Is Free Web Hosting Such a Bad Idea?

Contributed by Millie Dearborn

Considering Free Web Hosting?

If you're considering using free web hosting, you may be wondering if it is a bad idea. If not, then why do people pay for their own domain names? Well, free web hosting can be a viable option but only under certain circumstances. Before you decide whether or not you want to use a free host, investigate the whys of free and paid web hosting.

Use Free Web Hosting If...

If you are creating a personal site, free web hosting may be a good idea. For example, many parents want to keep their geographically distant relatives informed about their children's progress. A free website will allow you to do that fairly easily. You can set up the site and put all of baby's pictures, growth and development information, and other fun tidbits on a free site. The grandparents will love it, and they won't care about the long URL or the fact that it's free.

Another reason to use free web hosting is to have a page for a major family event you're planning. If you will be getting married, keep the guests and attendants apprised of the plans through a website. You can link to the bridesmaid dresses, the hotel, and more, and in this case, cut the expense. Use a free web hosting service for this temporary page. A third reason you may consider a free site is to have a "gathering" place online.

If your college buddies have moved all over the country, set up a free site. You can put free forums or message boards so that everyone can communicate. Allow your friends to post information about their lives - marriages, careers, children, and more. These sites don't need to be paid to be effective.

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