How to Select the Correct Web Host for You

Whether you are a guru or complete beginner to web development, you do not want to make the mistake of choosing the wrong web host. Being brand new means, it may be hard to choose between all of the options or technical terminology may become intimidating. Experienced developers may find that their current host does not live up to your expectations.

A perfect web host for everyone is not possible. We all have different requirements and exceptions. Nevertheless, I have been through my fair share and here are suggestions that will increase the change of finding that perfect web host.

What do you need from a Web Host?

You first need to identify what features are important to you.

A large share of host have an inflated feature list and never except you to reach the limits. You need to define what you need in a web host so that you get everything and more. How many FTP or email accounts do you need? What are the minimum amount of domains and databases required? Do you need pre-installed items like Wordpress or stat counters?

Here are multiple things to consider:

Bandwidth – Normally bandwidth would not be the most important part of selecting a web host for the average webmaster, but it is essential to mention due to some host look to inflate this number by claiming to offer unlimited or unrealistic amounts of bandwidth (Refer to TOS to guarantee your limitations). Most webmasters will never take advantage of no more than a few gigabytes a month. Nevertheless, some web hosts do offer ridiculously low amounts of bandwidth – ensure that you have enough bandwidth for your site to grow.

Terms of Service (TOS) – Before signing up at any host, you need to dig through the TOS. Terms of Service are the legal documents that outline the limitations that are present on your hosting plan (stuff they do not mention in the pitch page). These documents also include information involving cancellation, automatic renewals, acceptable account activity, service availability, refunds, and so forth. Make sure you take the time to read this document.

Number of Domains – How many domains will you need? Many bargain-hosting companies limit webmasters to only one domain. If you plan to host multiple sites ensure that you have the options for multiple domains. I would never sign-up with a web host that required me to buy a new plan for every domain that I own.

Number of Databases – If you use any Content Management System (Wordpress, Joomla, etc…) you will need a database to support that CMS. It is important to establish that you have enough databases for your needs.

Control Panel – When I select a web host the type of control panel that the host uses is one of the most important factors for me. Currently most web host use a control panel called cPanel, instead of developing a custom one. Web host like Globat, GoDaddy, DreamHost, and many others have created a custom control panel, which in my opinion can be difficult and awkward to use. I suggest only choosing a web host that uses the standard cPanel (like ANHosting).

Customer Service & Support – Having the ability to pick up the phone and call your web host if you experience issues or have questions is another necessary feature that I look for when choosing a host. It’s very frustration attempting to explain your dilemma in an email that may take days or even weeks to receive a reply. I believe it also speaks volumes about a web host that is able to offer a free phone support service to their customers.