Finding the Right Web Hosts

This article will teach you some helpful tips that will help you find the best offers out there when looking for a hosting plan.

If you want your website to be up and running, you must choose the best host possible. There are lots of free and paid hosting plans all over the Internet. Each comes with different packages. But beware of certain offers and deals that may not get you the best service:

Free Web Host

When choosing for a website host for free be aware of the following:

1.) Amount of diskspace / webspace

The amount of diskspace you need depends on your contents. Photo and video blogs need more web space than the simple blog sites because photos and videos are usually large files. If you want to host subdomains, you need at least 15mb web space because whatever amount of diskspace you have will be shared by you and your hostees. You don't need large amount of diskspace. Actually, 5mb is enough for yourself.

2.) Advertisements

Free web hosts usually fill your web site with lots of advertisements. This is like your way of paying them back for the hosting service. Some free hosting companies will require you to put their links or banners on your page. Some display pop-up windows every time your site opens which is very annoying to the part of your visitors. (More info: Some free hosting sites close without your notice because they can no longer afford the free hosting service they offer.)

3.) Bandwidth

It depends upon the number of visitors you have. Generally speaking, 50MB bandwidth is too little even for a personal blog. The suggested amount of bandwidth even for a site that is just starting out is 100MB.

4.) Availability and speed of access

Even if it's for free, your host must make sure that there's more uptime than downtime because if your website is down often, you will lose your visitors.

5.) PHP and MySQL

It's extremely rare to find a reliable website host that supports PHP or PHP with MySQL. If you plan to use these programming languages then you'll most likely have to pay.

6.) Domains

Going with a free web host is not the way to go if you're looking for a domain (.com, .org, .net, etc.). Domains have to be purchased and registered. Any hosts that promise to give you a domain for free (with no catch) is definitely too good to be true.

Paid Web Host

If you're looking for some extra services and are willing to pay, then be sure to look out for the following:

1.) Domains

Before you worry about anything else. You must choose a web host that will give you a domain (.com, .org, .net, etc.). If you're paying for hosting NOT on a domain, then you've been ripped off. There are plenty of free hosts out there that will do just that.

2.) Amount of diskspace / webspace

Most likely, sites need only 100MB - 1GB diskspace. So don't be fooled into spending more money than you need to by hosting companies that offer unlimited webspace. Four words: <i>You don't need it.</i> (unless your planning on using a lot of webspace, so be prepared to pay in proportion to that)

3.) Bandwidth

Don't believe any commercial web host that advertises "unlimited bandwidth". You need to always look for details on how much traffic the package allows for. Also be sure to estimate how much bandwidth you need. A starting website will not need much at all so don't pay for a hosting plan that you think your site might need two years from now. You can always change your hosting plan when the need arises.

4.) Availability and speed of access

The minimum uptime is 99.5%. You have to get your money's worth. Enough said.

5.) Technical Support

You need a reliable support service. Check how long it takes them to reply to any of your queries. You must also read their response carefully and check if it answers your query or even if it's related to your question. Remember, they should know how to fix your problem. You want a support team. Not a bunch of salesmen.

6.) Control Panel

Look for a host that will provide you with a control panel. You don't want to e-mail them every time you want to create a subdomain, do you? Plus, Control Panels (notably CPanel) often come loaded with administrative tools such as database management, website statistics, the ability to password-protect directories, etc, etc, etc. It's faster and more convenient to use as a website administrator.

7.) Subdomain and Domain Hosting

Usually, paid web hosts allow their clients to host subdomains. Check how many subdomains you can host. Some hosting companies only allow domain hosting when their clients pay for the most expensive plan. So if you want to host domains, make sure your web host provides that service.

8.) Server

Web hosts with company-owned servers are more convenient. You may ask them if they have company-owned servers if they do not state it directly. Having company-owned servers is equal to more uptime and, in some cases, more technical support.

9.) PHP and MySQL

With a good server should come PHP and MySQL. If you're planning on creating a strong, popular website (whether you can program in PHP or not), you should seek hosts that offer PHP and MySQL to their clients. The powerful capabilities of PHP working with MySQL databases will allow you to optimize your website with the ability to process and save information. This is needed if you plan to install any type of member system or forums to your website, for example.

Learn More: Learn how you can use PHP to establish uniformity and efficiency in your layout.

10.) Price

Of course, price matters! After reading all of the things written above, make sure you choose the right, affordable plan. I suggest you pay annually. Most web hosts offer big discounts if you pay on a yearly basis. Be on the lookout for special offers or holiday promotions. But be careful about paying for over a year of hosting at one time. A lot can happen in just a year, and you never know if you will keep your site up or if you'll wish to continue with your web host several years from today. Special offers for several years of hosting is just a scheme to get you pay more in your initial purchase (most often without complete refunds if you later change your mind).