This is pretty simple. You need a way of accessing the dataspace provided by the host. Most people designing their own website will require frontpage access to the server, most professional designers prefer to use ftp. Lets get this out of the way now. Forget about it.
All web servers provide the ability to log the activity on a website.
A good host will not only provide you with your own set of log files, but will also make a Log Analyzer available. A Log Analyzer is a program that is designed to read the log files and help you wring some sense out of them by condensing the information down into manageable chunks. If a prospective host doesn't offer log analysis and access to log files, then you will never be able to track the performance of your website. Our advice, pass the host up. Access to your own cgi-bin.