Let's start with the basics. When you are looking for a shared web host, it has to be both reliable and affordable. We often make the mistake of signing up with a cheap provider only to realize later on that it was completely not worth it at all, because of the technical issues and bad service we experience. If we want to avoid having to make such mistakes, we need to make sure that we choose a good web hosting service provider. Below are the characteristics that a good web hosting provider possesses.
1. Quality Technology
A very important aspect of a web hosting provider should be that their server is of top quality. When you avail of a shared web hosting provider, you will basically be sharing your server with others and if it is of poor quality, you can expect a rather unreliable server.
2. Knowledgeable and Skilled Manpower
System administrators should know very well how to operate the technology being used by clients.
3. Redundancy
When a shared web hosting service has multiple connections, it is helpful especially in times when one connection goes down. It can simply just re-route using another available connection.
4. Meets Your Needs
A very important aspect to consider when choosing a web hosting provider is that you need to see to it that this web hosting provider is able to address your specific needs. Additionally, you should get a web hosting package over your current needs because your site may have unexpected traffic when it becomes popular.
5. Fast Connectivity
People always look for a fast connection. In this regard, you need to see to it that your web hosting provider can give you a fast response time. Take note that you will be using a 'shared' system thus the least you get should have a T3 connection and using only half of the available bandwidth.
Once you have spotted a good web hosting provider, here are some tips for you to consider when you are already dealing with a web hosting company.
Check if it is upgradeable. Your business will eventually grow, and you need to check with the web hosting provider if the web hosting solutions they offer can grow with your company. This means bandwidth increase, upgradeable server-side scripting, and multi-media streaming, among others.
Look into their technical support. With the time zone difference and unexpected issues that will arise, it is important for you to ensure that the web hosting provider has a 24/7 technical support line that will cater to your concerns at any given time. They must also be able to provide excellent customer service, with knowledgeable and friendly staff.
Ask for references. Always check for references so you will know what others have to say about this web hosting provider. By checking with other webmasters, it is easy for you to gauge their capabilities.
Conduct a background research. While there are a countless number of web hosting providers, you can never be too sure of one unless you actually conduct an extensive research. Find out the payment systems they use, know who the owner is, and check if they have a sufficient level of technical expertise. But before this fact-finding mission, see to it first if this is actually a real and legal business.
Keep tab of payments. Many web hosting providers have a record of terrible practices so you need to monitor your credit card statements, and also make sure you keep your receipts. This is to help prevent double-billing and overcharging.
Don't forget to back up data. Even if you have the best web hosting provider in town, you should still back up your data because many web hosting provider can only recover files when there is a system failure.
Get your very own domain. Before you even go web hosting hunting, you should already have a domain name. You do not want your web hosting provider to take bigger control by providing you a domain name. It should be you who take administrative control over your domain name, and your web hosting provider offers the technical support.
Get guarantees. A good web hosting provider can give you guarantees should any untoward situations occur. There should be a form of compensation and quality support service if there is any interruption, such as when their server is down or when there are technical difficulties.
Read your contract. Know what your obligations are, especially when it comes to payment, and what is and what is not allowed under the terms of your contract. There are web hosting providers that do not allow high traffic content, while others only allow them when you sign up for special web hosting packages.
Find a good exit strategy. You might realize later on that this is not a good web hosting service for you so it is best to have a backup plan. You do not want to have to deal with an unreliable web hosting provider until the contract expires, so find a way to get out of the contract. Remember that reliability is very important for any online business and if your web hosting provider cannot offer you this, it is highly recommended that you find a better service somewhere else.
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