How do I pick a web host when I have the need for web hosting? I ask myself this question in one way or the other quite often when having an idea for a new website (I am a website addict so to speak). For one I often go back to the web hosts I know, but I also try new ones depending on my needs. As an example not too long ago I was starting a project targeting users in the Eurpean Union and so I was looking for a web host in Germany. I found a good host by leaving the established path.
So, how do I find and pick a new web host? I browse the internet and visit web hosting forums, webmaster forums, hosting blogs and web hosting related resource websites. I look at forum discussions where other people were searching for a new host and then research the recommendations other people make. I always pick a host that offers a money back guarantee and I always have a plan B in mind when trying a new web host. I also contact sales or support to see how fast they respond and even more important – how they respond. This often gives you a good indicator of what to expect from a web host in general.
I do not do complicated speed tests or performance testing. I follow my own look and feel and decide then if I like this web host or not. I know how fast my websites have to load and how long it takes to upload files to a host (I have many websites as you can tell). Only when I see a problem I test ping times or use an external tool to verify the performance.
Always do research and spend some time doing so before signing up with a web host. I always maintain a list of 2-3 web hosts in case one goes belly up and I need to switch my site over to a new provider. This happened to me about 8 years ago and I felt being hostage of a web host and learned/prepared from that incident. So, this is never going to happen again to me (knock on wood).
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