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HostGator Under Fire

hostgator reviewSmall businesses often need fewer resources to host their websites than do larger companies. Shared hosting is perfect for such situations. It is also a great option for personal websites because they are less expensive and require no management from the client. The problem with many hosting solution providers, though, is that many of them offer a level of service that is below that of the consumer’s expectations.

Luckily, HostGator exists. They focus on an intensely customer focused approach when dealing with their customer service. They make it possible for small business owners to worry about their business instead of worrying about hosting issues. With other hosting companies take lots of time to address an issue, HostGator gets right down to business. They typically solve small issues within hours, and larger issues within a day. Small business owners, in turn, can take comfort in knowing that their hosting issues are taken care of promptly and professionally.

Of course, price can be a huge concern for small business owners, and even though a hosting company may offer exactly what the small business needs, the price is just a little to high for comfort. When this happens, hosting companies like HostGator offer incetives like coupons to lure in the customers that are otherwise on the fence. If you’re one of those on the fence, go here. This approach is very effective. It is important, though, not to fall for a trick. Sometimes, when a price seems too good to be true, it is. Be sure to research the companies before accepting a dream offer. It is also a good idea to sign up for a shorter period of time if possible, rather than a long term agreement. It is possible that the hosting company you chose is not suited to your needs. If getting out of the agreement early isn’t an option, it’s better to have a shorter agreement.

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The Questions to Ask About Hosting

my hostingChoosing a web host can be a confusing decision; how do you find the right host for you? Here are the questions to ask about hosting. “Do you own your servers?” Many web hosting companies do not run their own servers, instead serving as resellers for other companies. While many resellers provide fine service, if a hardware problem does arise, a reseller may have to pass your complaint along to the server company, rather than help you directly. You’ll also want to know how many other customers are being hosted on those same servers; an overloaded server means slow service for your website users. And if you have certain scripts or tools you need to use, be sure that the company can provide a compatible server.

What are the bandwidth and disk space limits? One of the most important questions to ask about hosting, you should know how much space and bandwidth a plan will provide, and what happens if you go over those limits. A cheap plan with stringy limits could end up costing a lot in downtime, or excessive over-limit fees! It’s best to look for a plan that offers a bit more space and bandwidth than you’ve estimated you’ll need to avoid problems down the line.

What is the level of support offered? Some companies will provide extensive help in setting up your website, while other hosts assume you will have your own dedicated technical staff. You can check out the company’s online help system before you buy. Is support available 24/7? By phone, email, or chat? Pay attention to how the company answers your questions about their hosting: if you’re having trouble getting prompt answers from them now, you may find yourself frustrated when problems arise. Many hosts will provide a variety of scripts and tools for a basic website, but be sure to ask if you expect them to provide richer features, like e-commerce solutions. On the other hand, if you know you won’t need all the bells and whistles, you may be able to make do with a plainer, more affordable hosting plan.

What is the company’s plan to deal with server failure? A crashed server could really cost you in lost revenue during downtime or even worse, lost data, so it’s well worth ensuring your host is prepared for an emergency. If a company insists that their servers never crash, beware! Find out if the company includes regular backups of your site as part of the hosting package. To avoid downtime, there should also be a redundant system in place in case of server failure. Asking the right questions about hosting now will help you keep your site running smoothly in the future!

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The Problem with Cheap Web Hosting

hostingThe problem with cheap web hosting is, well, it can be worse than cheap. There’s an old adage that goes, “if you want something done right, do it yourself.” But there are times when you simply can’t. So, you have to decide on web hosting. And then, another tried-and-true saying, “you get what you pay for — and you pay for what you get,” comes into things. So be careful when searching for an inexpensive solution to the need for web hosting.

Web hosting can cost an arm and a leg, and unless a business has money to burn (which none do), businesses, nonprofits, sports teams, whoever wants a web site, needs not just hosting, but services. Anyone can park a web page with this or that mega-parking-lot site. But some will do it on the cheap, while others give you what you pay for.

Sites offering specials of less than, say, $10 a year for web hosting are usually the type that offer little more than an internet parking spot, and that’s all well and good if the intent is to do no more than squat on a phrase. But for those people who want a web host that gives them opportunities and exposure, sometimes the best solution isn’t the ultra-cheap one. If e-commerce is involved, the cheap solution is almost always a recipe for failure. Quality comes at a price, but can be found without breaking the bank, so web host seekers should weigh their options carefully when looking for a provider so as not to get burned. There are many considerations, for an example: bandwidth, anticipated levels of traffic, advertising and revenue streams when opening a virtual storefront, say, that also exist in outside cyberspace.

A business/organization’s needs must be fully taken into account when looking for a web host, so clicking “list by lowest price first” like the future of a business or organization is a lowball eBay auction may well be the worst idea when searching. Bang for the buck is the goal, so think, and research, carefully when looking for web hosting. Conversely, the highest price might not be the best either, but somewhere out there on the Internet, there’s a suitable host for pretty much everyone’s website, suited to their uses, needs and future plans. It just takes some time to find it — and though cost is always an issue, especially in today’s economy, cheap just might not be a bargain.