With so many web hosting services on the market in 2021, trying to decide which is the best for you can feel daunting. By considering these five questions, you’ll be one step closer to finding out the best web host for you and your business.
What do you need your website to do for you?
Though you may be tempted to do a web search for the best web hosting service and pick the top one off the list, it’s important to understand that there is no single service that will be the best fit for every business.
Before you start researching different services, you should identify what type of website you plan to build, and what you need your website to do for your business. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- The amount of storage you’ll need
- Whether you plan to run an e-commerce store
- How many business email addresses you’ll need
- How much traffic you expect to have
With these in mind, you’ll be able to look for these specific features as you browse web hosting providers.
What extras does the company offer?
Though a web hosting service may claim to offer all the essential basics, other essentials may be offered as extras. Regardless of the type of business you run, the most important add-ons you should have include:
- FTP/SFTP access that allows for large-scale file management
- One-click installers to enable easy application and plug-in installations
- A .htaccess file to easily make changes to the entire site
Without these features, you’ll be working for your website rather than making sure it works for you, so pick a web hosting service provider that offers these in their packages.
What is their customer service reputation?
A search for the best webhosting 2021 will normally provide results for providers with the highest satisfaction, but you should never take this as a given. Even if their platform is considered to be one of the best, this means very little if their customer support is lacking.
In business, lost time is lost revenue, and you don’t want to be spending hours trying to solve a complex issue on your own. You also shouldn’t have to wait on hold for hours while trying to access support services. Take a bit of time to research the provider’s reputation before making an agreement.
How fast is the server?
With an almost incomprehensible number of desktop and mobile pages being ranked on Google every day, your server must run quickly and efficiently. This should apply to both the desktop and mobile versions of your site.
If your web hosting isn’t up to the task, your SEO will drop and your customers may get frustrated using your site and search for another business instead. Look for web hosting services that guarantee fast and stable loading times.
What is your budget?
Make sure you know your budget and take the time to compare web hosting services within this budget to ensure that you’re receiving the best deal without compromising on features. Regardless of your budget, there’s a web hosting service out there that is right for you.