Choosing a Webhost

Your web host holds the key to a consistent web presence – but do you want the basics or something more advanced?

When choosing a web hosting company that’s right for your individual needs, you need to make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible.

While it’s tempting to judge a company on its web space price alone, there may be hidden costs that you need to consider too. However, don’t forget that companies with comparatively high prices may include a number of extras, such as free 24-hour telephone support and unlimited POP3 email addresses. A good standard of technical support is a vital need for business sites, so it may be worth testing the host’s helplines or email support before making your choice. It’s a big decision, so be sure to weigh up all the options of what’s right for your company before you commit yourself.

Here’s some advice on what to consider before choosing your Web host. It’s all about deciding what level of service you’re going to need – now and in the future. These will be your main decision factors:

Platform – which OS will give you the right stability?

You will have a basic choice of Windows or Linux. You will need to consider which will offer you the best uptime and stability for your site.

Design – can they support your design format and shopping cart?

Saying your site is designed in HTML is not going to cut it. Does the site use ASP, PHP, XML, CSS or another type of script?

Size – do you need 500 MBs or unlimited, does it include database space?

Picking the right size will be crucial to the future of your site; more space puts the price up but not enough will mean an upgrade sooner than you think.

Databases – do they allow databases, and which ones?

Can the web host support the database your Website or shopping cart needs? Can it be made secure if you are going to keep customer details? Will it be fast enough so it won’t slow your site down?

SSL – secure certificates or secure space, what is available

To ensure your customers trust the site to place that all-important order, you need secure space access.

Does your web host provide shared secure space or do you need to buy your own certificate? Are you using it wisely? Remember that too much use will slow your site.

Partners – who is going to get your money for you?

Can the web host support a financial transaction partner? Do you have to use a merchant account? What are the costs and requirements either way? 

The future – can you grow?

You may start with a small site, but what happens if it booms? Have you got the ability to grow? Just how scalable is your chosen host?

Draw up a short list of possible suppliers. Look at their sites; email them – not forgetting to check how long it takes them to reply (don’t count auto-replies). All of this will help to build an understanding of the different hosting companies you are interested in.

Once you have the information you need to look at each one objectively. Call them; ask questions, lots of question if you need to. The person at the other end should be able to answer those questions, or at least transfer you to someone that can.

Taking these seven main points into careful consideration will help you choose the right package.