10 Things To Look For When Shopping For a Web Host

Finding the best web host can be quite a task; so many features, web hosts, packages, etc. This is why it’s important to have a basic understanding of web hosting concepts before you go out there and buy a hosting plan.

Let’s see some aspects and features you should consider when shopping for a web host.

1. Disk Space

Nowadays, many web hosts offer unlimited storage. Hosting companies are able to offer unlimited disk space based on the fact that most of their users will never use more than a certain amount of space. This pratice is called “overselling”. Unfortunately, some web hosts have pushed overselling to the extent of degrading their servers’ performance.

But that doesn’t mean you have to run away from unlimited web hosting. In fact, there are a lot of great web hosts who offer unlimited hosting such as HostGator, BlueHost and HostPapa. If you’re going to get an unlimited hosting plan, make sure to read the terms of service. Some web hosts put a limit on the maximum size a single file can be for instance.

That said, you must not choose a web host because of the disk space they offer. Just make sure they offer enough storage space for your website.

2. Bandwidth

The bandwidth is the amount of data your provider will allow you transfer. Again, just as disk space, a lot of web hosts offer unmetered bandwidth. Of course, you’re allowed to use as much bandwidth as you want… as long as it’s “reasonable”.

3. Supported Scripting Languages

Scripting languages are programming languages used to develop your website (or the third party web applications you are using for your websites). Scripting and programming languages include PHP, Perl, Ruby On Rails, ASP and ASP.Net.

If you’re unsure which programming languages your website is built with, ask your developper about it.

4. Database Servers

If you have a dynamic website, chances are you’ll need a database. It is used to store sequential data, like a product catalog for instance.

Most web hosts offer at least MySQL and this should be enough for most websites. But in some cases, you might need PostgreSQL or MS SQL. MS SQL Servers are mostly used in conjunction with ASP or ASP.NET websites.

One thing about databases you might want to check for is the maximum size you can use on the database server and the number of databases you’re allowed to create.

5. Control Panel

The hosting control panel is what you will use to manage your web hosting account. It will allow you to perform tasks such as creating email accounts, databases, password protect directories, etc. When choosing a web host, make sure they offer a control panel that’s easy to use and which offers everything features you need.

Some web hosts have their own custom control panel while some others use commercial ones. Some of the most popular control panels include cPanel, DirectAdmin and Plesk. Personnally I prefer commercial control panels as it’s easier to find documentation but also because it allows you to move from a web host to another easily if they are using the same control panel.

I’d even go to the extent of strongly recommending cPanel hosting over pretty much every other control panels. DirectAdmin is very good too but a less lot popular than cPanel. Plesk is not bad neither but it offers a lot less features than its competitors.

6. Data Center Location

It is important to choose a web host who’s data centers are the closest to your targeted audience. This will visibly increase performance.

Another advantage of selecting a data center is SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The geographic location of the web server your website is hosted on has an effect on your website’s ranking in search engine results. For instance, if you want to rank better on Google.com (USA) then you’d better host your website in the United States. And if you wanted to get a higher ranking on Google.ca, then you should choose a web host in Canada.

7. Customer Support

This is probably one of the most important aspect of a web host. While it’s sometimes hard to evaluate the quality of their service at first glance, there are a number of things you want to verify such as 24×7 support, phone support, a toll free number, live chat support, etc.

You can also browse our web hosting reviews to find out more about customer support ratings.

8. Performance & Reliability

Along with customer support, performance & reliability are probably the most important aspects of web hosting. While it’s hard to know whether a web host is fast & reliable before you’ve actually used them, you can actually check if your web hosts has a moneyback guarantee. This can give you the time to test them out and see if they live up to your needs.

9. Script Installers & Website Builders

Less experienced users often find left by themselves when setting up their websites, particulary if they don’t went to spend to hire a developper and / or designers.

Fortunately, there are some great alternatives that will help you to bypass all the technical stuff. For instance, there is Fantastico Deluxe, a script installer, that will automate the installation of tens of the most popular web applications such as WordPress, phpBB (a discussion board) and osCommerce (a shopping cart). Within a few clicks, you can setup a complete website or content management system without having to go through the manual installation process.

There are also some good online website builders that will save you from having to buy expensive softwares such as Adobe Dreamweaver.

10. Scalability

Might your website outgrow the possibilities of a shared hosting server, it is sometime easier to stay with the same web host and buy a better hosting plan. In some cases, this could mean a Business Class Hosting plan, a Virtual Server (VPS) or even a Dedicated Server.