How to Choose a Webhost

Some Useful Tips

Prioritize connectivity and reliability. A quick and reliable connection obviously means more users and better business.

Some hosting packages offer domain names free of charge, but rather than becoming yours, these domains remain the property of the hosting company. If this applies to your chosen package, make sure that you can move it should you transfer to another host in the future.

Make sure you check the terms and conditions of the hosting package ( especially a free one) to make sure you can move to another host or get out of the contract without any problems.

Some hosting companies have an excess charge if you exceed your bandwidth, potentially landing you with an unexpected large extra cost if your site suddenly grows and attracts major traffic quickly. So always be aware of any bandwidth limitations in your package.

Make sure your host is can accommodate your present as well as future needs, as many free hosting sites do not offer many services such as a large bandwidth to accommodate audio and video streaming, scripting, eCommerce and database support.

Find out the Security Protocols of the host company and make sure they provide ample protection from and the various everyday hacks and cracks that will be attempted on your server , and that they will be maintaining and upgrading these procedures.

Seek reliable service and performance. Double check on tech support reliability and if possible secure some kind of written agreement regarding service should major problems arise.

Bear in mind that a host who offers flexibility in different applications such as both Windows NT and UNIX will be more efficient for your needs.

Protect ownership of your domain by checking the Whois database (www.whois.net) to ensure that your company is both the administrative and technical contact for your domain in case of any disputes between you and your hosts, and your domain is held ransom if the host is the registrant.

Ask and check references. Email existing clients and webmasters for their feedback on the host’s performance.

Make sure you are dealing with an actual host rather than reseller by checking out the other sites on the server. Be wary if most of them are spam sites, banner click-through pages or porn sites, as being linked with them could have a negative effect on your business.

Read the fine print to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of your service agreement before you sign. Make sure you’ve clearly assessed clauses related to fees and schedule of payments, copyright ownership, complaint procedures, and measures regarding renewal and termination of services. If possible, have a business lawyer go over the contract.

Remember, You get what you pay for! Research well, and try to scope out hidden costs and do not commit until you’ve tried out a “trial period”.

* Fact: An average web site should cost you no more than $1 per 10 MB and no more than $3 per GB for bandwidth usage.