Comparing Web Hosting Services Accurately

When many webmasters start comparing web hosting companies, it can be a challenge. While with other businesses you can simply compare basics like price and customer service, the same is not true with web hosting. You’ll find that all web hosting companies have different features and different services – and they could all also be different types of web hosts! So how are you supposed to compare them fairly and accurately?

First, know what kind of web hosting you’re looking for. Shared web hosting means that your website will be on a server with several other websites, and it will have to share all the resources that are on the server with those websites. This can be good for smaller websites. Dedicated web hosting means that your website only will be on one server; and this type of hosting is best for very large businesses that have a website receiving a lot of traffic. VPS is a cross between the two, where one server is virtually partitioned off so that it can hold several websites but they don’t interfere with each other. Decide which one your website needs, and then only compare web hosts that provide that type of hosting.

Next, compare the amount of bandwidth and storage (disc) space you will receive from that web host. These are the two most important features with any web hosting, and they’re also the two that will always be listed under the host’s list of features. Most websites can get by with just 2 GB of bandwidth, and you shouldn’t pay more just because one web host is offering “unlimited” bandwidth.

When comparing storage space, keep in mind that most websites don’t need any more than 5 MB of space. Like bandwidth, you could only be paying unnecessary money for “unlimited” storage space and, it’s not even really a possibility. Because all servers, even dedicated servers, only have a certain amount of room on them, it’s impossible for anyone to promise unlimited storage space.

Uptime is the next feature you want to look at – another item that will be advertised on all web hosting companies’ websites. Uptime is the amount of time your website will be actually running and viewable by those surfing the Web. Again, remember that it’s impossible to offer 100% uptime because all servers have to shut down at some point in order to have maintenance performed on them. But even though you can’t get 100% uptime, you should be able to get 99%; and you should only sign on with a web host that can give it to you.

Lastly, you must find out if the web host will provide technical support; and if the cost for that support is included in your monthly fee. Your website is essential to your business, especially if you’re running an e-commerce site from it. You don’t want to run into a major problem with it, only to find that your web host can’t help you. Or that they will for a small fortune. A web host should be able to give you help when you need it; and they shouldn’t charge you for it.

When comparing web hosts, it really can become quite confusing very quickly. Use these tips to compare web hosts accurately and fairly, and you’ll be sure to get the web host that’s right for you.