There are a lot of buzz words you’ll see when you are starting a website. However, choosing a “web host” may be one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Your web host, also called a web hosting service provider, will get your business online and allow your page to be seen by visitors.
The host stores your site on a server, and no, not all of them are created equal. The wrong choice of web hosts can hurt your site severely.
You won’t be listed on search engine rankings and your site’s lack of credibility can infect your business.
- 👉Free domain name.
- 👉SSL certificate.
- 👉Unmetered bandwidth.
- 👉One-click installations.
- 👉24/7/365 support.
- 👉Automated site backups.
- 👉Professional email & more.
- 👉Free SEO tools.
You may even set your consumers up for data breaches if the host isn’t careful enough. This begs the question, “How do you know which web host to use?”
#1]]. User recommendations
The bigger companies will always have more advertising, but how are their users recommending them? The ratings will tell all.
Your web host should have a strong mix of high reviews. You’re bound to come across a negative one or two since nothing fits everyone’s needs.
But overall, the ratings should be consistently positive. Look for people in your area who have reviewed important factors such as customer service, site loading speed, and the accuracy and speed of resolution of problems.
Pay attention to the web hosting site, since UK web hosts and US web hosts, for example, may offer different services.
#2]]. Price and value
The saying “You get what you pay for” is quite frequently true. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great web host for a reasonable price. In short, price and value play an important role in our decision-making.
The fact is that we all want a great value, but before you go clicking out of that site because their hosting fees are too high, check and see what is (or isn’t) included.
If you have special needs for your site, you may want to go with the higher price instead of purchasing software and applications individually.
#3]]. Security
Your web host is supposed to offer security that customers can trust. If they don’t, though, it’s not just them that is at fault – you can be held liable for any data breaches, too.
Check your potential web host for security protocols such as daily backups, SSLs (secure sockets layer, or a security lock that creates a connection between the server and the visitor), and malware scanning.
#4]]. The little things
Like when you were considering the price and value for what your site will need, it’s the little things that make a difference in whether your host is worth the cost.
Check for the storage space that you are allotted and what the web host’s bandwidth limit is. Unlimited is great until everyone is on it at the same time and your traffic is congested.
Limited is dangerous, though, in that you may lose visitors or run up a pretty big bill if your site is popular. Other things, such as free domain transfers and promo codes, might be the deciding factor between your top choices.
Make your choice carefully
Choosing your web host is as important as selecting the right domain name. It can increase your popularity, drive web traffic to your site, and let you be seen as an expert in your industry. But the wrong one can have potentially devastating consequences. Choose wisely and do your research!