Web Hosting 101 – What You Need To Know

Did you know you can send automated emails from your website? Well, it is possible if you select the correct web hosting service. This article will give you some of the tips and tricks behind what to look for in a web host that can serve your wants and needs.

Before committing to a single web hosting service, explore all of your options. Depending on the recommendations of one or two people can backfire, especially if those providing their opinions lack experience or have some kind of affiliation with the host they recommend.

You should inquire about the security precautions in place when selecting a web host. There are a variety of potential threats today targeting websites. Verify that your selected web host has implemented security measures, which can effectively handle denial-of-service attacks, as well as many other common threats. See if you can get them to explain to you any potential risks for your site if the host experiences an attack.

When you have chosen a web host, make sure to have monthly payments instead of paying a lot in advance. You have no way of knowing what your needs will be a year from now. If your host goes out of business or if your company outgrows them, you could lose any hosting payments you’ve made.

Choose a web host company with adequate room to grow. Will you have the storage space to expand your website if needed? Look for a host that will allow you about 100MB of space, as this should be plenty to meet your growing business’ needs.

While most web hosting sites suggest you back up your data; you should make a practice of doing so, regardless. It is very essential that you do not do this, not just because you will be compliant, but because you do not want to lose your information. When you have your backup, you always have your site code, no matter what happens to your hosting service.

Web Host

Look for a web host that offers detailed statistics about who visits your site. Get a visitor counter on your site, and compare this number to the statistics given to you by your web host. As an online business owner, you will benefit from using this information to tailor your approach to your audience.

When looking into a potential web host, extend your research beyond the promotional materials and website run by the host. Find comparison websites and check out reviews to get a clear picture of the host’s quality of service. Seek out reviews from existing clients.

Many web hosting companies are actually just affiliate accounts linked to the major players in the field. These companies purchase a block of space on the server at a discount, and turn a profit by leasing space to smaller sites. Find out if your web host is renting space from another host. If so, contact the larger host and get a quote for hosting services so that you can determine which hosting service will give you the best deal.

If you are new to web design, select a web hosting company that has outstanding customer service instead of just extra bells and whistles. You will, no doubt, have many questions about how the features work. Good tech support beats any number of extra bells and whistles hands down.

One effective way to find a reputable web hosting service, is to look for one that has won many hosting awards. This provides an easy way for you to judge a web host’s service and support. Even though these can be faked, most sites that have these awards have many visitors that cast their votes for the winners. Look for a host with a lot of awards requiring votes from their clients.

Self-hosting your site is not recommended for anyone using a dial-up Internet connection. To keep your website stable and current, back it by a reliable and constant connection source. If this isn’t the case, you will have times where your site will be offline.

Find out if your web host offers Windows or Linux hosting platforms. By doing this, you will have use of a variety of different options and you will have to learn how to use them. Linux is often less inexpensive than Windows and may cost you less in the long run.

Don’t pick your host solely on price. Be sure to investigate all the choices and features. Do not be swayed merely by a good price, as there is much to consider. Do your research and ensure that the host you choose is the right fit for your site.

Good communication is essential when selecting a host. You want your host to interact with you, respond to your needs, and provide regular updates and information. Of course, you will want to know that they are accessible when you have issues or problems.

Be wary if a web host charges an unreasonably low price for service. You may be tempted by the low price, but remember that it may indicate a lack of service. They will have limited customer service, low-quality hardware or other methods of cutting costs, which will impact your website.

Some hosting services offer refunds if your site is down. Generally, you will not be refunded more than a few cents, but the potential sales you did not profit from could really hurt your business. You should be looking for a web host that offers better uptimes rather than offering refunds.

You need to have multiple ways to contact your web host in case a problem arises. If you find that you can contact them via a live chat, email or phone support on a 24 hour basis 7 days a week, it means that they have pretty good customer service. This will save you a lot of headaches, if something should happen.

It should be clear by now that different web hosts prioritize different features. In order to find a host that suits your needs, you must first consider which features you need most. Use the above tips to ensure your business’s future success.