Web hosting blues are common things for those who run their own websites. You must have come across problems like the website going down, overloading problems and many more.Here are some of the tips that you can keep in mind before selecting a web hosting service provider to keep the web hosting blues at bay.

*Check the Forums:Most web hosting providers have a forum or community for discussions. These forums make for great source of information where you can also interact with other clients and share your web hosting blues.
*Checkout the NetCraft:You can checkout NetCraft for information on the web hosting companies.
*Call the Phone Number:Always make a call on the phone number that is listed for the web hosting company. All web hosting companies should be easily contactable.
*Test the speed: Before selecting a web hosting company, test its website load speed. There are a lot of variables that determine a websites load speed.
*Location of Data center:Many web hosting providers have multiple data centers and some might give you a choice of where your server will be at.
*Ask others for advice:Visit the web hosting review sites and check out what others are saying. Read the reviews and judge for yourself the trust worthiness of the web hosts.

Most web hosting companies out there don't offer phone support (even if they list a phone #). I would try to contact them via email/ticket first, to see their response time. And, would then call the listed #, only if I could not reach them via email/ticket..

Usually, web hosts list a phone # for "Pre-Sales" related questions only.

I guess we're different then because we do offer phone support 24x7. Some clients want that personal contact. LiveChat is another popular option. I'm with HostLeet that you can't go wrong with email/ticket..

I agree guys. I think phone support is a bonus. It's certainly vital for the bigger companies. For a host that is starting out providing email/ticket support is fine.

Jack

Yes, phone support is only really necessary if the client base is there.

In my point of view: these are some things you may want to look for in a hosting company.

Reliability and speed of access-They should have at least have 99% uptime
Bandwidth allotment-Some host may use bandwidth cap to limit the transfer of a specified speed so make sure to test the bandwidth before purchasing the hosting account
Backup- Backup and recovery is one of the most important aspects of hosting. If a server crashed and there should be latest backup to restore it.
24/7 Customer Technical Support/Phone support/Chat support- technical support should be delivered over the telephone or online by e-mail or a web site or throught chat

Phone support is important, but for someone like myself living in the one country with a host in another, the chat support is most important. Good 24/7 support is a must for any hosting company however they deliver it.

I prefer support by email or tickets. As long as I know support is available 24/7 that's what it's important.

I think providing as many ways for a customer to contact you is a very important way to show commitment to your service. There are many times that email and chat do not translate well when trying to address a complex issue or when a customer is having a difficult time explaining their concern. Of course, having an associate on the phone that can effectively manage the call and the situation always makes for happy and loyal customers.

Well if the host provide 24x7 ticket or live chat support then there is no need of phone support. However there are some people who prefer the phone instead of email or ticket.

24/7 phone support is nowadays a must have along with live chat. People like to have human contact before buying a virtual service