7 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Web Hosting Provider

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February 21, 2023 Business

Running a business nowadays requires a solid online presence. It’s one of the prerequisites to getting an edge over the competition, especially if you’re in a highly competitive industry.

But to establish a good online presence, several elements come into play, such as online payment platforms and search engine optimization (SEO) campaigns. And yet, choosing the best web hosting provider is crucial.

After all, to garner an online following, you must have a place where that following can be channeled. That is what a website does. And to properly run a website, you need to work with a reliable, effective web hosting provider.

You may have heard that term but never seriously thought about it until now. It’s basically a service that provides storage space for all your website’s virtual assets, as VentraIP said of web hosting, among many others. Proper web hosting positions your site to perform well on search engines, guaranteeing visibility to your target audience.

With so many providers out there, it’s hard to find the one that offers the kind of support your brand website deserves. One thing you can do is start with what you shouldn’t do.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a web hosting provider.

1. Getting A Free Hosting Service

Some businesses often fall into the trap of choosing a free hosting service. It sounds appealing, but the service is usually mediocre and unreliable when managing a business website. These providers are usually unable to cater to the specific needs of your target audience at all.

When it comes to speed, free web hosting services rely on low-speed servers. These can’t handle large amounts of traffic coming into your website, resulting in slow uploads and downloads that frustrate users and discourage them from making transactions. Couple that with a limited uptime, and you get a massive drop in the number of visitors.

There’s also the fact that cyber threats continue to evolve, making security a top priority. Sadly, free hosting services cannot protect your website from them. As for customer support, it’s practically non-existent.

All in all, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The same goes for web hosting.

2. Selecting The Incorrect Type Of Web Hosting

Another common mistake many businesses make is selecting the wrong type of hosting for their specific business needs.

There are three main categories of web hosting available today: dedicated, shared, and virtual private server (VPS).

The cost of dedicated server hosting is high, but it guarantees a higher service standard, particularly in terms of flexibility and control. Shared web hosting is considered the most affordable choice among the three types. It does, however, have some disadvantages, such as security risks and limited resource access. As for VPS hosting, the pricing is between the dedicated and shared hosting type.

It’s always best to do your research so you can decide which one meets your brand’s needs and what you can afford. Factor in the number of assets you use, the kind of audience you cater to, and how you expect transactions to happen.

3. Disregarding The Need For Security

As mentioned before, cybersecurity should be a main priority today. It’s something businesses lose out on when they pick a web hosting provider in the hopes of cutting corners. Nowadays, any website is prone to cybersecurity attacks if the host lacks proper security measures.

Always ask about the security features included in the price of a hosting package. If you can’t get a good breakdown right from the start, you’re about to spend money on costly repairs or even risk losing all your crucial business data when a breach occurs.

4. Hiring A Web Hosting Without A Refund Guarantee

Like any service, you’ll set aside a budget for web hosting. There’s always a likelihood of something going wrong or instances where the service cannot meet your expectations.

So, if a web hosting provider doesn’t offer a refund or money-back guarantee, you’re setting yourself up for a bad deal.

Choose one that actually offers compensation if they fail to meet their due diligence. When the service doesn’t live up to your expectations or can’t provide your brand with any benefits, you should be able to recoup what you lost. Most reputable web hosting service providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, while some go up to 90.

5. Overlooking The Importance Of Online Reviews Or Feedback

Many turn to reviews to learn more about a particular product or service. The same goes when selecting a host for your brand’s website.

Checking reviews on the hosting providers you’re considering provides you with insights into how well they make good on their offers. They can easily tell you if you’re wasting time with them or not.

6. Forgetting To Scrutinize The Terms Of Service

During the selection process, it’s crucial to know everything there is to know about the terms of service, especially the limitations. Start by asking about the file types you can upload to your website and the amount of web traffic your site will carry.

If your website holds large files or receives significant traffic, you may be surprised when your host presents you with additional charges or else discontinues the service. Always check the indicated terms before locking in so you know just how much support you can receive from your chosen package and provider.

7. Neglecting The Testing Of Customer Support

When selecting web hosting, it’s crucial to test customer support. A reliable provider should have round-the-clock customer service to cater to any concerns or questions you might have at any point in time.

Make sure you do this beforehand. Ask about contact options, such as e-mail, phone, or live chat. Then, compare what they say and show what their most recent reviews reveal.

Watch Out For These Dealbreakers

The right web hosting is a key factor in ensuring your brand’s website functions optimally. Avoiding these common mistakes should save you a lot of time and effort. With thorough research and an understanding of these common mistakes, you’ll have the insights you need to properly compare service providers and get the support your brand deserves.