Choosing the right web hosting company can be difficult for a non-tech person. There are so many price points, so many options, and so many features to choose from, most of which probably don’t make sense to the average person. I’ve met many people who are either paying too much or too little for a web hosting service that meets their needs. While cheap plans are attractive, they’re not always the best choice. Here’s some things to look for:
Support
Most web hosting companies will offer some level of support, but is it by email, phone or ticketing system? What is their response time? Will they guarantee that they’ll get back to you within a set number of hours? Can you pay for a higher level of support? Support often is overlooked, but if your business relies on your website, and most businesses do to a certain extent, how long can you afford to have it down? Businesses who run an online store will have less tolerance for downtime than other types of businesses, since the website is their business.
Backups
Cheaper web hosting usually doesn’t provide any type of backups, so you’ll be responsible for keeping a copy of your website (plus any changes that have been made) and any databases or applications you’re using. Many web hosting companies have a control panel which allows you to make backups with only a few clicks. The problem is remembering to do them (plus keeping the backup in a safe spot). Almost all web hosting companies will have backups offered as an upgrade, and some even offer them as part of the regular service. Backups may not seem important until there’s a server problem and you lose the website that you spent hundreds or thousands of dollars developing. Backups area a must for any online store.
Space
Even the cheapest web hosting packages usually offer way more space (hard drive space) than you’ll ever need because space is pretty cheap. However, if you have an online application or if you host a lot of images, audio or video, space may become an issue. Take into account any costs for going over your space limit and whether the hosting company has any space upgrades.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is basically a measure of how many files and pages can be downloaded or accessed from your site. Every time someone visits your site they are using some of the bandwidth. Bandwidth limits usually aren’t a problem unless you’re hosting a lot of video, audio or images (large files), but you still should be aware of how much is included, how much it costs to go over the limit, and whether you can upgrade your limit in the future.
Ease of Use
How easy is the web hosting to use? Do they give you a control panel or some other web site that allows you to manage and upload files to your site? How important this is depends on your particular level of knowledge and what you’ll be doing with your website.
Control
How much control are you allowed over what can go on your site? Does the web hosting site restrict certain types of applications or files? Will you be able to run whatever applications you need to for your site? Can you make changes to your site or do you have to go through support? How much control you want depends on how comfortable you are with the technical side of things. If you have a web developer working with you, you’ll want to make sure they can do what you’re paying them to do without too much hassle.
Upgrades
As your site grows, will you be able to purchase upgrades for space, bandwidth, functionality, etc.? How long can you stay at this web hosting company without having to look for other options? What upgrades do they offer? Do these upgrades fit with the growth plan you have for your site?
Guarantees
Most reputable web hosting companies will offer some type of guarantee for uptime (99% uptime, etc.). Some of the cheaper packages won’t have any guarantees, or will guarantee less. Either way, how do they back their guarantee? Will they offer you back some of the hosting costs? What does their guarantee cover? What about lost sales or business (usually not except with higher end hosting)?
Security
How important is security to the hosting company? Do they do software and server upgrades to keep up with security patches and problems? Some hosting companies will do this for you and some will expect you to keep up with them. When you have to do them yourself, sometimes it’s just a matter of clicking an upgrade button on your control panel, and sometimes its much more difficult. Security is pretty important for web hosting since a compromised server often has to be completely wiped and rebuilt. What security is offered for online stores? Do they have their own security practices?
Integration & Flexibility
Related to control – how much integration does the web hosting company allow with other applications and web services? Will you be able to use your own shopping cart or analytics software? Do they provide applications? Will you be able to integrate your website with internal applications? You may not need integration to begin with, but it may be pretty important down the road.
Freebees
Many people get caught up in all the freebees a web hosting company offers, but many of these freebees are offered for free to anyone on the Internet. However, sometimes hosting companies will offer more valuable freebees such as Google AdWord credits or other online advertising. They may also offer applications that you would otherwise pay for (such as some types of shopping carts, email programs, or customer relationship management systems). Whatever the case, figure out just how valuable these offers are to what you’re trying to do with your website.
Looking Ahead
Choosing the right web hosting company should start with an understanding of what you want your website to be and do – both now and down the road. If you eventually have higher plans for your site, but want to start with cheaper hosting, that’s fine, but make sure you know how and whether you’ll be able to move/upgrade your site when you’re ready. Pick the hosting company that works with what want to do now, has a good reputation, and easy to work with. Ask around for recommendations.
What’s your experience with choosing a web hosting company? What questions do you have about hosting companies?
(photo by DeclanTM @ Flickr CC)
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