How to Choose a Good Web Host
It is very
important that you choose a good web host.
Good doesn't mean expensive.
Good means reliable with great support. If the host you choose
doesn't have those two qualities, it's going to make your life miserable.
You are going to be really frustrated because your site is never up and
your emails are never answered.
You can save yourself a
lot of hassle by just choosing a good web host from the start. So,
how can you tell if a web host is good or not? After all, let's face
it - they all look pretty much the same and seem like they know what they
are doing, right?
Well, there are a couple
of ways. The great thing is these are pretty much foolproof and will
enable you to find out before you pay any money whether the host is good
or lousy.
What to Look For and
What to Look Out For
1.
It is very important that the web host you choose
provides fast, quality support. If you have a problem with
your web site you want help now, not in a day or two. Some web hosts
advertise 24/7 support, but only actually respond Monday-Friday. To see
how responsive your web host is send an e-mail to their support department
and see how long it takes for them to get back to you. If you send the
e-mail on Saturday and they don't get back until Monday, that isn't good.
2. Don't be fooled by a phone number.
Just because there is a phone number
on their web site doesn't mean someone will actually pick it up,
especially on weekends. If there is a phone number - call it after hours
or on weekends and see if someone answers.
If it goes to voice mail,
leave a message and see how long it takes them to call you back. In
the voice mail message you leave don't tell them you want to host with
them, say that you have a question on your account and just leave your
number. That way they will think you are a current customer not a
potential one.
My first web host had a
phone number and it's automated system placed you on hold. No one
EVER answered. My web site went down on a Friday afternoon and I
desperately needed it back up. I called all weekend and was on hold
for hours until I realized there was no one on the other end.
Although this happened several years ago, it still happens today.
Don't let it happen to you.
3. Don't transfer control of your domain name to
a web host. Most web hosts will "suggest" that you
transfer your domain name to them and make it seem like you have to
transfer your domain to them in order for them to host your web site.
You don't. Always keep your domain with your domain registrar.
That way you always have control over it and can easily switch to another
host if the one you're with turns out to be bad.
Some web hosts insist
that you transfer your domain to them and won't host your account unless
you do. These are becoming more rare, but if you come across one of
these hosts, run. Run fast. The hassles you will have to go
through if they are bad aren't worth any benefit they could possibly give
you.
It's definitely okay to
keep your domain and hosting together if you are getting your hosting from
a domain registrar, like
Act Now Domains,
because you retain control over all aspects of your domain account.
Always keep that control.
You can click here to see the web hosts I think are good on my
Web Hosts I Like page.
Click here for the hosts I like or
continue on to find out what account you should order
once you have
found a good web host.
