In starting a business, you need the best foundation to help you reach for success that’s more attainable. The same can be said for establishing an online business.
That is why it is important to find the best website hosting providers. You need those that have a proven track record.
Do a web hosting comparison. Check out what hosting services actually offer in a package.
When you compare five or more of the top website hosting services, you find out a lot of details. For instance, you get a better understanding of who can give you faster load times, content management systems, full control of your website, or even an eCommerce module.
These companies will take the hassle out of having to succeed in a completely new territory. After all, the internet comes with its own set of rules. There are rules which determine how your site gets ranked. You have to think about how to drive traffic to your webpage. And, of course, you have to learn about search engine optimization so that Google even knows you exist
As you can see, there different levels of complexities involved with maintaining a viable online presence and eventually seeing a return on your investment.
However, keep in mind a cheap web hosting provider or even a free website hosting services are not necessarily the best.
Details About Website Hosting Services
A website needs a specific location on the internet to ‘live.’ Therefore, consider the web host as its residence. A website hosting service acts as agents or property owners and allows you to rent, buy, or lease your website.
They take care of the processes in the background, which allow your site to function correctly.
Any person trying to get to your site needs a web address or URL to locate your page.
Within this business, you will find that many web hosting providers cater to certain industries or clientele. There are those which will offer the full gamut of services, while others will only offer you space, and it is up to you to build out your website.
These are important guidelines, which will help you to choose the right fit for your business.
However, there are some other factors which you must consider when selecting from the best website hosting providers.
How to Select the Best Web Hosting
Depending on the size and scope of your business, it can be adversely affected if you do not choose a dependable and competent host.
If you do a Google search, chances are you will be overwhelmed by the choices available. However, not all are created equal. Some of these providers have a proven reputation, which gives them the advantage.
These are some other points to consider:
- Security
- Reliability
- Compatibility
- Bandwidth
Security
In a time when people learn about cyber attacks and their information being compromised years after it occurred, your website security needs to be priority number one.
You do not want a service that is not able to counter such attacks. This might leave your business exposed and libel for litigation.
Therefore, you need to ensure they have certain features like:
- User Notifications
- User Authentication
- Daily Backups
- Firewalls
Availability and Reliability
Too many downtimes can seriously hamper your business. Therefore, you need to select web hosting providers who actually have a 99% “uptime.”
And not just say they do! Hold them to these promises.
This is where customer reviews come in handy.
Compatibility
This has to do with operating systems. Don’t invest in a provider who is using a system different than yours. You will have issues with migration when your site is not supported. Pay attention to the finer details.
Bandwidth
Always keep in mind how much bandwidth they will provide. This and disk space are important components of your buying decision.
If you are a large entity, or if you have an eCommerce site, then chances are you will need more than 10GB of space. You might need 500 or 1000GB. Such businesses tend to have a ton of images and other media to upload.
Check out what these services actually offer in an unlimited package, and how much it costs. Remember always conduct a web hosting comparison. However, in this area, try to compare four or more of the best website hosting services.
If you keep these points in mind, you will have a solid foundation to launch a successful online website.
Breaking Down 4 Website Hosting Packages
Next, let’s examine the finer details of the packages you are paying for. Typically, the more expensive packages are for larger business models. However, take a look at some of these more common packages.
WordPress Configuration Package
This is a popular option for many companies.
It is considered a shared service because many clients host their site with the same service. If you are looking for a provider that can handle high volumes of traffic and has a myriad of security features, this is the type of service you select. Also, they should offer pre-installation and loads your site faster.
Plus WordPress updates and security features are dispatched regularly and automatically.
Dedicated Configuration Package
You get complete control over the site when you opt for this package. The provider also allocates a specific server, which only hosts your portal.
You typically get to have full administrative privileges as well. Most times, you get complimentary features, which a lot of online companies do not necessarily need.
But, it is good to have options.
VPS Configuration Package
VPS stands for a virtual private server. It is a little more than just a shared server, and have specific functions. While you share a server, virtually the system is customized to reflect the opposite.
