While that free web hosting site may look attractive right now, there are several things you should know before wasting your time. It’s easy to say that you won’t need any advanced features, or that you can’t justify the cost. The truth is web hosting has never been cheaper. With so many choices, chances are that you’ll find a web host in your price range. Consider the following:
1. With a free web host, you’ll be limited in the amount of traffic and bandwidth you’re allowed in any given month. Once your site hits that threshold, you’re essentially shut down until the beginning of the next month.
2. You won’t be able to do anything about your web address. Without at least paying the domain registration fee (usually less than ten dollars), the hosting company’s name will appear in your addresses. On some hosting sites, the addresses look like an eye chart.
3. You’ll have to use the hosting company’s site building tools which will limit what you can do. Only graphics, layouts, themes, and applications specifically allowed by their tools can be used on your site. Think of only having three or four themes, and five or six layouts you can choose from. That custom banner you want will not be available because you won’t be able to upload it.
4. Your pages will be filled with ads and affiliate links that you have no control over. These ads and links will always be in a place which interferes with your overall layout. What little money is made from those ads will never go to you.
5. If you are having technical problems, good luck on getting a human for customer support. Over ninety percent of free hosting sites have fifty-plus pages of Q&A’s, and one or two people actually acting in an admin/support role. Even if there are more, it could take up to three weeks to ever hear back from someone. In their support emails, expect to be referred to one of the Q&A pages.
6. Almost all free hosting sites require you to click that you agree to their terms. If you read those terms of service carefully you will find a section which says that they can change the terms or start charging you at any time without advanced notice.
You could find yourself with even more limited capabilities after the first month. Even worse, you could wake up to find your account locked, and only by paying a new monthly fee will you be able to access and download your files and graphics.
In the end, it’s better to shop around and find a paid web hosing site which has the options you want and need. Free hosting (unless it’s a one page family website that doesn’t need to be edited) is a complete waste of your time, energy, and sanity. Why get a free gallon of gas which will cause your car to break down when that two dollar gallon will keep you going for another hundred miles?
