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Step 1
Find a Site to Compare Web Hosting
There are a few different websites available that allow you to compare web hosting by price, features, ratings, and more. These sites make it easy to compare web hosting, and take all of the guest work out of choosing a hosting company. You can search online for “compare web hosting,” or visit one of the links below to compare web hosting companies right now:
http://www.besthostcompare.com/
http://www.hostchart.com/
http://www.webhostingrally.com/
http://www.comparehostingcompanies.com/ -
Step 2
Compare Web Hosting Prices
Most comparison websites allow you to compare web hosting by price. If you are looking for the most affordable hosting plans available, then this is a good way to start your search. Organize the available results by clicking on “Price,” or just scroll through the options available to compare web hosting plans by price – the most inexpensive plans are usually listed first.
Keep in mind that the cheapest web hosting plans are not necessarily the best bargain. Many web hosts that offer extremely low rates in exchange for hosting don't have a guaranteed uptime, which means your website may be down for extended periods of times, sometimes even days at a time. Other companies may not offer all of the features that more expensive hosting plans offer, which means you may not even be able to use your hosting plan for what you had planned. Still others have very limited or no customer support, which can leave you in the dark when you run into trouble. Keep this in mind when you compare web hosting companies based on pricing along. -
Step 3
Search and Compare Web Hosting Features
If you are less concerned with price, but interested in certain features that some hosting companies support, then you should compare web hosting plans by what they offer. You can do this by reviewing the options each plan listed has available, or by searching by specific features one at a time. When you compare web hosting plans by features, be sure that you look for everything you need before you sign up – or you may find out that one feature you really need isn't available after you sign the contract.
When you compare hosting plans, you'll notice that most offer the same basic features: PHP, MySQL, IMAP, etc. Less common features include Frontpage extensions or live video push. Keep an eye out for support that you need for features or software that is outdated, or require a lot of space or bandwidth when you compare web hosting features, because there's a good chance only a few web hosts actually offer them – which is why you should compare web hosting features completely to make sure you're getting exactly what you need. -
Step 4
Double-Check Features and Plans Directly
Some comparison sites may be outdated or blatantly incorrect in stating their facts about a hosting company. Once you find a company or a plan you want to sign up for, always re-check the plan, features, and pricing directly with the company after you compare web hosting. This will ensure you get the most accurate, up-to-date information available, before you sign up. -
Step 5
Sign Up Directly with the Host
You may notice that the websites you use to compare web hosting tout special sign-up deals or discounts for purchasing a hosting plan with a company directly from their site; this is because they usually receive money for referring you to that company. You can probably get a better deal if you sign up directly with the web hosting company on their site or by phone, so it never hurts to check out what deals are available directly with the company after you compare web hosting plans.
