How Does One Choose a Good Web Host?
Again, I can’t stress how important it is that you choose a good web host. Let’s face it – how do you know if a web host is good or not? They all look pretty much the same and they seem like they know what they are doing, right? Well, there is one thing you can check on before you sign up and luckily it’s one of the most important things.
When you choose a web host, make sure they have excellent support. If you have a problem with your website you want help now, not in a day or two.
Personally, I refuse to choose a web host that I can’t get on the phone in an emergency. Some web hosts are sneaky and they put a phone number on their website, but it’s just for show. They don’t always answer or they advertise 24/7 support but are actually only around Monday-Friday.
How can you tell the responsiveness of the web host you are considering? You test them. If they have a phone number (and they should), call them late at night or on weekends to see if they are really there.
You can also send an e-mail to their support e-mail address (not their sales e-mail) and ask them a basic question like “How many e-mail addresses am I allowed?” or “Is there a limit on the number of autoresponders I’m allowed?” and see how long it takes them to get back to you. For a non-emergency email like that about 12 hours is acceptable. If you send the e-mail on Saturday and they don’t get back to you until Monday, that isn’t good. If they take more than 12 hours and either doesn’t have phone support or aren’t answering, choose another web host.
