you can launch your business for very little money and have that professional look and feel that is so necessary.

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
eMail Marketing & Aweber Training Starts May 15! - Save 50% using VAFAweber

I totally agree. In trying to promote yourself as a true professional, the last thing you want is to look cheap. First impressions are EVERYTHING!

Sara

When I was looking for the right web hosting provider for the first time I also thought I would choose free web hosting but finally I decided to use paid hosting service. If you use free web hosting they often place ads on your website and I definitely do not want ads on my business web site. Due to this I have chosen a paid web host and I am very satisfied with their services.

I completely agree Renee. For the little cost that it takes at the onset you will save much time and money in the long run.

Another peeve is the use of a free email address. Many who have their own domain and hosting are still using free emails such as a gmail address.

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Lee Drozak
My Office Assistant

So very true!! It really is a small price to pay.

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Telephone Answering virtual assistant
alldaypa.com