Why it is important for businesses to have an online presence?

How often do you go online and do a quick search online for a particular business only to find that they do not have a website? How often is it that you get handed a business card with an email address ending with @hotmail.com? In today's ever changing climate of technology it is surprising to see how many businesses still do not have an online presence considering just how very little it costs to get started.  
The added benefits of having a website to your customers is in today's world where people lead hectic lives with very little or no time to themselves they will have the added convenience of looking at your products and services at a time that suits them, rather than your standard opening hours. You will significantly expand your market overnight, you will reach a more specific audience that you never thought of reaching before who are visiting your website because they chose to and are genuinely interested about your products and services. In today's environment where more and more people are turning to the internet to source vital information, if you do not have an online presence then you are making it extremely difficult for people to find you.
So if you are a small business with something to shout about then you need a website.

What is meant by web hosting?

So what is web hosting, why do I need it and why should I pay for it? Well, to get your web page viewed across the internet you need somewhere to host it for you; a web host. A web host is basically a company that has computer servers constantly hooked up to the internet all day, everyday. It is on these servers where all the files for your website are stored.
So when your next customer types in your web address, their web browser sends out a request to get these files from your web host and view them in the way that they have been arranged by your web developer.
The cost of hosting (normally a monthly or annual charge) goes to the web host companies that store these web files and pages towards their set up, maintenance and configuration costs.
For further clarification, please ask.