It is easy to research the latest and greatest features, tools, modules for your website. Some even give you comparison charts for features they offer versus the competition. What they won't tell you is what they DON'T have that may be standard with the competition. They may not tell you things you ASSUME (ASS-U-ME) they would have.
Ask the obvious before you commit to a new feature, add on, new program for your site. Make a list of what you need to be able to do. Then, call their sales team to get them to explain how those features are in THEIR system. If not, move on. What are the deal breaker features you MUST have?
Perhaps you don't know the questions to ask. Perhaps you don't know what SHOULD be included. Here's an example.
When I started with one of my favorite clients a year and a half ago, there were already many systems in place. Most of these systems: blog, cart all relied on GoDaddy. I had never used their cart or blogs before. I ASSUMED they would be useful for businesses and have the typical features - like ACCESS TO YOUR SUBSCRIBER list.... but NOOOOOOo. Their pedestrian blog system doesn't give you the ability to view subscribers or any details. I don't even know how many subscribers we have for that blog. I switched their subscription form to Feedburner's. It was a quick solution until the client decides to convert the entire blog to a new option such as WordPress, Typepad or ANYTHING else. It also prevents five emails per day from going to subscribers and creates a digest. I have never seen a blog before that did not have the ability to view your own subscribers.
Make sure, too, that your information and that of your subscribers is yours alone and that it doesn't go into some marketing pool by the hosting company. Ask them, "Where is this stored? Who has access to our data?"
Sure, you may be able to implement some of these gadgets with a few clicks and minimal professional help, but it is really what you need? Do you know what you DON'T know? Ask the questions before you decide. If you need help, ask for help from your IT advisor, web goddess or the like. We're here to help. We want you to be successful - it makes us look good.