Choose the wrong web hosting (opens in new tab) provider can have a huge impact on the performance of your website. Your choice should be based on several factors, including speed and accessibility which are key to ranking well on search engine results pages (SERPs). A low-quality hosting provider can affect how users interact with content, as well as what information they find on your website.
If you’re on an extremely tight budget, one tip we’ll give is to take advantage of cheap web hosting deals (opens in new tab) or you to buy web hosting services during Black Friday as many web hosting companies offer great discounts and offers.
Since cheap isn’t always cheerful when it comes to web hosting, we discuss 7 of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a web hosting provider. We’ll also give tips on how to avoid these mistakes so you can find the perfect supplier for your business.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing a web hosting provider
There are a number of mistakes that people make when choosing a web hosting provider. Here are seven of the most common mistakes:
1. Falling for the unlimited trick
Many web hosting providers offer “unlimited” storage and bandwidth. However, there is usually a catch. These providers will place restrictions on your account, such as limiting the number of files you can host or limiting your bandwidth. If you expect to host a large number of files or receive a lot of traffic, these unlimited plans may not be right for you.
Additionally, some providers that offer unlimited plans will slow down your speeds if you use too many resources. This means that your website may load slowly for visitors, which can affect your ranking in Google search results.
To avoid this trap, be sure to read the fine print before signing up for any web hosting plan. Unlimited plans may work for some small businesses, but if you expect to grow your website or receive a lot of traffic, it’s best to choose a plan with more resources.
2. Choose the wrong type of web host for your needs
One of the most common mistakes people make when choosing a web hosting provider is choosing the wrong type of host for their needs.
There are three primary types of web hosts – shared, dedicated and VPS. Shared web hosting (opens in new tab) is the most affordable option, but it also has a number of disadvantages, such as limited resources and security risks.
Dedicated server hosting (opens in new tab) is more expensive, but it offers a higher level of control and flexibility. VPS hosting (opens in new tab) falls somewhere in between in terms of prices. It is therefore recommended that you do your research properly and determine what kind of hosting you need and can afford.
3. Choosing a web hosting package with no money back guarantee
When you buy a web hosting package, you are paying for a service. As with any other service, there is always the potential for something to go wrong. If your web host doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, you could be stuck with subpar service or even no service at all if the company goes out of business.
Always choose a provider that offers some sort of money-back guarantee so you can get your money back if you’re not satisfied with the service.
4. Ignore security
One of the worst mistakes you can make when choosing a web hosting provider is to ignore security. Your website will be vulnerable to attack if the host does not have proper security measures in place.
Be sure to find out what kind of security features are included in the price of your web hosting package. Otherwise, you may find yourself paying for expensive repairs or even losing all of your site’s data if your site is hacked.
5. Buy the cheapest option without checking the features
When shopping for a web hosting provider, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option. However, you should always take the time to check the features included in the price before making a purchase.
Otherwise, you may find that you are not getting what you need or that the quality of service is not up to the standard you need for your website or online store. A little research can help you find the best value for your money.
6. Choose a free web hosting service
There are a number of free web hosting (opens in new tab) services available, but it is important to understand that you will get what you pay for. Free web hosts usually offer very limited resources and support. These services may also include advertising on your site or place restrictions on what you can do with your site. If you are serious about building a successful website, it is best to invest in a paid web host. Otherwise, you may struggle to keep your site up and running.
7. Not knowing your limitations
When choosing a web hosting provider, it’s important to know your limitations. This includes understanding the types of files that can be uploaded to your website and the amount of traffic your site can potentially receive.
If you try to host a site that is too large or receives too much traffic, you may find that your host will shut down your site or charge you extra fees. Always check the terms of service before making your purchase so you know what you’re getting into.
Final thoughts
The key to avoiding these seven common mistakes comes down to research. When choosing a web host, it’s important to do your research and know what you’re looking for.
Make sure you choose a provider that offers a money-back guarantee, quality security measures, and the features you need. Also, be aware of the limitations of your website and the terms of service before making your purchase. By following these tips, you can ensure that you will be happy with your web hosting provider.
