Over two decades ago, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates declared that “Content is King,” stating:
“Content is where I expect much of the real money will be made on the Internet, just as it was in broadcasting.”
Basically, if you can create content that is informative, entertaining, or is simply perceived as having value by some segment of the population, then you are well on your way to earning money from what you have created. However, as you become more adept at creating high-quality content with mass appeal, you will quickly realize that – in many instances – in order to fully monetize your content you will need your own website. That’s where web hosting comes in.
Simply put, “web hosting” refers to providing storage and access for your web files so that visitors to your site can actually see it on the internet. Needless to say, there are lots of options to choose from when it comes to web hosting services. Here are a few of the most popular platforms (most of which are quite affordable):
Bluehost
Founded in 2003, Bluehost has grown into one of the most successful web hosting services around – and for good reason. With prices starting as low as $2.95 per month, free domains, and first-rate customer support (among other things), it offers an intriguing combination of services. Moreover, it’s easy web-building platform is ideal for small businesses, individuals, and the like.
SiteGround
Similar to Bluehost, SiteGround is another web hosting service that has enjoyed tremendous growth and popularity. Like others in this category, Siteground provides a wide array of features as part of its hosting package, including unlimited email accounts, 24/7 tech support, and free daily backup. With a user-friendly website builder and a price of $3.95 per month, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.
DreamHost
Like the others listed here, DreamHost offers tools to help you build a great-looking website or blog in no time. Highly rated and well-regarded in the industry, DreamHost provides the usual complimentary features: free webites, email, etc. At $7.95 per month, the price is a little higher that some other providers, but certainly within almost every budget. More to the point, those using their services seem very hppy with the company. (With 400,000 customers and 1.5 million websites hosted, they’re obviously doing something right.)
HostGator
With prices starting at an incredibly reasonable $3.95 per month, HostGator is clearly one of the best options around. Its top drawer site-building tools allow you to create your website quickly and easily. Moreover, in addition to the usual features expected from one of the industry leaders (like free email), Hostgator also offers $100 in Google Adwords and Bing ad credits to help you start driving traffic to your site.
In retrospect, any of the web hosting services shown here will likely serve as an excellent place for housing your website. The important thing, in my book, is to have it. Simply put, having your own website means not just the ability to monetize your content, but – more importantly – having control over it. (E.g., no one else can arbitrarily decide that your content is “bad” for some reason and remove it.) That’s the beauty of owning both the content and the site its on: you’re in the driver’s seat. In short, content is king, but ownership is everything.
***For those who may be doubting the need to own your own website, he’s a short list of article-writing/revenue sharing sites which used to provide nice income (or had great potential) and are either no longer around or gasping their last few breaths:
- Webanswers
- Squidoo
- InfoBarrel
- Bukisa
- Zujava
- Bubblews
Needlss to say, this is not a complete or fully-exhaustive list.
