| Is there really a magic formula to determine the | | | | you may need extended support. A way to |
| best web hosting service? I'm sure thousands of | | | | check the reliability of a web host is to put them |
| people want to know the answer to this question | | | | to the test. |
| if there was one. To be honest, there is no | | | | Find a contact number (some even provide a toll |
| absolute correct answer to this. As you know, | | | | free number) or send them an email to inquire |
| individual results will vary from person to person in | | | | about something they offer. That way you can |
| terms of what they want out of a service. | | | | see how long it takes before you actually talk to |
| If there was a way to find the "best" web host | | | | someone or for them to respond to emails. A |
| to ensure you made the right choice, would you | | | | good response time for emails should be within 24 |
| be interested? | | | | hours. Especially with the large volume of inquiries |
| Hopefully the answer is yes! | | | | they may receive on a daily basis. Doing this will |
| I want you to understand that there is no "best" | | | | allow you to see how friendly and helpful their |
| web hosting service but there are some | | | | support staff is as well. |
| measures or steps to help find what's best for | | | | Testimonial test |
| you. | | | | I'm sure you've seen many websites post |
| The tips that follow should help someone new or | | | | testimonials to help give credibility to their |
| experienced choose the best possible host the | | | | products and services. A good cross check you |
| first time around. It can even help those looking | | | | can do is send the person who gave the |
| to switch hosts avoid making the same mistake | | | | testimonial an email to find out what they like and |
| twice. | | | | don't like about the web host. |
| Here's a checklist to help you get started in | | | | You should be able to contact the individual since |
| choosing a great host: | | | | websites will usually include the person's URL back |
| * Look at what's in front of you | | | | to his or her site as an incentive for giving the |
| * How is the service and support? | | | | testimonial. Doing this task will help you make a |
| * Testimonial test | | | | better decision whether or not to invest in the |
| Let's take the first point; look at what's in front | | | | hosting service according to the feedback |
| of you. No, really. Look directly at what's in front | | | | received from the customer. |
| of you. When you visit the web host, how does it | | | | Using these three points is a great way to gauge |
| present itself visually? If it doesn't look up to par | | | | whether or not the host is a good choice for you. |
| in terms of presentation you may want to avoid | | | | Taking the time now to research the service will |
| them. | | | | save you headaches and disappointment down |
| Low-quality graphics may indicate your typical | | | | the road. |
| "fly-by-night" type of company that won't be | | | | I know there were 3 tips mentioned above, but I |
| around very long. Even though anyone can | | | | wanted to throw in a fourth way to help you get |
| produce high-quality looking websites, this should | | | | the best hosting solution possible. A word of |
| raise a red flag if identified. While we're on the | | | | mouth recommendation is one way you can't go |
| look of the website, another turn off should be | | | | wrong. Ask a few friends or colleagues if they |
| misspellings. | | | | have used a particular host and for how long. |
| Misspellings can indicate a business that doesn't | | | | You may want to ask if they've switched from |
| take pride in how they operate. Would you trust | | | | another host and the reason for changing. Be sure |
| your website in a company that doesn't take | | | | to inquire why they continue to stay with the |
| pride in their business? There's no excuse for | | | | current host. This is a great way to gather the |
| misspellings when a lot of applications contain spell | | | | pros and cons of certain hosts based on the |
| checkers. | | | | first-hand experience of others. It will also help |
| Service and support | | | | you make a better informed decision before |
| This is by far the most important thing to have | | | | deciding to invest your hard earned money on a |
| no matter what type of product or service you | | | | host provider. |
| get. After all, things do fail or break down and | | | | |