Contrary to what people think, it is possible to make mistakes when looking for the best web host. As with everything else in life, there are always negative aspects, and this principle also exists in web page hosting. Read on to learn about common mistakes and misconceptions related to website hosting and how to avoid making them.
While it’s common for web hosts to offer add-ons with their packages, the actual features and packages vary widely between hosts. When comparing hosts, be sure you are including the features that you need. As an example, a host may only offer a price cut if you choose to go with their cheaper package that doesn’t include what you need.
Contact your favorite web host to see what website services they currently offer. Most free hosting services offer only static web pages, meaning you won’t be able to script your own language. If you have the need for dynamic scripting pages, your only option may be to find a pay host that is affordable instead.
Make a list of the things you are looking for before you begin shopping around for your web host. Figure out everything you must have, would like to have, and can life without and then choose the host which provides the most important items. Use your list to make sure you are choosing the web host that is right for your needs.
Web hosts usually offer add-ons with their packages, the features differ between each host. When comparing the services offered by each host, ensure that the package you compare from each one contains the feature(s) you need. For instance, one host can have a lower price advantage, but the feature you need may only be in a package that is higher priced.
Improve your bottom line by taking a close look at the large number of web hosts out there. Rates can range from $2 to $60 per month — and it’s often the cheaper models that are the most reliable. While you will often see bandwidth increase if you pay for a higher priced host, the lower priced options might not mean any increase in downtime, which should influence your final decision.
Pick a hosting company that tends to not have very much downtime. Even if a company can offer you explanations for frequent outages, you might want to avoid that company. The company’s lack of attention to outage problems suggests that the company is not reliable and that your website may be frequently inaccessible if you use that provider. This can also be an indication of an unprofessional company.
Does the web host offer your money back guaranteed? Most hosts provide a guarantee that will allow you to have your money refunded within thirty days or less of signing up if you’re not happy. Many web hosts seem good but don’t live up to the hype.
Make a list of the priorities that are important to your site before you begin to shop for your site’s web host. Match your ‘must have’ list with services offered by the companies that you are considering. With this list prepared and handy, you can make a more informed decision based on your overall requirements, not simply on one factor, such as pricing.
Many web hosting services rely on the services of larger companies. These companies are in the business of buying bulk server space from a large host, and making money by leasing it to end-users. Check out where your website will actually be hosted, and verify that you have gotten the lowest cost and are not paying a middle-man markup.
Although it may cost a bit more, it may be worthwhile to invest in a secure server certification. A logo can be added to your website that lets your visitors know that your website is secure. This will make them feel more at ease with regard to completing transactions and entrusting your company with their personal information.
Look for opportunities to interact with current or past customers of different web hosting providers, check online discussion boards and communities. Having the ability to post questions that take up your concerns, will benefit you because you can eliminate this company if they do not meet your standards. This will give you the confidence you need to make the best decision. Customers currently using your chosen web hosting company are often the best source of feedback and information on the quality of service.
To maximize your profits for your website, look closely at the hosting companies that are vying for your business. Rates can range from $2 to $60 per month — and it’s often the cheaper models that are the most reliable. While some expensive hosts may provide more bandwidth, they may have just as much–or more–downtime than less expensive hosts.
Look at the website of the web host that interests you. A poorly designed website is a definite red flag for a web hosting company. A bad website might mean several things, the most serious being that the host may not be a reputable business. A good web design shows that this company possess attention to detail, along with web design and HTML experience.
If you want to save some money, try out a free host. Be aware that using these types of hosts will typically mean that advertising appears on your site, and your website’s space will be limited. Free web hosts generally don’t work out if you want to host a business site. The ads and limited storage space can make the site appear unprofessional.
Find out if your web host offers refunds for downtime. However, the downtime compensation will be minimal versus the cost of lost business you may have experienced. Choose a web host who has a good track record for uptime as opposed to offering refunds.
Many web hosts rely on other major hosts. Many of these companies will purchase server space for a cheap price, in order to turn around and make money by renting the space to smaller websites. Figure out which data center your site will be located in and buy hosting from the cheapest provider using that data center.
Never choose a web host just because that company offers the lowest price. It’s great to find a good deal, but don’t just choose a host based on them being inexpensive. Chances are high that you will end up sacrificing either quality or support, both of which are essentials in any web hosting company.
If you are new to designing websites, choose a web host with a great support team over one that has lots of fancy extras. You’ll likely have many questions about designing your site. You will benefit more from the technical support than the extra fancy applications that other web hosts may offer.
You should never commit to using a web hosting service before you get a glimpse of the user controls. Any decent web host will provide tutorials that are free to access for interested potential clients. If you can’t figure out the control panel, search for something a little easier.
Do not fall victim to gimmicks, scams and hidden fees. Plenty of hosts use disingenuous advertising to lure in interested customers with supposedly low prices, only to jack up the monthly rate with inflated fees. This is a main reason you should determine which hosting features you require and which features are included in hosting plans you are considering. Find a plan that includes the features you need but does not break your bank.
For the average website, many add-ons that web hosts offer can seem useless. You may see offers for unlimited storage, which can seem attractive, until you realize you have little data storage need. Predominately, only the web host benefits from the selling of the add-ons, the user company does not.
There are a lot of mistakes people make, and you have seen this shown in this article. If you take the time to educate yourself about web hosting basics, you’ll be able to avoid some of the common pitfalls that center around choosing a provider. Take the tips that you have learned here, and use them in your search for a good hosting company.
Ensure that the company you choose has a good history and has no time in which they are not operating. If you’re running a business through your site, the time that your site is down results in no sales. You will also be unable to get to your account when the host is down.
