Finding a web host is easy. Finding the RIGHT web host is not.
There are many horror stories from hosting clients who have been treated inadequately by hosting providers that either aren't equipped to provide a good service or simply just don't want to ...
- domain names can't be transferred
- extortionate exit fees apply
- servers crash frequently
- support doesn't respond in a timely fashion
- the company ceases trading
- and many, many more
Whilst our sister company (http://www.saffas-web.co.uk) provides hosting services to UK clients, the following information is intended for you to use when evaluating any web host provider.
Domain Names
When it comes to control of your domain, NEVER compromise. Before you order a domain name from a company ...
Price Make sure the renewal price will be the same as the initial registration price. Some companies inflate the renewal fee.
Ownership
Make sure the domain will be registered in your name and that you are the domain registrant. Some companies register domains in their own name so the domain ultimately belongs to them and not you.
Online Tools
Make sure you will have access to online tools so you can manage the domain. In this way you will be able to make changes to the domain without relying on the registrar.
DNS Transfer
Make sure you will be able to update the DNS details so you have the option to transfer the hosting to another provider should you want to. Some companies do not allow you to.
Full Transfer
Make sure you will be able to transfer the entire domain to another registrar if you need to. Some companies make it extremely difficult and charge excessive exit fees.
Email Services
Before you order email services from a company ...
Email Accounts
Make sure you have a sufficient number of email mailbox and forwarding accounts. Some companies limit you to 5, 10 or 20 which you can find are used up very quickly. They will then charge you extra for adding more.
POP3 and SMTP and IMAP and WEBMAIL
Make sure you have access to all of these. Even if you don't need them now, you may in the future. Some companies will charge you more for using some of these services.
Hosting Services
Before you order hosting services from a company ...
Supported Languages
Make sure the hosting environment fits your needs. Windows hosting is different from Linux/Unix hosting. If you need PHP or ASP then make sure they are supported.
Server Location
Make sure the servers are actually located in your country. You will find many host providers actually have their servers in the US or Europe. This means that if maintenance is planned for US off-peak times, it will coincide with UK peak times and the server will be down during your busy period.
Databases
Make sure you have access to unlimited databases. You may not think you need them now but many common scripts use databases and you will find yourself needing them at some stage in the future. Many companies add a premium for this service.
Webmaster Tools
There are many server side tools commonly used by webmasters but which you can make use of. Many companies either restrict your access or charge extra for using them. If they are available, find out if there is an extra cost for using them.
Bandwidth Allocation
Don't be fooled by massive bandwidth allocations. Most sites don't need it and anyway, lots of bandwidth is only any good if it is supplied at speed. Most personal sites will get away with 1gb of bandwidth and medium sized sites will use no more than 5gb. You will only really know if the bandwidth supply is any good by using it. But if it sounds too good to be true then generally it is.
Support Services
Before you order any Internet service from a company ...
Location
Make sure there is a support desk in your country. Some companies send support issues overseas and, no matter how hard you may try, there will always be a language and time barrier.
Availability
Make sure the service provider has options for you to contact them at all times: definitely through a ticket system but preferably by telephone as well.
Telephone
Make sure there is a telephone number for support issues and that your call will be answered within an acceptable time. Some companies provide a number but make you wait up to 1 hour before answering your call.
Continuation
Make sure you have an account manager or you can at least can speak with the same support person you did last time you called. It's easier when you are recognised as a client and can continue a previous conversation.
Still in Business
Make sure the company are well structured so they will still be in business in 12 months time. There is nothing worse than a company that dissolves without making alternative preparations for their clients.
Recommended
We may be a little biased but we recommend our own web hosting services available from our sister company, Saffas Web ...
