Comparing Web Hosting Plans – Some Tips of the Trade

Articles on Hosting | Topics: hosting, web, host

by Ulises Johns

Spending your money every month on a web hosting is an investment in your future, especially if you have an e-commerce website, and spending your money should not be one that causes you anxiety or depression every day because you're not confident in you web hosting company. You can reduce and in some cases eliminate your stress by doing your homework on the different web hosting companies that are available for you to choose from. Read on to learn more about some the necessary requirements when starting out on your road to Internet success. Remember, the more time you take to plan the easier your experience will be when interacting with your website on a day to day basis.

If you're a small or medium sized website, you'll of course need the basics of a more static website, rather than a large dynamic one. Take a quick look at some the real needs you'll have to have with your new web hosting company from the list below.

Network UP Time. Always search for a company that has at least a 95% up time in service. This means they have the correct T lines for transmittal of data, and can stay online even when there is a drastic increase in the amount of traffic through its servers. You'll often see an increase when your link popularity goes up, and at certain holiday seasonal times. Remember to be fair in your look at the up times because all Internet hosting companies must debug problems and install new software to make your Internet hosting experience a pleasure.

Customer Service. Before signing on with any web hosting service make sure that you check them out thoroughly. You can read testimonials and look for service recognition awards from other companies. Also, you can search on the Internet for their ratings, and learn about their stiffest competitors. Always check with the Internet Better Business Bureau for complaints, and how long they have been in business. You can always test them before signing on by sending an email, and then waiting for their detail on your questions, and also how long it takes them to respond on a service ticket.

Disk Storage Allotments and Bandwidth Increase Options. Never take the word of a company as far as these two issues are concerned. Always sign a contract that will give you the option to increase your disk storage and bandwidth. Don't get locked into a contract that allows only a certain usage for an extended period of time. Most reliable hosting companies would not attempt this, but it's always better to be aware of your options. Disk storage and bandwidth are the two most crucial areas as far as increased price for your website.

Script Providing. You'll need to be able to get your information on the website, so pick a company that runs the same type of operating system (OS) system that you do, and thereby will offer the type of scripts that you'll need. For example, CGI and Perl Scripts run well with both the Windows and Linux OS, but if you use Access for forms, then you'll need a web hosting provider that runs Windows OS exclusively.

Bit of History

The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill
together.

—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

Website Statistics Reporting Software. This nicety is of utmost importance because even veteran website masters keep this software application on board. Without it, you won't be able to track your marketing plans, and your bandwidth usage. Wasting your time on not profitable website advertising and campaigns, and not accurately knowing who your visitor is a financial disaster waiting to happen, and you'll soon be out of business without it.

Control Panel. Most control panels are easy to use because they have been developed with a user-friendly interface browser for the everyday user. Certain OS systems like Linux are a little more complicated to use as compared to a Windows OS. However, if you're willing to take the time and learn the Linux, there are advantages to it, such as changeable code and free use. Whichever one you start out with, get comfortable with using it and explore the possibilities that it has to offer.

Of course there are other things to look for too, such as numerous email domains and great SPAM filtering.

In the end, pick a web hosting service through lots of research and you'll find that your attention to detail will pay off with lots of customers that are happy and contented with their website experience at your website.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Comparing Web Hosting Plans – Some Tips of the Trade" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by WebDesignConferencing.com.

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