You have already decided on the type of website you want, probably had it developed, and now it’s time to choose a web hosting service. This can be quite a challenging task, especially considering that there are very many hosting providers today, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses.
The top web hosting service providers (like these) try as much as possible to provide an all-round service but to ensure that you choose a service that meets your needs, there are factors that you need to consider. Below are five primary considerations when looking for a web hosting service.
What to Look for In a Web Hosting Service
1. 99%+ Uptime and a back-up option
Uptime is perhaps the most crucial factor. Most websites lose earnings when they are not up and available. Even for non-business sites, this is also a critical factor. Website unavailability usually hurts business perception from potential clients.
To avoid losing clients, consider a web hosting service that guarantees an over 99.5% uptime. Also, do confirm that the provider has a solid contingency plan when your website is offline. While most hosts claim a 100% uptime, most don’t really achieve that in reality. Keep looking until you find the best hosting services in Canada, the US, or wherever you prefer.
Another important inclusion is a back-up option. Some web hosting companies do not include this feature. Others make it an additional feature that you unlock after subscribing to a higher plan. Always confirm that the web hosting service you choose has a back-up and restore feature.
Unforeseen circumstances such as hacking, system failure, or a fire at the data center necessitate having a back-up. Typically, back-ups are taken and stored for a week or so. This ensures that, at any point, if you wish, you can restore your website.
2. Friendly interface
Not many people consider the interface when choosing a web hosting service. That, however, doesn’t mean it’s a trivial factor. On the contrary, the interface important as it dictates the user-friendliness of the hosting service.
A good web hosting should feature a functional interface that allows you to easily accomplish management & handling tasks. Some of them include domain name, SSL, domain email address, and back-up management.
3. Migration support
The priority when finding good web hosting is getting the best from the first day. However, this is not always the case as sometimes the service you end up choosing may not be the best fit for your needs. Settling for one that supports migrations is a wise choice just in case of such an event.
This way, when you need to transfer your website to a different host, you can readily do so with ease. It is good practice to thoroughly run over the migration process to ensure you are updated. This will help avoid surprises when the time to make a switch comes.
4. Reliable customer support
The customer support end forms an integral part of any web host service. The last thing you want is to be inconvenienced when your site is experiencing a hitch. If your site goes offline, you need to be able to get it up and running ASAP.
In cases the problem is out of your hands, you will need the help of a support team individual. A good host should offer a 24/7 dedicated and responsive support team. In case the host you prefer lacks an all-day-all-week long customer team, check the operating hours and days.
Also, confirm the available support methods. A top web host service should have at least a phone number, email, or live chat option.
5. Affordable price
Any web host checklist is incomplete without the price factor. Running a website is a little costly, and this adds to your overall expense.
To ensure you get the best deal at a fair subscription fee, always check the pricing of the plans offered. Note that an expensive web hosting doesn’t necessarily imply it is the best. The cost you incur ought to match the value you get in return.
You will also need to consider the type of hosting as it dictates pricing. If your site is just budding, shared web hosting is ideal and cheap. The cost of the plan you choose should be manageable for the foreseeable future.
Bonus features
While the above factors in the checklist are crucial, they don’t represent everything you need to keep in mind. Other extra features you should watch out for are website builders, server location, available resources, and the reputation of the brand.
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