Selecting the Right Web Hosting

If you're looking to set up and run your own website, one of the most important decisions you'll ever make is about your web host.  Web hosting is even more important than web design or search engine optimization, because the problems caused by getting it wrong are so much more difficult to put right.  This article will give you an idea of the sorts of things you need to consider in order to get your web hosting right first time around.

Important keys considering a good web hosting

Reliability
This is top of the list, because it doesn't matter how wonderful your website is if nobody can see it.  Nobody can guarantee 100% uptime, but most web hosts claim to be able to come close to it - 99% or 99.9% are commonly quoted figures.  Make sure you're familiar with your web host's uptime guarantee, and find out what happens if they fail to meet that level of service. Is there some sort of compensation scheme available if downtime exceeds an acceptable amount?

Disk Space
Obviously you'll need space in order to build a website, so find out just how much space you get, and make sure its adequate for your needs, now and in the future.  Some web hosts oversell their disk space, in the belief that their users won't take up their full allocation.  A little research on discussion forums should tell you whether this is something your web host has been accused of.  Avoid oversellers, as there's a much higher likelihood of your website crashing.

Security
For obvious reasons, it's absolutely essential that your website is secure as possible.  This is particularly important if you're handling payments online, so make sure your web hosting company has the appropriate SSL certificates and security features in place.  Ask for reassurance.  A reputable host will be only too willing to let you know that your data and privacy are in safe hands.

Back Up
How will your web host back up your data?  More importantly, how quickly can they retrieve your data should the worst happen?  Also find out about your web host's emergency planning arrangements.  For example, does their data center have emergency generators in case of a power failure?

Technical Support
Does your web host have adequate levels of technical support?  Can you get hold of a real person quickly in the event of a problem?  On average, how long does it take to respond to customer queries and fix problems?  Again, a reputable host will be only too happy to answer these questions for you.

Total Internet Solution
If you're new to running a website, it might be a good idea to look for a host that provides a total internet solution - everything from web design to search engine optimization.  You may pay a little more for these services, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Once you have considered these factors, then and only then should you look at price.  You can always get a good price on web hosting, but you can't always get good value.  Do your research, and take your time to find the right sort of web hosting for you.