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Seeing through the Scams...
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One thing that most people have learned through their use of the Internet
is that there are as many scams as legitimate companies trying to get your
business. |
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This is true in the website development and hosting arena, as it is in
other online services. Just as you wouldn't give an unknown person
your credit card or sign an unread contract with an unknown company, you
should
not automatically trust people and companies promising you fantastic rewards
over the Internet. |
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The adage is as true in website development and hosting, as everywhere
else -- if it sounds too good to be true, it just might be... |
This article touches on some of the scams -- wonderful promises -- that
are being made by many in the webhost business in their attempts to get
your business. Many make fantastic promises, and then lock you into
a contract that you can't break when you find their promises are false.
This article is a short revision of presentations which I have given over
the last several years to businesses and organizations in the Columbia
SC metro area.
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Top placement on search engines...
At one time, this promise could be legitimately made. But now, with
billions of webpages fighting for top position, and 200,000 new webpages
being added daily, this is a promise that requires a little more research
on your part. The easiest way to check out such claims is by checking
out that company on a ranking site such as www.MarketingLeap.com
(compare them to "ASKaPRO.net"). If they can't get good rankings
for themselves, they surely will not be able to do so for you! It
is a good idea, also, to do a search in their category on one of the major
search services (use generic terms - not the name of their company). |
Thousands of hits each week...
"Hits" is not a good indicator of visitors because it can easily be manipulated
by the webhost (by how the website is set up). Most web servers have
software built in which provides accurate information about actual visits.
Again, don't take the webhost word for it, ask to see actual online server
statistics. |
Build it and customers will come...
A website is part of an overall marketing plan for your business.
Just putting up a webpage with "widgets for sale" is not enough -- you
are competing with hundreds (or thousands) of other companies also selling
those same "widgets". Make sure your potential customers know where
to find you. |
Do you need to sign a contract?
Since competition for websites is quite intense, a webhost may try to get
you to sign a contract. Contracts are not needed for the majority
of small websites - and many times end up obligating you to a bad webhost.
There are many reputable companies out there which do not require contracts.
If you decide to go with a contract, read it very closely. One Columbia
SC webhost has their contract set up that you only have a 30 day window
each year to cancel your contract -- If you miss that window, you are obligated
for another 12 months. |
Watch the "fine print"...
Many companies entice customers with promises of low prices, only to attach
additional needed services later. Do the math -- can
ANY company make a profit charging only $3 - $4 per month? Obviously
not - so watch out for gimmicks. |
THE BOTTOM LINE
You know that it isn't wise to give your credit card to an unknown company,
or sign an unread contract. This is especially important when you
deal with companies or individuals over the Internet. These companies
many times do not have a physical business address -- and can easily change
a domain and e-mail address to disappear forever. Take the time to
check them out. Make sure that they are reputable and that their
claims "check out". There are many good webhost companies out there
- do not be taken in by one of the few scammers.
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About ASKaPRO Internet Services...
I have lived and worked in the Columbia SC area for most of my adult life.
Thirteen years was spent with the State Newspaper, two years with
the Lexington Dispatch-News, and several years with NCR Corporation.
Over the years I have been a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce,
Lexington
Chamber of Commerce, West Metro Chamber of Commerce and Irmo
Chamber of Commerce. I have been a member of and webmaster for
the Palmetto PC Club and Columbia Employers & Owners Association.
I assisted the Columbia Technology Entrepreneur Council in several
initiatives, and am currently working with the SC Small Business Chamber
of Commerce in setting up a state-wide technology trade union.
I was one of the founding members of the State Newspaper Toastmaster's
Club, and am currently one of the officers of the NCR Toastmaster's
Club.
Because of my position in the community, I have an obligation to my friends,
business associates and clients to maintain a reputation of honesty and
fairness. I would like to do business with you!
Glenn
A. Oster, owner
ASKaPRO
Internet Services
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Online Services for today!