How To Meet The (mostly) Perfect Web Host
Looking for a perfect web host is kind of like looking for a perfect partner. We want to believe they exist, everyone else seems to have found one, but the search is long and it's easy to get discouraged.
By now I'm sure you realize that, just as their is no perfect mate, there is also no perfect web host. Just like people, web hosts are subject to mishap and seem all too often to let us down just when we need them most. Given these shortcomings, finding a web host we can feel comfortable with should follow some of the same rules for finding a mate.
So, where to start? Start with yourself and your needs; self evaluation is critical before starting any long-term relationship. What needs are you trying to fill? Do you want to start a personal blog? An e-commerce web site? A family web site? A forum to discuss urban landscaping?
The kind of site you have in mind may help to point you in the direction of a particular kind of host. Will your site require interactive page generation, will there be lots of traffic, or heavy database activity? You may need the extra power of dedicated servers. Are you creating a site to show of pictures off your quilting accomplishments? You will probably be happy with a shared server.
Are you new to the whole web hosting scene? Avoid the desire to be a wall flower and look for somebody that will treat you with tenderness and respect. Focus on customer service, look for reviews indicating great communication and support along with lots of ease-of-use features. After you've made a choice, test their support services early on before you have a lot of time and effort committed to your site. Send emails, make phone calls, use the online support to see how quickly they respond and how helpful they are. If you're not satisfied don't stick around hoping they'll change...they never change.
Try to have some idea what software you will need before you start searching for a host. Many hosts provide free and easy to use software packages for things like blogging and forums. If you are planning something more involved, make sure the host can support it. If you're a PHP type and your host is strictly ASP, you will never be compatible.
If this isn't your first time around the block, review your past relationships with web hosts. What did you like about them and what didn't you like? Were there features they offered you feel you can't do without? Or, areas they were lacking in that you would like to find elsewhere?
Make sure you understand your needs and your weaknesses before you start approaching web hosting providers. Look for one that is a close match to your situation. Take the time to do your research carefully before committing yourself and be prepared to walk away if things don't work out.
In the end, though it may be true that there is no such thing as a perfect web host, with careful planning and lots of research you can find one that meets your needs and makes for a happy long-term relationship.
Article Source: http://www.search-raven.com
About the Author
Dan Scott is a Computer Scientist with over 25 years of experience developing, constructing, and supporting computers and information systems. Make sure you check out his web hosting reviews on the top affordable web hosting sites.
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution - No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License, which means you may freely reprint it, in its entirety, provided you include the author's resource box along with LIVE links (without "nofollow" tags).
by: DanScott
Total views: 19
Word Count: 550
Rating: Not yet rated