How to Choose the Perfect Web Hosting Company!

What things should I consider when selecting a web hosting company to host my site?

Cost

The cost to host your website can run as high as hundreds of dollars per month, to as little as FREE (and every price point in-between!) It really depends on the web hosting features you need and how “complex and interactive” your site is, and of course, your budget. For most small business, static or personal websites, $5.00 to $10.00 per month will work just fine.

Reliability

You will need a reliable web host! Does your web host utilize the latest web hosting hardware and software? Web hosting “downtime” is a serious issue. 100% uptime may be impossible due to the nature of the Internet itself, but 99.9% is a desirable “second best.” Is your potential new web host’s equipment, facility and support staff “all that it can be?” Does their website load fast? Does their website have a professional “look and feel?” Is it easy to navigate and easy to find everything you need? Do some research and read some web hosting reviews before choosing a web hosting company.

Web Hosting Company Customer Service

Many web hosting companies claim to offer high levels of customer support, however, are they really there when you really need them? Many a business (big and small) have suffered financial loss due to ineffective, insufficient and unreliable customer support. It is essential to ask questions and find out more about the guarantees and customer support systems that are in place before you choose a web host.

Web Hosting Features

What web hosting features do you need? For smaller, personal websites, often a web host’s “basic or personal” package will work fine. Keep in mind, some web hosting companies offer lower prices, but also provide fewer web hosting features. Or you may find web hosting packed with great features, but it may be too pricey or have features you don't need! A good web hosting company will explain in clear terms which web hosting package is right for your business!

Disk Space

A good web hosting company should provide you with sufficient disk storage space, keeping in mind your current and future space requirements. Having an extra amount of disk space, and the flexibility of ordering more when the need arises is essential for the smooth operation and growth of your online business. A typical small business or personal web hosting plan should feature somewhere around 100 – 300MB of space.

Bandwidth Use (Traffic!)

A substantial amount of bandwidth is required for the proper operation of most websites. Determine if there are any limitations on bandwidth set by the web hosting company you are considering. Make sure that your website can function smoothly within those limits. Also, find out if you can upgrade your bandwidth package to accommodate the growth of your website traffic. A typical web hosting company should offer somewhere in the range of 1-5GB of bandwidth per month.

Some web hosts offer “unlimited bandwidth,” while some others say there is no such thing as unlimited bandwidth. Unlimited web hosting bandwidth may be "too good to be true." Unlimited is a lot, think about it.

Choosing the right web hosting company is not a task to be taken lightly. Your web host is your “lifeline” to the Internet and your online success and growth is at stake. Choose wisely!