A good hosting plan is the backbone of all websites and you need to choose it wisely. Here are a few critical things you should know about how to get web hosting that is perfect for your online business:
1.) Credibility of the Web host
An important aspect of how to get web hosting is to stay clear of the hundreds of run-of-the-mill hosting companies. More than financial loss, such hosting can have a negative impact on your website. Compare various web hosts, check hosting reviews and take advice from other successful webmasters regarding the most reliable and professional web hosting companies.
2.) Server access
Check with the hosting company regarding the kind of server access you`ll have and how you can control your site. If you choose Shared or VPS hosting, you will not have much control on your server while with dedicated servers you can enjoy complete control and flexibility.
3.) Bandwidth
Bandwidth governs the amount of data transfer that can take place on your site and also the amount of traffic your website can handle. In a hosting plan, the main cost is of the bandwidth provided and it is important to calculate your approx. bandwidth usage wisely. Stay wary of unlimited bandwidth as most such packages are either priced very high or impose restrictions on the type of file you can upload.
4.) Connectivity
The best web hosts use redundant lines to ensure that your website remains up and active, even when their primary Internet connections are temporarily unavailable. While choosing a web hosting check which hosts offer backup connections and high speed connectivity.
5.) Affordability
There are a plethora of hosting companies today offering packages from as low as $1.99 to as high as $800 per month and even more. Depending upon your website needs in terms of bandwidth requirements, disk space, server type etc, you can find a hosting plan that suits your budget and is cost-effective.
6.) Customer Service
A hosting company is known by the kind of technical support it provides as when it comes to online businesses, webmasters cannot take any risks. When you are learning about how to get web hosting, customer service is an essential ingredient you need to look for.
Ensure that the hosting provider offers 24/7, 365 Days customer support through Live Chat, Email and Phone. Check for the response time too i.e. the time taken to resolve a query.
7.) Flexibility
You are just starting out and your website requirements are limited, but when your business grows (which it will if you choose the right host) you will require more bandwidth, disk space etc. Talk to the hosting company about this and ensure that their plans are flexible enough to accommodate your growing needs.
8.) Security
The answer to how to get web hosting will be incomplete without mentioning about server security. All your website information including the files, emails, customer data and other details are stored on the server and it is imperative to keep it secure.
Virus and malware, hacking, physical damages, spam mails, URL hijacking are all potential dangers that can affect your server and eventually your business. Your hosting provider should incorporate high-class security mechanisms such as video surveillance, security codes and software to provide complete protection and security.
The best answer for how to get web hosting is to look for dependability, redundancy, affordability and customer support. Follow these tips for a hassle-free hosting experience and for finding the perfect web host.