Cheap web site hosting is something you can find easily with a quick Google search. But how do you know if these companies are any good? There are excellent inexpensive hosts out there, waiting for you to find them. Unfortunately, there are an even greater number of lousy ones.
All cheap hosting is not created equal. There are many criteria one can use to choose a web host, and they will differ from person to person and from business to business depending on need and preference. The things to avoid apply to everyone. The following list will show you exactly what you don't want in a cheap web site hosting provider.
- Often, cheap hosting means fewer features. This could mean smaller storage space, lower monthly bandwidth allowance, no support for certain software and less customer support. While it's is not as big a problem as it once was, it's definitely something that should be checked.
- Cheap web site hosting may be offered by a smaller company. Now it's not bad to go with a smaller company, but you need to make sure they have a competitive package. Customer support is expensive, especially 24/7 support. It can be outsourced (which brings its own set of problems) or in-house. A smaller company may not be able to provide the level of support you need.
- Another disadvantage of a small hosting company is that they may be a new company. Again, this is not necessarily bad. However, as with all new businesses, there is a risk that they won't make it past the first year. You need to decide if this is a risk you're willing to take.
- Data centers (the place where the physical web servers are housed and maintained) are also expensive. A cheap host may have their own bank of servers or they may lease a section of servers from a data center. Always check to see if the host has newer, high quality servers. You don't want to end up with a hosting company that is run out of someone's basement.
- Cheap web site hosting may not be as cheap as advertised. In order to get that low price that looks so inviting, you may have to sign up for 1, 2 or even 3 years. That means you pay for it all up front. This is a great bargain for some. But if you don't have all that cash up front and want to pay monthly, the price usually goes up substantially and a setup fee is often added.
It is more valuable to avoid the pitfalls of a second-rate web host than it is to save a dollar a month. Using these guidelines you should be able to spot a bad host from a mile away and still find a rate that fits your budget.
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Article Copyright © 2010 Aaron E Williams, MyMultiHost.com
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