How to Choose a Web Host

Whether you’re a small business, a web developer or blogger, having the right web host by your side can mean the difference between a well-functioning website or a headache inducing one. Read on for tips that you can use to choose the right web host for your website’s needs.

Know Your Site’s Requirements

A lot of providers offer a specialized service that caters to a particular niche such as eCommerce or SEO. Being clear about the goals you have for your site and the features it requires will bring you more clarity about the type of web host required to make your website a success.

Support and Security

Opt for a web host with solid security and support infrastructure. Do a background check on the proposed web host to ensure that they have a responsive support department that’s available on a 24/7 basis across a variety of communication channels. Security features to look out for include automatic updates and backups, consistent monitoring, firewalls and customized
security add-ons.

Cost

Apart from paying for the hosting charges, you should also budget for other associated costs such as domain name registration, plugins, background themes and so on. These and other add-ons are essential components to building a website, and it’s important to prepare for them beforehand.

Know Your Type

Web hosting providers differ in the type of service they offer, and the one you choose will largely be determined by what your needs are. Once you know what you want to get out of the web host, it’s easier to then select one from the options available. The different types of web host companies include:

• Shared hosting:  As the name implies, you’ll be sharing the server with other clients hosted by the provider, and this may affect the quality of service, but it’s a more affordable and entry-level option.
• Virtual Private Server: Although slightly similar to shared hosting, VPS is a step up from the former option. It offers benefits such as a bigger slice of the server, software updates and maintenance, high quality security and monitoring features as well as high speed SSDs.
• Dedicated Hosting: Dedicated hosting is more of a high-end premium option that provides committed hosting services, and comes with perks like having your pick of operating systems and an IP address, up-to- date data backups and excellent customer support.

Free vs Billed Hosting

There are quite a few solid options when it comes to free web hosting service providers. They offer similar benefits as the billed option, but unfortunately lack the support infrastructure and customizing tools that you’d get from a payable option. So, although going with a free web host might be a good idea while you’re still figuring out what you want out of your site, you should definitely go for a paid option once you’re clear about your goals and expectations.

Conclusion

Regardless of your plans for your website, having the backing of a high quality web host can affect the success or failure of your site. Going with a premium option will give you peace of mind and a website that runs like a well-oiled machine. Remember to look out for features like high-end security and support features, and easy to use customization and maintenance tools. Check on MangoMatter for more important tips to help you decide.

Related article: What are the different types of web hosting?