You will be surprised at the number of web hosting companies you come across on the web. Then how to pick the right hosting provider among them? Will you be tricked into buying a poor web host?
We’ve introduced some basic concepts of web hosting and the difference between hosting provider and reseller, today we’ll
Give some tips on how to find a web hosting provider that best fits you.
1. Write down the products or services you want to receive from the hosting provider
In fact you don’t have to write them down on a piece of paper, but you’d better make sure what you really need and don’t need, and the most important factor for you in looking for a web hosting provider.
For example, business websites hope that their websites can always be accessed at any time so that they’ll not lose any potential customer. As a result, the reliability of the hosting provider will be their focus when purchasing a hosting plan. And personal bloggers usually pay more attention on the availability of free tools.
The approximate number of web space you need, the bandwidth, the uptime, the customer support service…should also be put into consideration.
2. Targeting one or more hosting provider
This can be down through several channels.
First, and usually the most common one, you can get information from your friends, relations and co-workers who once used or are using a web host. They’ll be happy to share you some suggestion based on their experience.
If you’re alone in this field, don’t worry, there’s also numerous resource on the Internet. Do a search on the search engines, or visit the websites or forums on the topic of web hosting. Read the articles and reviews of other users, and learn from the advantages and disadvantages of each hosting providers.
After comparing the services offered by the hosting providers with you needs, you may find several providers that meet your needs if you are lucky enough.
3. Make a test for the web hosting provider you target
It is suggested that you test on the responsiveness and flexibility of the hosting provider you’ve targeted.
First, check to see if the hosting provider publishes their physical address and phone number on their site. Companies unwilling to reveal their location may have good reasons for hiding.
And don’t be fooled by the phone number on the site. A phone number on the website doesn’t mean your call will be answered by someone, especially on weekends.
So if there’s a phone number, call it on weekends and see if someone answers. If there’s someone answering, ask him/her some questions to know more about the service they provide; if it goes to voice mail, leave a message and see how long it takes them to call you back.
After the test, it’s the final time to decide a hosting provider to host your website.