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Step 1
Consider bundling services. One good place to start your search for a host is the company that already provides your internet access--if you are pleased with their level of customer service. That company may offer hosting as an "add-on," and you can take advantage of your existing relationship. Sometimes you can gain added discounts by contracting all your IT services (internet access, email accounts, web hosting, intra-networking, even telecommunications) within the same account. Many companies also offer domain name registration built into their hosting costs.
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Step 2
Compare various standard package parameters. The parameters of various packages will include a host's standard limits for certain server requirements like bandwidth, file storage, number of email boxes, or sub-domains. Make sure your file storage limits will accommodate your website needs. The storage capacity refers to the actual size of your website files. If you have a site that will include lots of photographs, streaming video or animation, for example, you will need more storage space than a site that is mainly text. The bandwidth reflects how much data transfer is allowed to pass through the server for your website. Data transfer occurs every time someone accesses any of your pages or downloads files. As with storage space, the more non-text data you have on your site and the more traffic you have, the higher bandwidth you need.
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Step 3
Explore a host company's available site add-on features. Web applications like blogging software, message boards, online form delivery and e-commerce are valuable additions to your web presence. Many host companies offer these applications for free as part of some standard hosting packages. Because many add-on applications require a back-end database, consider the number of databases allowed with the particular hosting package you choose.
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Step 4
Look for an easy-to-use administrative interface. You'll want a way to login to your hosting account administration page to make changes or updates to your preferences and site applications. An interface that is easy to understand and manipulate is crucial. Also, look for one that will automatically install various features such as blogging or e-commerce packages so that you are not required to pay extra for installation or to take on the role of computer programmer in setting up these services.
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Step 5
Make sure your hosting package includes a website tracking feature. Beyond a simple hit counter, a standard visitor tracking package will offer you valuable information about how much traffic your site gets, what type of search terms are used to find your site and what type of browsers and operating systems are used by your visitors.
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Step 6
Consider customer service. If the host company website is slow or difficult to navigate, or if the process of signing up is cumbersome, that doesn't bode well for future customer service issues. Check to see if your chosen company displays a toll free number for troubleshooting issues. Locate access to support email addresses and forms. Look for an on-line chat option for dealing with questions or problems with your site administration. If these options are not available, it's probably a good indication that the host's approach to customer service will follow suit.
