How can you determine whether a web host is really good or just “so-so”? Do disk storage features and bandwidth still carry weight in this day and age? What type of hosting service should you choose? Read on to get answers to some of these questions:
Recognize Your Hosting Needs
First of all, you should know what you need to look for in a web host that is right for you. Before going any further, place everything aside (together with this guide) and think about your needs.
- What type of website do you want to create?
- Are you interested in something common like, for instance, a WordPress blog?
- Do you require Windows applications?
- Do you need a special version of software for your website (i.e. PHP)?
- What traffic volume do you expect, big or small?
Some basic questions you need to answer on your own are as follows:
Picture in your mind the way you want your website to look. Think about what could happen within the next 12 months.
Uptime Scores/Server Reliability
It is crucial to have a web host that operates 24/7. In addition, the chosen service should work on a powerful server with stable network connections. The ideal uptime score is 99.5% and anything lower than 99% should not be accepted.
There are several, different ways to get info on a web host uptime. Also, you can use server monitor tools to track these metrics. Most of these tools are available for a free trial and are user-friendly.
Hosting Signup vs. Renewal Cost Prices
Shared hosting and other hosting deals usually sell very cheap when you signup, but are more expensive when you renew. This is an industry standard. You cannot avoid these expensive renewal costs except perhaps if you want to move from one web host to another every year or so.
Generally, shared hosting that costs lower than $10 per month is reasonable, however, you may find it hard to tolerate. Therefore, if you do not want unpleasant surprises, check the TOS to make sure you agree to the renewal prices before signing up.
Refund Policy
- If you want to cancel your host during the trial period, will you get a full refund from the company?
- What is the refund policy after the trial period?
- Are there any cancellation fees?
Before you sign up, ask some basic questions.
It is crucial to know that your web host deals with customer refunds. This way, you do not have to spend too much in case any problems arise.
Some web hosts charge exorbitant fees whenever users cancel their account within the trail period. As an advice, stay away from such hosting providers at any cost. In contrast, there are hosting companies that offer money back guarantees at any given time, wherein you can receive a pro-rated refund when your trial period has ended.