Ask Your Potential Web Host These Questions!
Whether you need a personal or professional website, an online store or want to start a blog, you will need WEB HOSTING. Even if you use free, open-source software, such as WordPress.org, to create your website, blog site or online store, you will still need a web host! No matter how awesome your website or blog looks, if Internet users can’t find it on the web, it was worthless creating it!
In a previous article we discussed WHY you need a web host – ‘web hosts are companies who provide the necessary skills, services and technology you need for your website to be searchable on the Internet’.
So, unless you have an IT Department with IT guys who know all about servers and networks and domains and hosting and databases, finding a WEB HOST is very important. In actual fact, it is a good idea to find a web host, BEFORE you create your website, blog or online store, to make sure everything is well-integrated!
The next step is to consider the differences in service delivery between free web hosting and paid-for web hosting. Also discuss which type of hosting will work best for you – shared hosting, dedicated hosting, cloud hosting … there are many options to choose from!
Once you have found a web hosting company who understands your vision and strategy, there are several very important questions YOU NEED TO ASK them.
Let’s have a look at some of these questions.
What is your Uptime?
The recommended uptime any reputable web host should offer you is 99%! Don’t settle for anything less! Remember, when the web host is down, your website is down. This can be especially frustrating should you have an online store, as tangible sales are not happening because the site is off line. Internet users very quickly lose interest and move onto the next site, when they battle to find something or a site takes too long to load.
What Security do you have in place?
Cyber crime happens every day. Anyone with an online presence can fall victim at any time! Check with your web host what online security they have in place to protect your site or store as well as your databases. Usernames, passwords, client details, account numbers … all of these and more are vulnerable under poor security. Is your site and information protected against malware? Is there a firewall in place?
What is your Customer Support Policy?
Unless you have an IT Department or know a tech guru who will be willing to help you when things go wrong, you will need support! We all have our area of expertise. If technology is not your strong point, you will spend countless hours trying to fix problems while losing customers. Support 24/7 365 is best practice. After all, the Internet does not have business hours.
How much Storage and Back-Up Space is on offer?
Backing up your data is very important. You know how frustrating it is when your contact list goes on the blink? And it is heart breaking when you lose photos and videos with sentimental value. Now think about the damage it will do to your business if information is lost. How much storage space will you need? It will differ from site to site. If you make use of videos, photos or Infographics, you may need more space than the next web or blog site. Make sure your web host understands what type of business you have and what you plan to do with your web or blog site.
What is your Costs Structure and Refund Policy?
Make very sure there are no hidden costs when signing up. Is the costs advertised on the web hosts’ website all there is? What about annual renewal fees? Are there extra costs if you want additional domains? Is email hosting included or extra? What about the cost for additional storage space? If you try out the service and it doesn’t work for you, will you be refunded? Also, ask about your upgrade options? When you business grows, your website or blog site or online store must grow as well!
Depending on your individual needs, there may very well be more important questions you need to ask. To be able to make an informed decision, do your research, and don’t stop asking until you are satisfied that what the web host is offering, is everything you will need and leaves room to grow!
