Lately it seems like there’s a new web hosting service popping up on every virtual street corner and they all sound the same with their sales hype. So, how do you know which one is the best web host for your site?
You need to investigate specific areas so you can make the best choice for your needs and expenses.
First, check out their hosting hardware:
How much storage do they offer on the package you can afford?
(Not high enough and you will not be able to use graphics, photos, videos, audios, etc)
What are their bandwidth limits?
(Not high enough and your site can just shut down when a lot of customers hit it at the same time…when you get successful.)
What server software are they running?
(Is it one of the high end pieces of software or one you never heard of?)
Do they have a reliable high speed Internet connection?
(Slow connections and processing = no customers)
How often do they backup your files?
(Crashes can happen anytime and you do not want to have to start over because they didn’t back up on a regular basis)
Do they use a backup power supply or have automatic backup in mirror sites in other locations?
(Just because a storm in another state, country or continent knocked out the power where your hosting service lives, it doesn’t mean you should lose customers because of it)
What do they offer in the way of support and services that can help you build your website?
*** (This is the #1 major question you should get very specific answers for. If you cannot get help when you design yourself into a hole and cannot get yourself out of it, you are dead. Some sites have software you can use to help build your site.)
Do they offer affordable site packages that provide what you need?
** (This is #2 in importance. If you cannot afford the service, don’t get stuck in a contract you cannot get out of. Learn to research to find what you want. Join forums and ask questions.
Remember: Free hosting is not free…at the very least, you will most probably have ads pop up on your website for other marketers products.)
Most of those questions are no-brainers because the hosting service wouldn’t be online if they didn’t have software and hardware to run their servers or some semblance of customer service and support.
But you still do not want to go blindly into the hosting maze with your credit card in hand. You have to take responsibility for your online choices, so pay attention and research the various options open to you.
Dan Thompson is a veteran website designer and has used numerous web hosts in his time. Dan specializes in writing web host reviews, his latest article is a Hostmonster Review. You can view Dan’s latest web hosting review at http://www.hostmonster-the-review.com
Tags: bandwidth, disk space, domains, downtime, hardware, host, hosting, server, web host
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