Selecting a web host could be a difficult process when you are unsure of the process or various things you need to look out for. There are several things you need to keep in mind while hosting your website. It is, unfortunately, quite possible to forget something crucial while you’re thinking about the advantages and disadvantages of several web hosting providers. On the other hand, if you have clarity about the aspects of cPanel web hosting you need, you can easily find the web hosting provider that meets them all.
The first step of choosing a web host is always to determine what your needs are. To help you further, we have comprised this checklist you can use to select a web hosting service that is extremely compatible with you. Take a look.
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1. Fast servers
Look for a web host with an internet connection that offers a basic T3 level or more. It is crucial since the loading speed of your web page will determine your profits and the success of your business. The faster your server, the better. The internet connectivity of your web host has an impact on the pages that do have a fast loading time. It is a guaranteed way of losing visitors if you make them wait for your page to load since customers shopping on the internet prefer to do so due to the quick loading time.
Ensure that your WordPress website loads fast as it could have a significant impact on your SERP rankings. Hence your choice of web hosting service informs your website’s loading spread and the SERP rankings.
2. Security
When you’re looking for a web host, you need to take into consideration the level of security that they offer, mainly at the level of your server. Check if they keep vulnerabilities at bay from your server by applying and updating all the OS patches available. The security they offer should also keep hackers and dangerous traffic away by installing firewalls that are on the level of your server. Avoiding DDoS attacks through DDoS protection and including a data processing agreement, are some of the vital security measures your web hosting service must provide.
3. Bandwidth allotment
These days, you can opt for free web hosting services, but they will allow you to have a set amount of traffic that your website can encounter every day or month. It basically means that if your website is accessed by more than the allotted number of visitors, the web host retains the right to either disabled your website for a given amount of time or else charge you extra for the service. The amount of bandwidth you use is dependent on your website design, the kind of audience you intend to target, and the number of visitors that load your web pages. So ensure that your web hosting provider supplies you with plenty of bandwidth for your website even if you have to pay a little more for it.
4. Cost
Of course, one of the main aspects of web hosting you will consider is the cost. The majority of web hosting providers will charge you a nominal fee for basic features. Basically, you can avail yourself of base-level web hosting services for less than $10 a month, which will include a domain name. Ensure that you read your contact in detail as there are several services that will offer you their services at a lower cost while their promotional period is going on, but will revert back to normal prices once it ends.
It is to be assumed that any additional features or services you need will require you to pay extra and these charges may vary. Hence, it is important to get a contract that states the exact cost you are required to pay for the features you select. This contract will most likely be a service level agreement (SLA).
5. Access
Your hosting provider will furnish your hosting account with a control panel to navigate it. In order to access your files, you will be given a file transfer protocol also known as FTP. It is the best way to send files or web pages to the computer belonging to your web host from your device so that it can be hosted. Take a note of the maximum amount of file size you are allowed, as it could hamper your ability to use media files that exceed a certain limit. Several providers will give you an online file manager that is greatly beneficial if you have to make sure changes in your website from your phone while away from your workstation.
6. Technical support
You can send a question via email to the technical support of your desired web host to assess the time it takes for them to respond. In case you have a big issue, having a technical support system that responds immediately is crucial or else you could potentially end up losing revenue as well as clients. A web hosting service that is efficient will provide you with round-the-clock technical support through various means such as mobile phones, emails, raising tickets, etc. You need to work with the guarantee that whenever you need help, the tech support team provided by your web hosting provider will be there to assist you. Prior to selecting a web host that you think is compatible with your needs, you can check the reviews and ask around to see if that web host is readily available for your needs and if they are worth the money you are investing. A simple google search will show you the average customer rating of various web hosting services.
7. Check the duration your web host has been in business
While it isn’t crucial to check this, it does give you long-term data of the company’s efficiency. If they have been continually growing, and retaining clients long terms with good reviews it might be a good web host to invest in. Choosing a newly established web host can be a gamble that could pay off, but could also end up in disaster. They might offer their services at a reduced cost, but if the service they offer has not been tested, it might cause irreparable damage to your website.
8. Website backups
While running a website or an online business, it is quite possible that you will encounter some problems and things will go wrong. There are times when due to no fault of your own, your technology might malfunction or your system could crash. Your backup system is your saving grace in such situations. Take a close look at the backup guidelines your web host follows. Check if the package you’re buying includes automated regular backups, and is it easy to manually create backups using your control panel. Also find out if you can restore your website by yourself easily, or if you will require the assistance of tech support that could cost you both time and money.
Conclusion
Keeping these 8 factors in mind will help you choose the perfect web hosting service. Keep in mind that whichever web hosting provider you choose, you’ll need them to deliver a high speed of page loading, a support staff that has expertise and experience, as well as huge server security. Having all of these elements will help make your website a success. Regardless of which website hosting plan you opt for, cloud-based, shared, dedicated, or managed hosting, check the pros and cons of each to find which one is most compatible with your needs at the best cost.
