6 Quick Steps To Building Niche Websites

Step 4 : Find a reliable web host - Hostgator

There are free hosts, cheap hosts, and high end hosts. System reliability and technical support should be the main criteria here, not cost.

I've used other web hosts before, but my web host of choice is Hostgator. This is ideal as you do not have to pay additional if you want to add more domains. If you are going to build many niche websites, the unlimited add-on domains is simply wonderful. There are a few plans you can choose from in Hostgator : Hatchling Plan, at $6.95 per month (1 domain only), and the Baby Plan (which I'm on) goes for $9.95 per month.

The technical support of Hostgator is excellent, which you need if you want a smooth hosting experience. The cpanel user interface is intuitive and user friendly.

How To Get First Month Free...

Due to my ongoing business relationship with Hostgator, I've secured a discount of $9.94 for the first month. This applies to all plans (e.g. if you sign up for the $9.95 plan, you pay only one cent for the first month!).

During the ordering process, remember to fill in the Coupon Code : tchooks (valid only if click through the graphical link below). You'll then be entitled to get a $9.94 discount - effectively first month free!

Click on the picture below for more details on Hostgator:

My Rating : 8/10

Special Note About Switching Web Hosts Painlessly Without Any Downtime

Switching to a new host can be a nightmare for most webmasters. But it can be a very smooth process. Here are the major steps:

1. Find a new host you want to be with and sign up with them. DO NOT inform or cancel your account with your old hosting provider.
   
2. Upload/transfer your entire site from the old host to the new one (through FTP).
   
3. Confirm that all files are on the new host. Then log in to your domain name registrar to change your domain name's DNS (Domain Name Server) to point to the new host.
   
4. Wait up to 48 hours for your new DNS to propagate to your new host.
   
5. You can now contact your old host and cancel your account with them.
   

The above steps are not complicated if you are technically inclined. But if you are technically challenged, the good news is Hostgator now provides an added service to transfer your entire site over free of charge!