Hi

In this tread I want to open a discussion if it’s ok with you, about what to choose in a web hosting provider.
write what do you think is important in a web hosting provider ,and why is that important .

Uptime:
This is very important. Your site needs to be up atleast 99.9% up of the time. Uptime is very important and also shows your visitors that you mean business if your site is up when they get there.

Money back guarantee:
If you do not like the host you can always get a refund before the guarantee is over. Never pick a host without a money back guarantee.

Security:
Your files need to be safe on the server. So make sure the host is up-to-date with all their security settings, software, etc. Also, make sure your software is up-to-date as well as you could cuase a problem with security.

Established:
It is ok to go ith a host who has just started but if this is something serious then you should consider a host who has been up atleast a year or so. This way you know you are getting reliable service.

Support:
Now, if you can get 24/7 live support then by all means go for it, but the most reliable form of support is ticket support. So make sure the host you go with has 24/7 ticket support. This way if a problem should occur you can have it resolved quick.

100Mbit Port:
This is not a must, but is good to have. This way you can upload files to your account a lot faster than the standard 10Mbit Port you get with most companies.

Overselling:
Never go with a host that oversells. Overselling is when a host sells more than they can hold. For example: 300GB space, 2TB bandwidth for 3.99 is overselling. This kind of setup requires a dedicated server which will run you well over $100+

Upgradable:
Make sure the host is scablable. What happens when your shared account is no use to you anymore, can your host sell you a VPS? Make sure the host you choose has room for you to grow.

Anything Else:
Anything else you need should be included here. If you need extra IPs can the host sell them to you? need extra space or bandwidth; can the host sell you that too? So, just plan for the future and if the host can guarantee the stuff you need then by all means go with them.



Feel free to add to my list guys

When it comes to hosting providers price is not my thing. It is about the quality of the service from technical support, hardware quality and network quality. While it has been a long time since I have had to use shared hosting or even pick a server provider that is what I looked for. There is a good chance that is why I'm still witht he providers I choose.

em....what a nice write up. agree with you except the overselling....should consider once again.

Thanks...Wow, not to many people commented on this one >.>

I think one thing that could be added to the list is flexibility, especially in billing. When stuff happens, as it often does, how flexible is your provider? For instance, can they or will they set back billing, if requested, if you encounter delays shipping your servers for colocation? One other consideration is your provider's backbone connection to the Internet. For example, do they use BGP? Do they have failover solutions? Do they have GigE?

oooo...Thats what I forgot to add...When I got done I couldn't remember what else to add lol Thanks steve.

Thats really well explained by romes.

In addition to that, one must check for a host that offers good post sales support. The host should be available whenever needed, that means they should be there to help you out 24x7. They should believe in offering value for money. The host must offer an uptime guarantee of atleast 99.9%.

There are third party vendors that measure and publish the uptime of hosts.

I would have to say support and uptime. Along with features. The time it takes for a ticket to get responded to is essential to customer satisfaction.

I was just thinking clarity and honesty are also important. Are their plans clearly defined? Do their front page offers match their TOS? Do their reps tell you what they think you want to hear, or do they manage your expectations?

Here is the most important in my eyes:

Uptime
Support
Security
Hardware quality

With those you are on a very good start

The most important thing to me is research. Always do your homework before you choose a host.

I like livechat as a feature. That way customers do not have to spend all their time waiting on hold and their customer service experience is improved.

Great advice and nicely put.