Having a Web Host for your business allows you to use space on the Host’s Server linking you to cyberspace and the world.  It is the selection of an appropriate Web Host Service that can make your business a success.  Here I discuss Web Hosting selection and my 10 Checkpoints for consideration when choosing a Web Host.

When choosing a Web Host, think of it as a silent or mystery partner.  The service you receive from your silent partner will have a major impact on your business. The Web Host is the conduit from no business to being a part of the cyberspace world.

It is comparing providers that can be quite involved but if you look at the key factors or checkpoints, the selection will be much easier.  The main point to remember is that in the end, your selection must satisfy your needs and no one else.  Do not be afraid to call and speak directly the Host team to clear any doubts you may have.

So when looking for a Web Host use the 10 checkpoints that were the key to my selection of the provider I found to be the most suitable for my needs.  These points are not listed in any particular order or priority as it all  depends on the requirement of the business at this time.

It is the overall picture and outcome that gives you the relief of choosing wisely.
My provider is Rapid Hosting   

Having a Web Host for your business allows you to use space on the Host’s Server linking you to cyberspace and the world.  It is the selection of an appropriate Web Host Service that can make your business a success.  Here I discuss Web Hosting selection and my 10 Checkpoints for consideration when choosing a Web Host.

When choosing a Web Host, think of it as a silent or mystery partner.  The service you receive from your silent partner will have a major impact on your business. The Web Host is the conduit from no business to being a part of the cyberspace world.

It is comparing providers that can be quite involved but if you look at the key factors or checkpoints, the selection will be much easier.  The main point to remember is that in the end, your selection must satisfy your needs and no one else.  Do not be afraid to call and speak directly the Host team to clear any doubts you may have.

The following 10 checkpoints are the keys to my selection of the provider I found to be the most suitable for my needs.  These points are not listed in any particular order or priority as it all depends on the requirement of the business at this time.  It is the overall picture and outcome that gives you the relief of choosing wisely.

1.    Domain Features

I look for a one stop shop.  Am I able to obtain the Domain I want and have it managed here with the Hosting provider?

2.    Space

You will be assigned a certain amount of space on the Web Host’s Server.  25MB is plenty of space for the Web pages and graphics for most business Web sites.  If in doubt, give the hosting provider you are checking out a call and discuss the limits that may be required.

3.    Upgrade Capabilities

Is there a facility for you to upgrade your selection?  Is there facility for you to choose another provider later?  Are there binding contracts?  Make sure your name is listed as the “Administrative Contact”.  What are the benefits for picking a higher plan?  Do you need the features??

4.    Access and Management

You will be given access to Site Management Tools.   These can be very useful.  Your Host should provide access to manage:

Changing Your Password
File Manager
Manage Redirects
Customisation of Error Pages
Backup
Auto Installer like “Fantastico” that help you to install and manage web applications like WordPress and Drupal software.

5.    Help Files and Documentation

Check for good documentation and tutorials when looking at a long-term Web Host.   If they are not easy to follow and comprehensive, then you could be wasting your valuable time doing the research yourself.

6.    Mail Service

Check the number of email addresses you are allowed.  Can different aliases be forwarded to more than one e-mail address?  Are the set-up instructions easy to use?  Do they offer Spam and Virus Protection?

7.    Up and Down Time

A Web Host should be able to deliver 99.9% of uptime.  The .1% downtime should no be recorded during your peak times or for great lengths of time and should only ever go down for scheduled maintenance.

8.    Backup Frequency

How often do they backup their servers? It is also important that you have your own personal backup system in place in addition to any backup provided by the host.

9.    Support and Commitment

Is the support live, 24/7/365 and in the format you like to work?  Out of all other criteria, this was the most important one to me.  If I could not get service from a Living Human Being that was able to communicate in english, with empathy and understanding of what I was saying, I  knew  I  could not be happy there.  The operator had to “KNOW” their stuff and make me feel at ease with the solutions given.

10.    Recommendations

It is also good to check out providers that have been recommended.  Remember, to select the Web Host on what is best for you.

For me, once the Support and Commitment had been established, I was able to discuss what I was doing and my concerns.  Here I expected and received verbal and practical reassurance that my idea was achievable and that the support of this provider could assist in that outcome.

It is due to the continued hard work and commitment of my provider that I would like to recommend them here.  This is an Australian owned and operated company that exceeded my expectations.  Rapid Hosting

The main selection criteria for a Web Host Provider is universal however my selection came down to me personally and if I was able to work with that provider.  If this Web Host was going to be my silent partner, then I had to be sure it would suit me.

I hope this review on Web Hosting and 10 Checkpoints when selecting a Web Host Provider has helped in some small way.  To be more confident and positive with any information stated, or to learn more or get some answers to any questions that may have risen, go to Rapid Hosting and chat or email the chap there.  He has proven to me to be the best!!

 

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 30th, 2008 at 2:47 pm and is filed under Internet Marketing, Recommend. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.