What to Look for When Purchasing a Web Hosting Service

Be Clear About Your Requirements

You must be clear about what you need regarding web hosting.

For example, if you plan to include a lot of video content on your website or offer live streaming, you should choose a dedicated server.

If you anticipate that your website will have plenty of traffic, you should also choose a dedicated server. However, shared hosting would be sufficient for less dense websites with regular content and expected average traffic.

Here’s a list of potential requirements that you might need to consider when choosing a web hosting service:

1. Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the data your website can transfer to visitors in a given time. If you anticipate a high traffic volume, you’ll need a hosting service with higher bandwidth.
2. Storage: How much digital space do you need for your website content? You’ll need more storage space if your site is media-rich with many images, videos, and interactive features.
3. Uptime: Uptime is the time your website is up and running. A good web host will guarantee at least 99.5% uptime.
4. Security: You should look for a web host with robust security measures, including SSL certificates, firewalls, and regular backups.
5. Scalability: As your website grows, your hosting needs may change. Choose a web host that offers room to grow.
6. Customer Support: Will you need 24/7 customer support? How would you like to contact them (e.g., by phone, chat, or email)?
7. Price: Your budget will play a role in your decision. Be sure to understand the hosting provider’s pricing structure and any potential additional costs.
8. Control Panel: A user-friendly interface to manage your hosting settings can be a significant advantage.
9. Email: Do you need a hosting provider that includes email services?
10. Database Support: Depending on your website’s nature, you might need a hosting service that supports database platforms like MySQL.

Remember, it’s not just about choosing a hosting service that can accommodate your current needs but also one that can support your website as it grows and evolves.

Be Clear About the Package

As a non-profit, you’re probably looking for various ways of saving money and running campaigns on a limited budget.

However, you should not choose a Webhosting package based solely on price.

Although cheap Webhosting plans sound great in terms of budget, they can slow down your website, which will hurt the experience of your visitors. In this case, you can consider a VPS (Virtual Private Server). Although somewhat expensive, the performance it delivers is a valuable investment in your organization.

Read the Reviews

One of the best ways to get an idea about a particular Webhosting service provider is by reading client reviews. These reviews can be found on their testimonials page or social media profile. You can consider those reviews as digital word of mouth. Those reviews will give you a general idea of the company’s performance and help you decide.

Choose the Correct Bandwidth

Most new website owners think they don’t need a lot of bandwidth. Bandwidth is vital for your website’s growth and user experience. It determines how much data your site can deliver to visitors simultaneously. Underestimating your bandwidth needs can lead to slow load times or service interruptions, especially if your website’s traffic exceeds your plan’s limits.

Imagine if your website becomes a hit. More visitors, more content, and added multimedia elements all require higher data transfer. If you’ve opted for a low-bandwidth plan, you might need to upgrade sooner than expected.

Therefore, choosing a web hosting service with flexible or scalable bandwidth options is wise from the start. This approach allows you to accommodate growth without paying for excessive bandwidth you don’t initially need. Ensuring you have the right bandwidth means your website can grow seamlessly and without interruption.

You Get What You Pay For

It’s a universal truth in commerce: ‘You get what you pay for.’ Web hosting is no exception.

Making a decision based solely on price could end up costing you more in the long run due to various unexpected issues.

While the lure of a low-cost hosting package is understandable, especially when starting, it’s essential to consider what you might be sacrificing. A cheap deal might seem appealing, but it could come with a myriad of drawbacks:

1. Slow Server Speeds: The performance and speed of your website are directly linked to the quality of your host’s servers. A slower server means a slower website, which can frustrate users and harm your SEO.
2. Poor Customer Service: Exceptional customer support is invaluable when encountering problems. Resolving issues can become a prolonged and stressful process if your host offers subpar support.
3. Frequent Downtimes: If your host’s servers are unreliable, your website may experience frequent downtime. This frustrates visitors and can negatively impact your online visibility and reputation.
4. Limited Features: Cheaper plans often come with limited features, which could restrict your website’s functionality and growth potential.

So before you commit, be sure to read the Terms of Service (ToS) thoroughly to understand what you’re purchasing. Pay special attention to the security features in your package, as they are essential for protecting your site from potential threats.

Lastly, consider testing their customer service. Send them an inquiry or request a callback to see how they respond. This step will provide you with firsthand experience of their service quality and response time.

Remember, a robust, reliable web hosting service is an investment in your website’s future. It pays to be discerning and prioritize quality over cost savings.