How To Choose A Web Site Hosting Service

Choosing a web site hosting service can be difficult if you do not understand the language.

In my humble opinion most quality web site hosting services offer quality server technology, good system administrators, network redundancy (more than one connection to the internet in case one connection goes down) and solutions that can grow with your wants and needs.

I list three companies on the hosting companies resources page that are excellent alternatives for anyone.

So that's it then. Well, I personally use all three web site hosting services I recommend. You guessed it, I have more than one site. Whether you choose one of the hosting services I use and recommend or another company, here are a couple of points that you should ALWAYS consider.

Web Site Hosting Companies And Levels Of Support

Cannot stress this enough. If things go wrong the responsiveness of the support staff is key.

Before you sign up, send them an email asking a question you know the answer to. Now wait and see how long it takes for them to get back to you.

Keep in mind that you are not a customer yet but more than 24-48 hours would worry me. Also, make sure that the answer you recieve is "in a language" you can understand (not too much techno-babble).

Finally, visit their online support and resources section. Do you like it?

Price of Web Hosting Is Only ONE Criteria

Do not let price be your sole criteria. Sure it is a factor. But it is better to pay $9.95 or even $15.95 and be in good hands than deal with a $5.95 per month "here-today-gone-tomorrow" web site hosting company.

The hassle of having to move hosting company is no fun. When I got started I made the mistake of thinking cheap host - cheap host -cheap host. It will NEVER happen again.

Long-Term Web Hosting Contracts

Avoid "forced" long-term contracts,

I always pay for a full year as the terms are more favourable. Not a lot but sometimes savings in the region of 10 to 20%.

But you should be "careful" when hosting companies insist on long term contracts or 6-month notice if you decide to leave.

Hosting Companies That Offer Money Back Guarantee

I get a lovely warm feeling when a company offers me a "no-questions-asked-money-back guarantee".

It tells me that they are prepared to back up their sales talk with a great product or service.

Scalable Web Hosting Plan

When you start out it is difficult to estimate what you need. I recommend you start with a "starter package".

But make sure you can upgrade without expensive sur-charges if your needs and wants change.

References From Existing Web Hosting Clients

Finally -- if you can -- check references. Do you know somebody that uses a web site hosting service? Are they happy?

This site is hosted with iPowerweb and I could not be happier. Affordable, fast, great support and money-back-gurantee to name a few of many great features. And the price will surprise you. Very affordable considering that iPowerweb is a top-level web site hosting service.

For a list of the top three hosting companies I recommend, visit the hosting companies resources page.