What to look for in a reliable web hosting company
Friday, 19, Nov 2010 10:17
There are so many things to consider when it comes to setting up a website - particularly if this is your first foray into the world of online marketing.
For many small businesses, a website is the first port of call for your customers. You'll want to ensure everything is set up correctly and runs smoothly, allowing your users a hassle-free online experience - and the perfect place to start is by choosing a reputable web hosting company.
If your firm is located in the UK, it makes sense for you to choose a web hosting firm that is also based in Britain. A host that bases its servers, support and customer service teams in the UK will ensure that your service is set up quickly and your site can be easily located by Google.
Opting for a UK-based host also keeps the lines of communication as open and easy as possible - if you need to get in touch during the business day, a reliable web hosting firm can be easily reached over the phone, online or via email to help you with your queries.
As a small business owner, you likely appreciate a personal touch when it comes to customer service - which your web hosting company can easily provide. Look for a host that sends out email replies for named people and don't compromise with a system that assigns you a ticket number or a place in the queue. You'll want to work closely with your host to ensure your website is as functional as possible, so it is important to build good relationships with the people who are looking after you.
Look for a host offering a wide range of flexible packages so you only need to pay for services that suit the size of your company. There are hosting plans that have been developed specifically for small businesses and include domain names and between 25 and 50 mailboxes.
Shared hosting can be a great low-cost option for small companies, particularly start-ups. For a low fee, you can find yourself instantly set up and ready to go on super-fast HP servers located in the UK. This value-for-money option is a wise choice if you are looking for a rapidly scalable service and one of the quickest ways to get online.
Alternatively, if your firm needs a larger number of mailboxes or multiple databases, you may wish to opt for a larger hosting plan that can also handle a large amount of consumer traffic.
If e-commerce is your primary source of revenue, you can investigate services offered on virtual private servers, dedicated e-commerce servers or cloud solutions - or you can look into providers that offer Magento hosting if you want to use this platform.
Or if your site also uses a forum, you can discuss hosting options for helping this run as smoothly as possible with your potential hosting provider.
Of course, the best way to determine which web hosting plan is right for you is to carry out plenty of careful research and to get in touch with several hosting companies to discuss your various options.
This will also give you a good idea of the type of customer service you can expect from each company. Take note of how long it takes each firm to respond to your questions on the phone or via email - and consider your price options. As with any product or service, it is best to choose a provider that pledges no hidden costs - this will prevent you from seeing any surprises on future bills. You'll also want to evaluate the knowledge, technical expertise and courtesy of the staff, as you'll be working closely with them to build your successful website.
Whether you're a small firm setting up your first-ever website or a large e-commerce retailer, it is important to invest a bit of time and effort into finding your perfect web hosting provider. By taking steps to evaluate suppliers in terms of price, product, technical skills and customer service, you'll ensure you find the perfect match for your company - and have your online presence set up and ready to go in no time!