Finding the right web host is key to ensuring that your website is always available. You have to do research, compare prices and plans, and check out references before you make your selection. Read on to find a list of tips which will help you find a host that will fit your needs.
Go for Linux hosting unless you need to use certain applications or server-side languages. Linux hosting has a better reputation for uptime, stability, and resource use. Shared hosting that runs on Linux tends to be somewhat cheaper, as well. There are, however, certain applications that need Windows hosting, including Plesk, Microsoft Access, Silverlight, MSSQL, and ASP.net.
You must be familiar with band-width, or the amount of data that is able to transfer in and out of your web hosting account. Different web hosting companies offer different prices on different band-widths, so you need to make sure you use this to help you make a decision as to who you should select for web hosting.
You should keep a backup of your site on your computer or on a flashdrive. In case your web host is encountering major issues and you cannot have access to your data, you will be able to switch to another host by simply uploading your site to a different server.
If you want a web host you can trust, look at the kind of guarantee they offer. Some services offer to refund your money if you decide you are not satisfied. This means these services are very confident about being able to host your website and keep it online constantly.
Make sure that you understand the difference between managed and un-managed web hosting. Those that are managed can be invaluable to you if you are not an expert yourself on the intricacies of maintaining a website. You will want to choose a managed one who has excellent availability of technical support teams.
A high-quality web hosting service should provide you with a wide range of useful site statistics, such as how much traffic your site is receiving. Consider adding a counter for visitors to your website, then compare this count to the statistics report. When you run an online business, this data will help you customize your strategy in reaching out to your audience.
All things considered, the cheapest web hosting company is not the wisest choice. Sure, you don’t want to incur astronomical charges for hosting, but you do not want downtime, lost customers, and many more problems based on choosing a web hosting company whose standards are anything but professional. Make sure you select a web hosting company that you can trust, and not the cheapest company.
The information contained in this article is a great place to start when figuring out how to select a web host to use. You should go from here and start looking at a variety of companies, create a short list and then really quiz them. In the end, your site will be available online at a price you can afford!