It is very important that you choose a good web host. Good doesn't mean expensive. Good means reliable with great support. If the host you choose doesn't have those two qualities, it's going to make your life miserable. You are going to be really frustrated because your site is never up and your emails are never answered.
You can save yourself a lot of hassle by just choosing a good web host from the start. So, how can you tell if a web host is good or not? After all, let's face it - they all look pretty much the same and seem like they know what they are doing, right?
Well, there are a couple of ways. The great thing is these are pretty much foolproof and will enable you to find out before you pay any money whether the host is good or lousy.
What to Look For and What to Look Out For
1. It is very important that the web host you choose provides fast, quality support. If you have a problem with your web site you want help now, not in a day or two. Some web hosts advertise 24/7 support, but only actually respond Monday-Friday. To see how responsive your web host is send an e-mail to their support department and see how long it takes for them to get back to you. If you send the e-mail on Saturday and they don't get back until Monday, that isn't good.
2. Don't be fooled by a phone number. Just because there is a phone number
on their web site doesn't mean someone will actually pick it up, especially on weekends. If there is a phone number - call it after hours or on weekends and see if someone answers.
2. Don't be fooled by a phone number. Just because there is a phone number
on their web site doesn't mean someone will actually pick it up, especially on weekends. If there is a phone number - call it after hours or on weekends and see if someone answers.
If it goes to voice mail, leave a message and see how long it takes them to call you back. In the voice mail message you leave don't tell them you want to host with them, say that you have a question on your account and just leave your number. That way they will think you are a current customer not a potential one.
My first web host had a phone number and it's automated system placed you on hold. No one EVER answered. My web site went down on a Friday afternoon and I desperately needed it back up. I called all weekend and was on hold for hours until I realized there was no one on the other end. Although this happened several years ago, it still happens today. Don't let it happen to you.
3. Don't transfer control of your domain name to a web host. Most web hosts will "suggest" that you transfer your domain name to them and make it seem like you have to transfer your domain to them in order for them to host your web site. You don't. Always keep your domain with your domain registrar. That way you always have control over it and can easily switch to another host if the one you're with turns out to be bad.
3. Don't transfer control of your domain name to a web host. Most web hosts will "suggest" that you transfer your domain name to them and make it seem like you have to transfer your domain to them in order for them to host your web site. You don't. Always keep your domain with your domain registrar. That way you always have control over it and can easily switch to another host if the one you're with turns out to be bad.
Some web hosts insist that you transfer your domain to them and won't host your account unless you do. These are becoming more rare, but if you come across one of these hosts, run. Run fast. The hassles you will have to go through if they are bad aren't worth any benefit they could possibly give you.
It's definitely okay to keep your domain and hosting together if you are getting your hosting from a domain registrar, like Act Now Domains, because you retain control over all aspects of your domain account. Always keep that control.
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