How To Choose A Web Hosting Plan For Your Business
Every passing year sparks a new debate as to what web hosting plan is going to be best to use. The debate continues through 2017, and there are a lot of different ideas as to what is the best option to move forward with. Web hosting options run through all the same arenas that you would expect from the years that have passed by, but with a few changes. Today, and moving through the rest of the year, you should know a few tips that will help you pick the right web hosting plan to help protect your business ideas through this year. Without the “right” business plan, and without the “right” web hosting account, you could find yourself upset with how your website is loading, through and through. The following are just a few tips that can help your business thrive in 2017, with some easy tips on getting a solid web hosting plan. Business Web Hosting plans differ from traditional hosting plans in various ways and we’ll try to cover a few things you can do when searching for a new web host.
How Big Are You Going With Your Business?
First and foremost, ask yourself the right questions before you move or buy web hosting. Be honest as to what you want out of your company. Do you want to build a large portal? Do you want to set up a blog? How many people are going to visit? Ask these questions, and be honest about whether or not you’re going to reach a lot of traffic. Some people go for VPS options, or dedicated solutions that are far too much for what they need. Now, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing web hosting that accommodates a lot of visitors, and has a large capacity, but keep in mind, you may not need it. You should plan for the future, but if in 2017 your website isn’t going to need high capacity and high traffic, then you can save some money on your web hosting account.
The Hardware Element
Once you’ve asked a few questions about whether or not you need a large web hosting account, consider the hardware that the account will run on. Consider the RAM and the capacity of the servers that the web hosting company you’re going to use has. If they don’t have any information about the servers your site will be on, it’s imperative that you ask. Don’t go with anything that is antiquated. Antiquated servers will cause your website to slow down, and break down. A dedicated server should be able to not only handle a lot of traffic, but it should be ready at any given moment. Without up to date hardware, you will find yourself with lackluster web hosting.
Security Options Should Not Be Secondary
If you’re going to set up a small business website, it’s imperative that you consider the security that they have. Ask about security before you sign up for any web hosting plan. Security is not just about protecting your files by backing them up. You should consider hackers, spammers, and other nefarious people that may want to take out your site and all the servers that you may be dealing with. Site management is good, a control panel is great, but you want to make sure that the web hosting company immediately blocks out nefarious scripting and more. If they leave all security to you, the web hosting plan you have may not be worthwhile.
Additional Support (Peripherals and Software)
Additional support is an important thing that you want to deal with in regards to your website updates. As you look into web hosting, protecting your business could rely heavily on the support you receive after you install software. For instance, if you install a content management system, make sure that you have extra support. Extra support doesn’t need to be comprehensive, but tech support should be able to answer simple questions about your install, and update. There should even be a little help in regards to backing up your site, and updating templates, scripting and more. Without any additional support, you could find yourself with a web hosting you don’t really use.
No Hidden TOS Issues
Here’s something that you should know before you buy any Business Web Hosting account. Read the terms of service and see if there’s any fine print that doesn’t make sense. Your website may have content that could get seized. The web hosting account may not like that you’re setting up a particular type of site. Some of the “cheaper” web hosting companies, for instance, will NOT let you put up affiliate links. Others won’t let you put up adult content, and some will delete and suspend your website for any number of violations.
At the end of the day, the best thing that you should do about web hosting and protecting your business is to take your time. Don’t rush the purchase, and make sure that you have an idea as to what you want to do in the long term.
