How to Find the Right Web Host
Finding the right web host is not always the easiest process.
For every decent web host there are probably ten terrible ones.
Therefore, you should do a little bit of research before you ever commit to a lengthy contract / agreement.
My first advice is to evaluate the website you want to have hosted.
Just like your own computer, all web hosting servers have some form of limit when it comes to speed and space.
If you have your website currently stored on your own computer, one easy method would be to check to see how much space your folder is taking up.
It is more than likely that unless you have a huge website hosting lots of videos or music, you probably will not be using too much space.
However, you do want some room to build on what you have.
Be sure to find plans that meet your websites needs in space and bandwidth.
Next, you need to ensure that your web host has the necessary features to run your website.
Some websites can be developed in languages that require certain features.
For example, there are websites that require newer versions of PHP.
Or, you may have a website built in a programming language called ASP which requires a windows based server.
Perhaps the easiest way of doing this is to either have your web developer recommend a web host or simply ask him what requirements the website has in order to run properly.
You can then take those requirements and any decent web host will gladly tell you honestly if their packages will work for your needs.
Aside from physically being able to run your website, you should also be looking into the support of the web host.
Generally speaking, when you pay a monthly fee you are not paying just for the space and bandwidth being used, you are also paying for the time spent supporting you as a client.
If you are running a legitimate business and your website is having problems that technicians can fix, you should be able to expect that that problem is resolved in a reasonable amount of time.
However, the problem online is that a pretty website with good prices does not mean great support.
Asking a few questions to the support or sales staff is a good indicator of if the 24 / 7 technical support that many web hosts promise is actually real.
Also, uptime is a huge importance and might simply be a question that you would like to ask before making your first payment.
You want to ensure that your website will stay online without any significant downtime.
Particularly if you are running a business website, every minute your website is offline is potentially money that is being lost.
I recommend trying to find someone that has a third party uptime meter being shown publicly.
It typically means that they have intentions of keeping servers online and want to display that publicly for all other potential clients.
Essentially, just do a little shopping around before making a decision.
Do not fall into any traps that seem too good to be true.
Particularly unlimited bandwidth and unlimited space web hosting packages.
Find something that is within your budget and requirements.
If needed, ask around to find one that would best fit your needs.
For every decent web host there are probably ten terrible ones.
Therefore, you should do a little bit of research before you ever commit to a lengthy contract / agreement.
My first advice is to evaluate the website you want to have hosted.
Just like your own computer, all web hosting servers have some form of limit when it comes to speed and space.
If you have your website currently stored on your own computer, one easy method would be to check to see how much space your folder is taking up.
It is more than likely that unless you have a huge website hosting lots of videos or music, you probably will not be using too much space.
However, you do want some room to build on what you have.
Be sure to find plans that meet your websites needs in space and bandwidth.
Next, you need to ensure that your web host has the necessary features to run your website.
Some websites can be developed in languages that require certain features.
For example, there are websites that require newer versions of PHP.
Or, you may have a website built in a programming language called ASP which requires a windows based server.
Perhaps the easiest way of doing this is to either have your web developer recommend a web host or simply ask him what requirements the website has in order to run properly.
You can then take those requirements and any decent web host will gladly tell you honestly if their packages will work for your needs.
Aside from physically being able to run your website, you should also be looking into the support of the web host.
Generally speaking, when you pay a monthly fee you are not paying just for the space and bandwidth being used, you are also paying for the time spent supporting you as a client.
If you are running a legitimate business and your website is having problems that technicians can fix, you should be able to expect that that problem is resolved in a reasonable amount of time.
However, the problem online is that a pretty website with good prices does not mean great support.
Asking a few questions to the support or sales staff is a good indicator of if the 24 / 7 technical support that many web hosts promise is actually real.
Also, uptime is a huge importance and might simply be a question that you would like to ask before making your first payment.
You want to ensure that your website will stay online without any significant downtime.
Particularly if you are running a business website, every minute your website is offline is potentially money that is being lost.
I recommend trying to find someone that has a third party uptime meter being shown publicly.
It typically means that they have intentions of keeping servers online and want to display that publicly for all other potential clients.
Essentially, just do a little shopping around before making a decision.
Do not fall into any traps that seem too good to be true.
Particularly unlimited bandwidth and unlimited space web hosting packages.
Find something that is within your budget and requirements.
If needed, ask around to find one that would best fit your needs.
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