If I build a website using one of the free host providers, such as Geocities or Homestead?

Question

how difficult would it be to later transfer my website to a paid host? (I'd want to do this because many people are reluctant to visit a site that is affiliated with Geocities or Homestead.)

Answer 1

Don't waste your time with free hosts. You can buy a great package for less than $80 a year.

http://www.getawebpage.net <-- site lists quite a few of the best webhosting companies

Answer 2

If you have opportunities it is better to move for paid hosting. But when you build site with a free host provider they will post ad sometimes head banner withing your pages.. which may causes difficulties to your viewers.

You also can move for .tk.

But always backup your files for future use if you choose free hosting.

Thanks

Partha Sarker
graphicprofessional.com

Answer 3

If you have all files backed up on your HDD not difficult at all. Payed hosts offer you FTP access, which works much faster than the file upload possibility available on Geocities.

You will just have to upload them to your new address.

Of course, it depends on how you are referencing your files: using absolute path or relative ones. If you use relative paths then you won't need any changes. If you use absolute paths (eg. geocities.com/youId/yourfolder/yourfile.htm) then you will need to change them to fit your new URL.