Swamped by Web Hosting Companies
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Choosing Which Web Hosting
There are literally thousands of web hosting companies available. How can you ever begin to choose one with so many listings? Do you pick the first one you see? Or should you shop around? What if you choose the wrong one? This article will take some of the pain out of finding a good web hosting company.
Using a Search Engine to Find Your Web Hosting
Google, Yahoo, Excite or any of the major search engines will supply you with so many links that it would take hours to weed through all of the entries and you would be boggled by all of the information provided. You would think that the best solutions would be provided first but this is not always the case. Sometimes the best listings are in the middle of the numerous entries or maybe not even listed!
Instead of clicking on the first page of entries, click on a link that takes you to some of the later listings. Read their guarantees and read some of the user input in the forum section. If they don't have a guarantee or user forum, find another company.
Web Hosting Comparison Charts
Some web sites only purpose is to provide a hosting comparison chart. They will also have advertisements for paid hosting providers but they are usually ones that the web site is getting a kickback from and not necessarily the best choices. Use their charts to compare the features that the web host listings provide. Click on the company links. If the page takes a long time to load or you get a 'page not found' error, try another listing.
Read the user reviews provided on most sites since they can be a valuable tool to finding a host you will be satisfied with. Look for a site that does not force banner ads since these tend to annoy your new visitors.
Using Word of Mouth for Your Web Hosting Choice
If you know of friends of business associates that have already selected a web host, this can be the best method for choosing what company to use. If they are satisfied with the service and prices that they have been provided, chances are you will be happy with the choice also. Don't be afraid to ask them questions about the cost, domain name registration, and the support personnel.
Finalizing Your Decision
Before you commit to a web hosting company, send an email to the support staff. Ask a simple or silly question and see what type of response you get. Asking something as simple as "Can I host multiple domain names on one account? " can help you find out what the support staff is like. If their response is friendly and supportive no matter what you asked, then they will provide good support when you need it the most. Remember there are thousands of choices and there is always someone else who will be happy to take your money and provide you with the help you need.