You won’t share resources like processing power and memory storage.
It can be the second most affordable plan.
Shared Configuration Package
This is the least of all the services. Generally, you end up sharing a server with many other websites. That includes sharing processing power, memory and anything else the provider is offering.
If you intend to only offer or use the basics, like file sharing and sending emails, then it is a reasonable choice.
You can consider it if you intend to have a small eCommerce module. This is a more attractive and viable option for new startup companies.
4 Must Have Website Hosting Features to Consider
So, we have mentioned a few features to consider when thinking about choosing from the best website hosting service. Here are several more, which should be at the top of your list.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Where are the servers located?
- Can I get in touch with customer service easily, if I have an emergency or just need basic help?
- Will users leave my page because it takes too long to load?
- Will my website ever go down?
These questions will reveal how good of a website hosting service that company is.
Location of the Servers
In terms of location, you should opt for servers closer to your home country. Plus, the more servers available, the better it is for your business. That is because your site will be able to load and perform faster.
Superb Customer Service Track Record
You can be set up for failure if you do not have a responsive service. This is especially true if your site is eCommerce based.
You are looking for reps that actually speak your language and work in your own time zone.
Web Page Loads in the Blink of an Eye
This is another important feature that is integral to your success. No one likes to wait for a web page to load!
Millions of users can come to your site, but because you have a poor load time, they bounce. This means they move on to a similar site that loads much quicker.
This is bad for your business.
Also, your webpage will rank lower on the Google search results because you have a high bounce rate.
Have Closer to 100% Uptime
You want a provider who has at least 98% to 100% uptime. Then you will know you are getting the best website hosting. If you are closed for business when your customers come knocking, your business could fail before it even gets a chance to launch.
4 Best Website Hosting Service Providers
So, now that you know what features to look for let’s review some of the best in the business. They continuously perform at a high standard and have a good customer rating.
1. Dreamhost Website Hosting
With this company, you have no hidden fees. Everything is up front. They too offer:
- Cloud hosting
- VPS hosting
- WordPress hosting
- Shared hosting
Plus Dreamhost has dedicated server as well.
Even though they don’t have 24/7 customer service, you will find that they are responsive to user issues.
2. A2 Hosting Web Hosting
When it comes to loading time, they have got you covered. In addition, their customer support team operates right around the clock. You can contact them, both online and via the telephone.
A2 Hosting offers:
- Shared Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
- VPS Hosting
- Reseller Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting
Plus domain name registration and other solutions. Visit their website for more comprehensive information on these packages.
3. Bluehost Web Hosting
Here you have one of the forerunners in website hosting. Their uptime is near perfect, and they only experience minimal lag.
Users find that their user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage the backend of their website processes.
This service readily offers:
- WordPress Made Easy, which has 1-click WordPress installation
- In-house experts offer 24/7 support
- 30 days Money-back Guarantee
- Free SSL Certificate to every website hosted at Bluehost
Check out the Bluehost website for more details.
4. Hostgator Web Hosting
Our top performer offers a ton of great features. These include a 99.98% uptime guarantee and great customer support. Also, you have access to some of the most affordable plans.
Hostgator sites have access to a number of great apps. These include:
- WordPress Hosting – excellent tool for building platforms
- Joomla Hosting – user-friendly and highly customizable CMS
- Drupal Hosting – use to perform highly-scalable and customizable environment.
- Magento Hosting – user-friendly tools for E-commerce activities
- Wiki Hosting – ideal for information sharing.
- phpBB Hosting – brilliant tool for building bulletin board website, a forum or an online community.
Choose Tried and Proven Web Hosting Providers
Launching a successful business online involves careful planning if you intend to make a mark.
So, take the necessary steps to find a good ‘plot of land’ for your site.
Persistently conduct an unbiased web hosting comparison. Look into what hosting services truly recommend in an unlimited package, plus how much it costs. But, try to uate four or more of the best website hosting services.
What do you think of these best website hosting services? Have you used these providers?
Share with us in the comments below!
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