Choosing A Web Host: What Beginners Must Know

If you have set out to build your own website, you most likely know that you need a web host in order to do this, but how do you begin? How do you even know who to trust, and what do you need for the sake of your site?

Well, I used to be in that same position when I started out with my first website, so you are not alone. However, what I’ve discovered is that the process is easier than you were perhaps initially aware. To help out, I’m going to give you a few key pointers that I believe will make a difference.

Do Your Research

First, you must do your research. I know that there is a number of web hosting companies out there that have horrific customer service, and just don’t handle issues well at all. They need to be avoided whenever possible.

Your research should focus on areas such as:

The uptime of their websites and whether it is a fair reflection. Do they have 24/7 customer service. What do you get for your money? Are there any hidden extras to be aware of? What do customers, both new and old, say about them?

I’m really talking about basic things here, but they can certainly make a huge difference.

Understand Your Requirements

There’s a good chance you have no idea what you need. Well, in most instances, the majority of people would only need the absolute basics with very few things added on. However, you need to be aware of how your website is going to be constructed. If you are planning on using WordPress, which is often a good idea, then you need to be able to have databases created. Look for hosting packages that include this. Or, look for packages that specifically mention WordPress as being part of the deal.

Aside from that, the key things I would recommend that you check out would include:

How much web space you have available. How much bandwidth you are allowed. (This translates to the number of visitors)Whether it is shared hosting or private hosting that you want.

Understand The Cost Of Packages

The cost of the different packages is very easy to understand. The bigger the package, the bigger the cost. However, from my own experience there is a certain sense of having to shop around as the difference that you pay can be huge.

Also, different companies will structure their price in such a way that you are drawn in and signed up to a 12 month contract, when perhaps you just wanted to dip your toes in the water. They do this by giving you a reduced price per month and they have that lower price displayed quite prominently on their website. However, the small print shows that it is only for people that pay it annually rather than per month that qualifies for that discount. Their hope is you don’t pick up on this, and they are then guaranteed their money for that year.

In my opinion, the key things I want you to be aware of with the cost of packages would generally include:

Compare and contrast the same size of packages from different providers, you will be surprised at the savings. Check if you are signing up for a month, 6 months, or a year to avoid being caught out in this way. Be aware of them automatically renewing your hosting package, as some do this without you being aware of it.

Now, I’m not saying that every web host company is going to take advantage of you, but some do. The good news is that it is easy to avoid this even when your knowledge on all of this is rather limited. As long as you do your research first, there should be no problems. The fact that there are so many companies out there offering this product is certainly going to make a huge difference to you. I personally use and recommend Hostgator—they have a 60% off offer right now.

For me, and my way of rounding this all off, I always look for the same things whenever I am searching for a new web host. It has served me well up to this point, and I have been successful at avoiding those companies that are just out there to take your money and provide you little in return. I keep my checklist by my side, and always work through it.

1. Are they helpful when I send a request for information?
2. Can I get in touch with them whenever I need to?
3. Do other people report a good experience or a bad experience?
4. Is the package big enough for my needs?
5. How much is it going to cost me?
6. Can I sign up for a month to test it out?

As you can see, nothing special. I hope that you too can take aspects of this and apply it to your own situation leading to you being able to get your website up and running without too much hassle.

This article is provided by Lodlois.com, a site that publishes information on interesting topics as diverse as health and web hosting.