How to Choose a Web Host for Your Blog

Before setting up a blog with your own software, you must carefully choose the Web host that will act as a server. Follow these steps to find a suitable Web hosting company for your blog.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Fire up your favorite search engine and enter any of these terms: "blog Web host," "Web hosting for blogs" or "hosting services."
2. You will find many results, but concentrate on the first 10 Web hosting services listed.
3. Compare the benefits and costs of each service. Grade each service by determining how it scores in categories that are important to your blog.
4. Narrow your search based on the plus factors. If it's a tie between 2 services, search for "name of Web host hosting concerns" or "hosting comments" and read any dissenting views about the service.
5. If you're still unsure, drop the service an e-mail with any questions you might have.
6. Based on your research, choose a host for your blog.

Tips & Warnings

• Put off signing up for a 1-year contract until you know you're satisfied. You can always move your site elsewhere.

Who Can Help: