If you are setting up your business’ website, or if you’re planning to revamp your current website for a better one, then choosing the right web host is important. Web hosting provides the needed technology like servers, as well as accessory services, in putting up a website on the Internet.
There are lots of web hosting services out there, and choosing the right one may be challenging. While there are people who base their choice of a web hosting service on prices, this should not always be the case. When picking the right web host, the price isn’t the only measure.
To help you choose the right web host, here are some tips from us that you should consider:
Consider your Web Hosting Needs
The first thing that you should keep in mind is that you should have full knowledge of your web hosting needs. This starts, of course, by determining what exactly you are building. Is it a business website? Is it an online store? Is it a community of your users? Or is it an online product?
Be clear as to what exactly you are planning to do because each one has its unique set of needs, and different hosts would treat each need differently. One may offer services that are better for your needs, so make sure that you tell them exactly what you want to achieve.
Explore Security Features
Your choice of web hosting service provider should have a decent security offering. No matter what kind of project you’re looking into, you will definitely need strong security. But this is more critical if you store your customers’ information like their personal and financial data.
Make sure to discuss security arrangements with your web host options. Remember, a high level of security is not optional.
Check Server Uptime Record
When you discuss with different web hosting providers, make sure to ask for a server uptime record. This basically tells you how much in a period the server was able to remain online. Your choice of web host should have an uptime of 99% or better. You should definitely say no to a web host that has a record of less than 99%.
You should not risk your site to go offline every now and then. And that is what just might happen if you put the fate of your site in an undependable web host.
Look for Site Backup
Another thing that you should consider is what the contingency plan if your site crashes. Does your preferred web host offer backup that could help you get back up as soon as possible? If not, then you might need to consider another one that does. You could, however, also decide to do backups on your own instead. This may ease your worry of having difficulties in going online again.
You should put great importance on having a dependable backup plan in place. There is a risk of losing all your files if you don’t do this. It would cost you a lot to start over again, not just financially, but also in terms of time and effort.
Choose the Right Hosting Package
You should assess the totality of the web host package you’re getting. Again, some would opt for the cheapest package they can get, but again, it’s not just about the price. Check for all the inclusions in the web hosting package that you are being offered. For example, a package that offers a Virtual Private Server (VPS) may increase the package price, but it will definitely provide you a site with better overall performance.
That being said, it’s recommended that you take time to study everything on your web hosting package offer. You’ll have to know what you are getting so you do not fall victim to shady providers. Take your time to understand the entirety of the package, and ask your shortlisted options to explain to you your desired package.
Know your upgrade options
New sites usually get the most basic package – one that only has the minimum requirement to start a site. While this is not bad, you should already consider your upgrade options because it may come a time that you will need to upgrade and expand your website. If your web host provider has no upgrade opportunities, then it would be difficult for you to do so. Remember to think of the future and consider upgrades even when you’re just starting. Thinking ahead is never a bad idea.
Read Web Hosting Reviews
Another way for you to assess your web hosting service options is to read reviews. It’s best to know about the experience of previous and existing clients of prospected providers. It will help you know the ups and downs of the various options you have.
However, you will need to scrutinize the review as well because these reviews might be generated by the provider themselves. If you can, try to ask for sample websites hosted by your prospected providers and visit these sites yourself so you can check whether these sites are doing great.
Look for a Quality Customer Support
Often missed out by businesses that are just starting their website is the importance of customer support from the web host. It is very important though.
A decent web host should be able to provide the help you need exactly when you need it. You’ll never know when a need might arise so your web host should be able to provide you immediate support just as a problem pops out.
So when talking to a possible web host, make sure to ask about the support they provide. Some specific questions you can throw at them are the following:
– Is customer support available 24/7?
– How can you request for support?
– What kinds of problem can they solve?
Consider a Host Which You Can Grow With
While we already talked about how taking potential upgrades as a consideration early on, it takes more than that to be able to find a long-term partner.
As your business grows, so does your website’s needs. But again, it’s not just about upgrading your package. The web host that you should choose should be amenable to provide a mutually beneficial partnership with you – one that can really provide your needs even as your needs grow.
Take this into consideration even when you’re just starting as this will definitely come sooner or later. It’s best that you plan ahead so you won’t jump from one provider to another. It would be great to have a partner that you can keep for life.
On choosing your web host, make sure that you take everything listed above into consideration. A web host is truly an integral part of setting up a website so you will need to choose carefully. Always remember that choosing the right web hosting service isn’t just about the price – consider every aspect and decide based on how it fits your needs.
About the author: John Vuong is the sole owner of Local SEO Search Inc, an SEO Toronto company. John’s mission is to help local business owners improve their online influence so they can dominate their industry. With his business acumen and innate understanding of the local business landscape, John writes blogs that delve on how to customize SEO campaigns based on client needs.
