How to find the best web hosting for your needs

If you've tried to figure out what your best web hosting choices are, you've probably ended up as confused as I was when I researched this page.The good news: For most newbies, just about any host will work, despite the complicated advice.

In fact, for most people, I'd suggest that great customer service is your number one priority.

Be sure to do your homework, as there are plenty of hosts that are hated by many. Do an internet search for reader reviews of any host you’re considering to see how customer service is rated (yet take these with a grain of salt, as they could be from competitors or they could be from affiliates).

And beware of those “Top 10 Host” websites, as they are usually affiliates that make a commission if you sign up for those hosts.

My Recommendations

Right now, I'm using Banana Hosting to host three of my websites.

For this website, I'm using a website building program called Site Build It! (aka SBI!). Here's SBI's take on web hosting.

Yes, they're telling you why they think you should choose SBI! over a traditional web host. I believe they make some good points and that SBI would be a great choice for a large percentage of those looking to build a website. I know I've been very impressed with the great features that have helped me build this website.

Another reputable web host I recommend is Host Gator.

Note: I will get a commission if you sign up for SBI! or for Host Gator – but there are many other hosts that would give me a commission too and I won’t recommend them until I feel certain they’re a good choice. I won't get a commission if you sign up for Banana Hosting, simply because they don't offer an affiliate program.

The biggest difference between Host Gator and Banana Hosting is their size. Host Gator is a big company with a lot of resources. Banana Hosting is a small company where you’ll get more personalized service but fewer resources. Both are excellent choices.

How to choose?

Here are the factors to consider. Each factor links to a new page, in order to keep this page from becoming too long. Also, each page will open in a new window, so that you can refer back to this page if you need to.

Do they offer exceptional customer service?

Will the plan I want accommodate the size of my website?

What is bandwidth and how much do I need?

Okay, I'm still working on this one. The short version: Unless you're website is famous, any decent website host will offer you more than enough bandwidth. More to come.

Should I choose a host that guarantees a lot of uptime?

Resources for More Web Hosting Advice

Here are a couple of places where you can get more advice on choosing the best web hosting for you:

WH Reviews – honest website reviews

From that site, I learned of an excellent forum – in fact, its members helped me write this page:

Web Hosting Talk forum

Here’s the thread in which they helped me learn how to choose a web host. It’s worth reading:

Web Hosting Talk - Janet's Thread

By now you should have more than enough information to help you find the best web hosting for your needs. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me.