Looking For A Web Host? Four Important Factors To Consider
Tags: Server, Hosting, Websit, Factors

If you run any business, then you will know the importance of having a website. Your website is the storefront of your business. It’s where potential customers can find out more about what products or services you offer. In this article, you’ll see four of the most important factors to consider while looking for a web host.

First impressions are important, especially in business, and you’ll want to make sure that you not only have a great looking website. But one that is fast to load, easy to use, and works on all types of devices, such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones.

The importance of web hosting

The company you use to host your website will be one of the most important decisions you will make. So you will want to make sure that you get it right.

There are several things that you need to take into consideration when searching for a web host for your site. In this article, we will look at the main factors and why they are important in making your choice.

Choice of hosting options

There are different types of hosting that will apply to different websites. So you will want to check that the web host you are planning to use has a range of options available.

There are many websites, such as 28msec, that provide excellent analysis and suggestions for web hosts.

Most people’s most popular option is shared hosting, where a single server is shared among many users. Sometimes this can be more than a hundred different users. All sharing the same resources on the server. It is the most affordable option and ideal for those who are running a simple website.

Other options include VPS (virtual private server) hosting, which is where you have a virtual server all to yourself. Allowing you more control of the hosting functions and options. This is a good choice for those who are running a larger website, such as an e-shop.

The most powerful option is a dedicated server, which is where you have a physical server all for yourself. This is a much more expensive option. It will require a level of experience and knowledge about server setups. Making it a choice for larger companies that often have their own IT departments.

If you are using the WordPress CMS, you might want to consider looking into getting dedicated WordPress hosting, which will be on servers optimized for that specific platform.

It’s also important to check with the web host about upgrading your hosting to a different type should the need arise. You might find that after a year or so, you’ve outgrown your shared hosting package and will need something a little more powerful.

Reasonable pricing

Another thing to pay attention to is the price. You’ll want to be sure that you are not overpaying for your hosting, especially if your hosting package includes lots of expensive add-ons that you aren’t even using.

Most shared hosting options usually come with three choices. They are usually for a single site, multiple sites, or unlimited sites. They will all provide the same functions and options. But with some web hosts, you will have a difference in the amount of disc space and bandwidth you are allowed to use.

The price will usually be around $7-$10 a month for single-site shared hosting accounts — multiple sites around $10-$15 a month, and unlimited anywhere from $15-$15. You should also check to make sure if the monthly prices being shown on the hosts’ website cost a month to month basis or for an annual subscription. More often than not, the lowest price you see being advertised is when you sign up for a contract of one year or more. If you want to use a month by a monthly payment plan, then the prices will usually be a few dollars more each month.

VPS hosting can range between $30 — $100 a month, depending on the specifications. Dedicated servers usually start at around $120 a month. Going upwards of hundreds more depending on the type of server you need.

Reliable performance factors to consider in a web host

Uptime is an important aspect of web hosting and relates to the amount of time each month that your site will be up and running. Problems with servers and data centers can happen out of the blue, and though in most cases the problems are fixed promptly, you might have a situation where your website is down for a prolonged period of time.

You’ll want to use a web host that has at least a 99.9% uptime guarantee. Anything less than that, and you could be asking for trouble.

Good support

One of the most important things to look at is the type of support that the host offers. You never know when you might run into a problem. Regardless of whether it’s something simple such as an email not working properly, or a more complicated issue with a database. You will want to be sure that there is someone on hand who can help.

Many web hosts offer round the clock support, while others may only offer support during working hours. If your host has limited support hours, make sure that they are similar to your work hours if your host is on the other side of the world. You might discover that their working hours are during the night for you. Going with a local host would be the better option in this scenario.

It’s also worth spending a little time looking for reviews from clients using that particular web host. They will be in the best position to share their experience and tell you if the quality of service and support from the host is good enough.

The last thing you’ll want is to have a serious problem with your website. And not being able to get any response from customer support.

Some final thoughts about factors to consider in a web host

When it comes to web hosting, you’ll find that many companies are vying for your business. Take your time and look closer at some of the potential hosts you are thinking of using.

Check out the reviews for their hosting services online. Some websites are purely up to reviewing different web hosts. These can give you a much clearer picture of what type of service a specific web host offers.

Suppose you are moving from one host to another. So, try to find one that offers site migration, where the new host will take care of everything. In other words, moving your websites from the old host over to their servers. If you don’t know what you are doing, this can be a tricky process. So it’s a great option to let the new host take care of this for you.