Tips for finding the right web host

[JennyFine]

If you are serious about your online business success, the choice is obvious. Why not use a web hosting service that allows you to take full advantage of the Internet's capabilities. You will most likely, not be able to compete and will be losing big money as a result. Here are the essential features you should be looking for in a quality web hosting package:

1) Fast Servers - Quality hardware and redundant OC3 or T3 connections. How fast your web pages load is directly proportional to your income. Don't let anyone tell you a server can be too fast.

2) Domain Name Support & Registration Services - Your web host must allow the use of your own domain name. They should offer free registration and work closely with Internic to get things done fast.

3) No Bandwidth, No Access, or Hit Charges - There is absolutely no reason to use a web host that charges for bandwidth, access, or hit fees. Unless you have an adult web site. The best hosting services offer unlimited bandwidth with standard packages.

4) Unlimited CGI Access (FTP/Telenet) - You will need CGI scripts at some time or another. Make sure that you have your own cgi-bin and the ability to upload any scripts you want. Never use a web host that limits you to the their scripts only.

5) Unlimited Technical Support - A good web host should have live humans to speak with on the phone. Insist on free, unlimited technical support via both email and telephone. You'll be glad you did.

6) Control Panel or Web Based Administration - Most quality web hosts have some type of interface that allows you to manage your server via the web. This is not necessary, but can be very handy for many who don't consider themselves to be the technical type.

7) Secure Server - If you plan on selling anything directly from your web site, you'll need secure server capabilities. The best offer low or no additional setup fees, and a low or no monthly fee for SSL.

8) Email Services - Your web host should offer full email services. Including, POP mailboxes, unlimited email aliases, and a generous supply autoresponders. Do not pay extra for these features.

9) No Minimum Contract - Don't ever sign a long term contract. It's not necessary. If something should happen and you decide to switch hosts, being locked into a long term contract could be very costly.

10) Money Back Guarantee - A quality web host offers a 30 day money back guarantee. You should insist on it! It is the sign of a professional company that will stand behind it's service.

[sslcheap]

There's a discussion about hosting going on over in eCommerce Talk:

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?t=25374&highlight=

[ADAM Web Design]

Most of that I agree with and it is a very good list overall, JennyFine. Obviously you've put some thought in it, so I won't rip you to shreds, just this once. :)

Buuuuut...there are some things that I would tend to disagree with.

2) The free registration service. Hosting is a cutthroat industry as it is, and when companies give away free domain registrations, they don't always let the user have administrative authority of the domain name (i.e. if the domain name ever needs to get transferred, the host owns it).

Domain registration and hosting should be two separate elements, just in case. Anyone who disagrees with me should register a domain and hosting with Network Solutions, then try to transfer the domain.

3) Unlimited bandwidth. No...such...animal. Doesn't exist. It's like fairies, leprechauns and Milli Vanilli's singing voice. It ain't there.

A good host will charge for bandwidth overages, since bandwidth is a finite resource and has a maximum capacity. By charging for overages, the host ensures that those who do go over reasonable limits do not affect those who don't in a negative manner.

4) CGI-BIN access. With the advent of other programming languages, this is an increasingly lower priority. Also, most sites still are done in static HTML with absolutely no programming elements whatsoever. Most sites don't need it, nor will they use it.

Other than that, I think this list is pretty well bang on.

Some of the ones I'd like to add to this list:

11) 24-hour maximum initial response time. Some issues will take longer than 24 hours to resolve (e.g. bandwidth provider issues). But the host should at least respond to you within 24 hours. A good host will respond in 12 and a great host will get most issues solved within 1.

12) Quality positive customer reviews. Don't go with a host just because they look good on paper. Find sites that use the host. Ask the customers for their opinions if they haven't been provided in testimonials. Most importantly, make sure the testimonials are specific and detailed as opposed to "i use cheesy host (http://www.cheeseyhost.com) they are grate an they fix my suport probelms within 6 ares they r gud".

13) Make sure the host has upgradeable plans. As your site grows, you will need increasing levels of resource and your host should be able to accommodate that.