9 Tips When Purchasing / Choosing Web Hosting

1. Do not believe sites claiming to have a list of the top ten hosting companies. These lists are created with the sole intent in making money from referring you to one provider listed. The order of the sites are not based on quality of service provided but are actually ordered by company paying most per referral.

2. Try not to be fooled by a bloated feature list. Web Host will offer outline hundreds of features to seem as if they are actually offering more. Just focus on the main items, bandwidth, web space, number of domains, databases, and email accounts.

3. When a host claims to offer unlimited bandwidth and web space, it is not true. All hosting plans have some limitations on number of resources you can use. With Shared Hosting if you end up using a lot of the resources on the server, some host will go as far as terminate your account. Refer to TOS for limitation guidelines.

4. Always take the time to research web hosting companies you may be interested in using.

5. Make sure your web host has cPanel. A custom backend created by the web host will normally far short in functionality and speed.

6. Read the TOS. Do not rely on the feature list to tell you the limitations placed on your account.

7. After multiple bad experiences with web host, I will never choose a company that doesn’t offer 24/7 phone support. It can be difficult getting in touch with your host due to different time zones.

8. Cheaper is not always better. You may save some money but you risk be placed on a slow or buggy sever.

9. Take your time when choosing a web host. Making the wrong choice can cost you time, waiting for refunds, and having to transfer to a new web host.

Best of luck.