If you’re on the search for Web hosting these tips should help you choose the best service. So, let’s get right to it!
1. Choose a service with a focus on Web hosting.
- If your site is a vital part of your business, choosing a hosting specialist ensures that your site will receive the service critical to its success.
- Some ISPs (Internet access providers) offer hosting as an extra service. One bill cover all your needs, and that could make sense. However, network access and hosting service require different technical expertise.
2. Choose a Web host with services designed to meet your site’s growth.
- The success of a well-designed site hosted by an expert provider might surprise you. It’s a good idea to choose a company that can support the growth of your business.
- If you need to upgrade or move to a dedicated server, you do not want to be limited by your host.
You will find that hosting companies may focus on some or maybe all segments of the hosting market. Some for personal Websites and small businesses, others on e-commerce websites, and many offer a variety of mid-range services.
3. Choose a provider with a focus on customer care.
- The company you choose should offer 24×7 support – you don’t want to be stranded if you need help on a Sunday morning at 3:00 a.m.
- You will find that some hosting firms offer online support, while others offer phone support during business hours.
- Browse through the host’s knowledgebase to make sure they’re helpful. If they offer phone support check that telephone numbers are easily available.
- We also suggest that you contact their technical support to ask some questions. Make sure they can speak to your needs.
4. Choose a Web host with fast servers, multiple platforms, and the means to keep pace.
- Although it is possible to host a Website on the CPU of an average personal computer, responsive Websites require high-speed NVMe drives, error-correcting RAM, and powerful processors.
- Reliable providers host their sites on equipment built to withstand the constant spikes in Web traffic.
- In addition, they should be skilled in managing their servers’ operating systems (for example, Linux or Windows).
In the early days of the Internet, most servers operated on a Unix platform that later evolved to Linux. While Linux is still as popular as ever, you also have a choice of Microsoft Windows Server.
As your site grows in size and complexity, in all likelihood you will decide that a particular platform is desirable. It is best to anticipate this and choose a Web host that offers multiple platforms.
5. Choose a host with firewalls, malware protection and other security measures to protect your Website.
- It takes many layers of security to prevent determined hackers from wreaking havoc with your Web data.
- Most hosts offer some assurance that their network and software are protected from unwanted intrusions such as spamming and hijacking.
- Make sure the hosting company you choose has enough security measures in place to ensure that your data is completely protected.
6. Choose a provider with flexible options, so you pay for exactly what you need.
- Most Web hosting companies offer packages with increasing amounts of storage and bandwidth linked to a variety of products and services.
- Some hosts build flexibility into their plans, while others are less willing to modify their services.
In addition, small hosts often cannot support complex applications or accommodate growth. Make sure the company you choose can keep up with the changing needs of your site.
7. Choose a provider that can guarantee that your Website will be open for business at least 99% of the time.
- Excellent Web hosting providers can offer this uptime guarantee because they have invested in the best equipment, hired experienced engineers, and installed redundant back-up systems.
If a host guarantees less than 99% uptime, keep in mind that this translates into hours of down time per month – so it’s the equivalent of a “closed” sign on the door of your 24-hour business.
8. Choose a provider with adequate server space and bandwidth to accommodate customer growth.
- The Web is expanding every day, and you can count on the fact that your provider’s customer base will increase significantly – and soon.
- Make sure that the host you choose has the resources to keep up with growth (adequate servers and bandwidth) or the means to buy more as the need arises.
- A poor ratio of resources could mean increased downtime and a slow site.
9. Choose a provider offering prices that are in line with the range and quality of its services.
- You’ve probably seen Unlimited hosting ads for only $2.95 a month, but remember, you get what you pay for.
- Storage is cheap and easy to supply. It is much more difficult to provide users with consistent high-speed access, quality support, and guaranteed uptime.
- Make sure you know exactly what you need and what you are getting before you jump at a bargain, because for a few extra dollars your Website can perform with the best.
In conclusion, We hope this checklist can act as your guide as you navigate the Web in your search of web hosting.
Our focus at DataPacket is on hosting service. Your site will benefit from our full attention. We offer a wide range of business and E-Commerce hosting services. From shared hosting to complex high-performance dedicated server solutions.
