The little things in a host... (Guide to choosing a host)

[bomb]

Hi, over the last few weeks or so I have been desperately looking for a host, I've looked at over 50 hosts and none met my needs. But one thing I've learned is to look at the little things in a host to determine if they are the right one.

1. The Billing System

A simple yet useful indicator of a top class host is the design of their billing system. If their website looks flash but their billing system uses the default skin, then you've probably run into a relatively new/ not so professional host.

2. Allowing of proxies/warez/p2p

If they allow this, and you want to host a legit website, don't bother with them, if they are forced to shut down, you suffer.

3. Content

Ok, this is taking it far, but copy+paste their TOS, or some of their home page content into Google, you will soon find if it is stolen..if it is, then you have another amatuer host.

4. Unlimited everything for $X.XX

A thorough analysis of the TOS will probably show they only allow blogs or something. You probably wont need unlimited for a blog.

5. Same amount of disk space as bandwidth

I don't really see a practical use for an equal amount of bandwidth as disk space.

6. Cheap looking website

Good designs cost money, if the provider has invested in a template, they are taking it a bit more serious.

7. 50% OFF, ENDS TOMORROW

Ok, so 50% off is great, but if it has been 50% off for the last month, then they are bull****ting you, you don't want a dishonest host.

8. Live chat

Talk to the live chat, if they are ignorant now, they will be ignorant when you sign up.

9. Forced 12 month plans

Any host who is confident in themselves will not force you to sign up for 12 months, they will be sure that you will want to sign up for more.

10. Google results

Search them in Google, the less reviews on forums, the less customers. Also when you look for reviews on forums, see how many posts the reviewer has. 1-2 posts generally indicates the host is advertising.

11. Excessive pictures of laughing/smiling people on website

I don't know, just feels gimmicky.

12. Gut Feeling

If it feels like a scam, it probably is, why take the chance? It's your money after all!


Ok, so that was it, sorry it got a bit long, it was meant to be 6-7 tips, but I came up with 12. Please remember that some hosts may be GREAT even though this guide begs to differ, this is just a guideline. Make sure to do in depth research before buying a host, see how long they have been around, and what people think of them.

Thanks, bomb.

 

[SiberForum]

I wish all prospective customers come through your suggestions!
Nice guide!

 

[WebIntellects - Rob]

7. 50% OFF, ENDS TOMORROW

Ok, so 50% off is great, but if it has been 50% off for the last month, then they are bull****ting you, you don't want a dishonest host.

I agree. I'm seeing a lot of people signing up with web hosting companies because of their discounts. I think they are not right steps.

 

[XeHSean]

This is a very good writeup - definitely something that people should read before choosing a provider

 

[bomb]

Thanks guys

Anyone else have anything to add?

 

[smithster]

Very good suggestions. I think you just about covered everything a hostee should look out for. I hope hostees take note of it!

 

[tristanperry]

Brilliant write-up, I agree entirely

A lot of new hosts fall-short of a lot of these tips, which is probably why they ending up failing.

A quality host should definitely remember the tips you mention.

Out of interest - you say that you looked at 50 hosts and none of them met your requirements. Do/did you have very specific requirements (not mentioned on the list), or did the 50 hosts you mention all fall down on these pointers?

 

[bomb]

Out of the 50 hosts that I looked at, atleast 35 failed in those aspects.

In the end, don't go with a rubbish host just to save a dollar or two, go with a good one, it'll be worth it in the long run.

 

[thebutler]

Company being sold?

How about the fact that your webhost might be sold in a few weeks? New owners, new server etc to worry about.

Thats my new question to ask.

 

[XeHSean]

How about the fact that your webhost might be sold in a few weeks? New owners, new server etc to worry about.

Thats my new question to ask.

This is very hard to predict, especially because most companies will not inform their clients of the acquisition until the sale has been completed

 

[WebIntellects - Rob]

This is very hard to predict, especially because most companies will not inform their clients of the acquisition until the sale has been completed

I think no one will be able to guarantee that his or her web hosting company will not be sold. But as rule new web hosting companies owners can offer the same level of service as previous.

 

[iHubNet-Matt]

But as rule new web hosting companies owners can offer the same level of service as previous.

May be or may not be. Some times the new management can provide a far better service than old one. That depends on who takes over the company infact.

 

[qbert220]

Ok, this is taking it far, but copy+paste their TOS, or some of their home page content into Google, you will soon find if it is stolen..if it is, then you have another amatuer host.

How do you know who wrote the content originally? It may be that someone else has stolen their content.

I'd add checking the whois entry for the domain name. If it is a private registration or recently registered, then I'd see that as a warning.

 

[iHubNet-Matt]

How do you know who wrote the content originally? It may be that someone else has stolen their content.

When comparing two hosts it seems Whois can be helpful here also. The one started first may be the original, though we might not be able to find out even they had stolen it from some where

 

[bomb]

How do you know who wrote the content originally? It may be that someone else has stolen their content.

I'd add checking the whois entry for the domain name. If it is a private registration or recently registered, then I'd see that as a warning.

Generally, the bigger or more experienced company didn't copy. Also, check for little typos, if the TOS is copied, then they might leave behind the name of the original company once or twice or talk about things that aren't on the site. (for example a reseller TOS if they don't offer reseller).

Originally Posted by thebutler
How about the fact that your webhost might be sold in a few weeks? New owners, new server etc to worry about.

Thats my new question to ask.

This is very hard to predict, especially because most companies will not inform their clients of the acquisition until the sale has been completed

XehSean is right, it's almost impossible to predict if your host will be sold, however if a host is going to be sold, I suggest waiting 1 month after the aquisition to make sure they haven't made dramatic changes, and talk to existing clients to see if they are satisfied with new management.