If you're new to coding and don't already have a web host, it won't be long before you start looking for one so you can set up your first website and put your coding skills to the test.
However, with so many web hosting companies to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to use—and it's certainly not a decision you should make at random. Keeping this in mind, follow the guidelines below to help you choose the best web host for your next web project.
1.Consider Your Specific Needs
Unfortunately, choosing the best web host is not as easy as picking one from a list. Everyone's definition of "best" varies depending on their specific needs.
If you want to start working with WordPress, for example, you should use a popular WordPress host like Bluehost or HostGator. If you want to run an e-commerce site, you'll need to find a host that supports the e-commerce software you want to use.
Before you start looking for web hosts, sit down and write down what you need from one. Think about the following:
- What kind of website do you intend to create? Will you be using WordPress or creating a static HTML website, for example?
- Will you create more than one website? Some hosts allow you to create multiple sites from the same account.
- How much traffic do you expect per month? Be truthful to yourself. This will assist you in determining how many resources you will need. If you intend to grow your traffic over time, you may need a host that includes scalability in their package offerings.
- What technical specifications will your site require? Most coding languages, such as HTML and CSS, have no special requirements, but if you're using PHP, you'll need to find a host that supports it.
- Do you need any extra services, such as email hosting or an SSL certificate? Check that the host you choose offers what you're looking for (and at a reasonable rate).
- What is your budget for the month? Knowing this allows you to rule out specific hosts and packages rather than wasting time comparing features of hosts outside your range.
2. Uptime and load times
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a web host is the host's reliability and uptime scores. Obviously, you want your site to be operational as often as possible. Even a few minutes of downtime per day can cost you money and create a bad customer experience.
While no host can guarantee that their servers will be operational at all times, many companies claim uptimes of 99.5 percent or higher. Avoid hosting providers that claim less than 99.9% uptime.
Aside from uptime, you should look for a host with fast servers. There are numerous ways to speed up your website, but if it is hosted on a slow server, it will always be slow no matter what other changes you make.
Speed may not appear to be important to a novice with little web traffic, but it will become increasingly important as your site grows in popularity. According to KISSmetrics, a one-second delay in page speed reduces customer satisfaction by 16%. Furthermore, 40% of website visitors abandon a site that takes longer than three seconds to load. Small delays can have a big impact on your business.
To determine a host's dependability and speed, first examine their website, and then read online reviews to see how other customers' sites fared with that host.
3.Upgrade Paths
In general, shared web hosting is a good place to start because it is inexpensive and meets the majority of beginners' needs. Your requirements, however, may change in the future. As the popularity of your website grows, you may require more bandwidth, email storage, and other resources.
Don't be duped by unlimited or unmetered offers. Many service agreements allow your host to throttle website performance after a certain amount of use, which can significantly slow down the speed of your website. If you use too many resources, some contracts allow hosts to shut down your site or force you to upgrade.
That is why you should look for a host who will let you grow. Though you can start with shared hosting, a host that also offers VPS and dedicated hosting will be able to help you transition to a new server as your site grows.
4.Security Options
Another thing to think about when picking a web host is their security features. This is especially true if you intend to run a website that stores or transports sensitive data for customers, such as credit card numbers.
Begin by determining whether the host's servers use firewalls or malware detection. Inquire whether their servers are monitored for unusual activity. To ensure that data sent through your site is secure and encrypted, look for a host that offers SSL certificates. Some hosts also offer IP deny services, allowing you to block specific IP addresses, such as those belonging to hacker groups.
Finally, you should look into whether the host provides regular site backups. Even if you have a variety of security measures in place, there is no guarantee that your website will not be hacked or otherwise compromised. If your host offers backup services, you'll be able to quickly restore your site in the event of a disaster.
Choose a host that backs up your site every 24 hours, especially if you plan to update it frequently. You will only lose a few hours' worth of changes if any data is lost.
5.Customer Service
Customer service from a hosting provider can make or break your experience, especially if you need help getting your site up and running. Check to see if there are any support channels available during your research, such as live chat, email, or phone support.
Examine the support hours for each host as well. Some hosts offer customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whereas others are only available during business hours, making it difficult to reach them when you need assistance right away.
Finally, read reviews for each host you're considering to get an idea of the level of service they offer. Look for reviews that mention how timely and knowledgeable (or not) the support staff is—while keeping in mind that people frequently only leave reviews when their experience was either extremely positive or extremely negative, which may skew the feedback.
6.Price Comparison
Obviously, you'll want to choose a hosting plan that fits your budget. However, it is critical to look beyond the initial monthly price displayed when researching prices.
To begin with, keep in mind that many hosting companies offer introductory deals to first-time users. Your plan will automatically renew at the regular price after your first billing term. Make certain that you can not only afford the introductory rate, but also the regular rate.
Also, compare the prices of the host's other packages. If you go with the cheapest option now but decide to upgrade later, you may end up paying more for the upgraded package than you would with another host. Finally, consider the cost of optional extras and services. Some hosts, for example, charge a separate fee for email hosting, whereas others include it as part of their base rate.
Finally, consider the cost of optional extras and services. Some hosts, for example, charge a separate fee for email hosting, whereas others include it as part of their base rate.
There is a lot to consider when choosing a web host, and it all begins with understanding your requirements so that you can find the best host for you. What qualities will you look for in your ideal web host? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
