So, you’re running a web design business. What kind of internet connection or plan do you need? What sort of demand will you be putting on the network? Most businesses can get away with utilizing a more basic internet connection, but there’s a chance your web design business will need some extra bandwidth and/or speed.
Finding a high-quality internet provider in today’s market isn’t easy. Many internet providers have a history of poor customer service or thousands of complaints under their belts. Everything from misleading advertising to rude customer service reps comes to mind.
Whether you choose to use an internet adviser tool or not, this article will help you better understand what you should be looking for in your internet provider and plan for your web design business. Keep reading to learn more!
Figure Out Your Network Demands
How much data will you realistically need per month? While most ISPs don’t have data caps, there are some that do; so you’ll want to be certain you’re falling under those caps or choosing a company without them to avoid any overage fees.
How many devices will you have connected to your network at any given time? Ten? Twenty? Two-hundred? This will help you determine what kind of speeds you might need. Designing websites can quickly become a frustrating mess if the network can’t keep up.
Once you know how many devices you’ll have connected, you can talk with your ISP and see if they can recommend one of their plans. They’ll know a bit more about how much data you might be using and what service plans will best fit your needs.
Understand Your Pricing Structure
Once you’ve decided on an internet service plan, you’ll need to consider the cost. It’s important to ask plenty of questions on how you’ll be billed, when you’ll be billed, and what services are included in the package. Are you bundling phone and internet? Just internet? These things make a difference in the cost of your service.
Sometimes, ISPs include hidden fees that don’t become apparent until your first bill arrives. If there’s anything you’re uncertain of, ask about it before you pay the initial amount to set up your service. Also, be wary of extended contracts.
When you’re running a business, things can change overnight. You don’t want to be stuck in a long-term contract with an ISP unless it truly benefits your business. You might get cheaper rates that way, but remember that if you want out of the contract, you’ll probably have to pay a fee.
Don’t Ignore Customer Service
Customer service is the heart of any business, and, sadly, many businesses in the internet service provider realm don’t have great customer service reputations. Comcast, Spectrum, and AT&T are just a few names that come to mind.
Each of these companies has complaints from customers with the BBB, and Spectrum underwent a rebranding after (Time Warner) was acquired by Charter Communications. While this seems purely business-oriented, the fact is, Time Warner’s customer service record was abysmal at the time of the merger.
The point is that you’ll likely be working with your ISP for a long time, so you want to choose a company that cares for its customers. What happens when you run into connectivity issues or billing problems? If you’re dealing with a company that doesn’t value customer service, the issue(s) may never be resolved; and then, you’re back at square one, looking for a new ISP.
Don’t Settle
There’s always another plan available somewhere, and it might even be cheaper than the one you have or are looking at. You don’t have to settle for the first thing that comes along. Now, if you’re in an isolated area, you could very well be limited to one or two providers, but even then, you should still be comparing rates and service plans.
Sometimes, a competitor will offer special rates to new customers or converts. You could potentially save quite a bit on your internet bill by simply switching to a new provider. Your business can spend that extra money on something else, like marketing, improving tools or facilities, or employee expenses.
Use The Right Equipment
Even if you have a great internet connection, the wrong modem or router can slash your speeds and cause problems with the connection. Be sure you’re getting a modem and router that can handle the speed and bandwidth of your connection. If you’re using Wi-Fi, make sure the signal can be broadcast across your entire facility.
Conclusion
The better your internet connection is, the more value you’ll get from it. Your productivity will increase, and your employees won’t be frustrated by a faulty connection. Don’t settle for slow speeds, poor customer service, or poor connectivity. Take your business to the next level by choosing a great ISP.