Step 3. Choose a Web Host

A web host is a company with a server that maintains the files of websites. There are a variety of free and subscription based web host services available, including those offered by many Internet Service Providers.

Web hosting services often go beyond website maintenance to include domain name registration, website design, and search engine registration. For some online exporters, it may be most feasible to use a web host in their target market to take advantage of all of these localized services. The location or nationality of the website host does not impact accessibility of the site; however, when choosing a host, companies should ensure thatthe host servers reside within a stable infrastructure and are maintained to ensure optimal reliability.

As with domestically located web hosting services, agreements should be clear and enforceable about ownership of intellectual property, performance specifications and warranties, security, the right to transfer the site to a different host, and contract termination.

The U.S. Commercial Service officers in your target market can help you identify professional local web hosts. See also, research on the "Top Internet Markets FAQ " at left.

Step 4: Website Content -- Localize and Internationalize