Knowing What To Look For When Choosing A Web Host
A company is only as good as its weakest link, something that is often its web server. If you do not have prior programming experience, many of the options and add-ons will not make much sense and can make website hosting seem much more confusing than it really is. When it is not clear what to purchase, people generally just throw up their hands and choose something. Although this might sound confusing, this article can help clear some of the confusion.
Look into what add-ons and additional features that the different hosts offer. When comparing hosts, compare the levels of services and features offered. One company may offer lower prices, but you might have to pay extra to get the features another host gives as part of their package.
Do not register a domain name through your hosting service; if your relationship with your host deteriorates or goes sour, you will be able to transfer your domain name to a different server, rather than losing it. Your host will have the control of your domain registration.
Make a hard copy backup of your website data, whether your web host requires it or not. This is an extremely important function of website ownership, not only because you must comply, but mainly for keeping your data safe and secure. Should any problems arise, you will still have a copy of your site.
Hosting Service
If you can, get a website hosting service with a guarantee for your money back. If you find the hosting service isn’t right for you within the first 30 days after ordering it, you should be able to cancel it and get a full refund. Not all web hosts may actually be as good as what they advertise.
Research a bit online about the host you’re interested in before you actually sign up after reading any of the host’s promotional material. Find comparison websites and check out reviews to get a clear picture of the host’s quality of service. Outside reviews by customers of the host will offer the best indication of the host’s quality.
Remember that you often get what you pay for with free hosting companies. A free hosting account will include ad placement on your site, even if you don’t want it. Your control over these ads will be limited, at best. Ads will pop up randomly, completely outside of your control. Not only will this give your site an unprofessional appearance, your viewers will likely resent the intrusion.
Now you should be able to go back over some of that perplexing lingo you’ve heard before, and see if you are able to notice the pros and cons in the available hosting plans. Even if you are locked into a contract with your host, there are still plenty of things you can do to prepare for the move. Don’t let a contract prevent you from planning your steps for a change.