Emonsterhost has compiled 8 steps to choosing the right webhost. There is often conficting advice on choosing a webhost, especially when the writer is trying to sell to you, but I think these are steps we should all take. The first step is to understand the different types of hosting. The three common types are shared, dedicated and VPS (Virtual Private Server).
Shared is your website and many others sharing the same server. Dedicated and VPS are your own servers. In today’s video the affiliate marketer reckons 75% of webmasters are bloggers and don’t need a host. 20% of the rest need only shared hosting and only 5% need dedicated or VPS hosting.
I think he has a point. If all you want to do is publish yourself on a blog, you probably don’t need your own host and can use blogger, wordpress or at least a dozen other free blogging platforms. I use shared hosting and for most websites you will get more resources, features and support than you will ever need. It’s web designers, developers, programmers and large complex websites that need dedicated or VPS hosting. Here are the other steps,
- Choose a stable host provider. How long have they been in business? How many websites do they host?
- Does the hosting provider have redundant data centres? What are their uptime gurantees?
- Do they have skilled technical support services? Test them out. Call them and ask questions.
- Search for and read reviews by customers and non-affiliated writers who have no axe to grind.
- Can you upgrade your service easily if your site outgrows your current plan?
- Who are you associating with? Does the provider have blacklisted IP addresses (often from spammers).
- Understand what you will get, what you will pay and read the fine print before signing up.
Some due diligence now could save you money and pain later on.
