Smart ways to make money online - Web Host - How to Choose a Good Web Host.

It is very important that you choose a good web host. Good doesn't mean expensive. Good means reliable with great support. If the host you choose doesn't have those two qualities, it's going to make your life miserable. You are going to be really frustrated because your site is never up and your emails are never answered.

You can save yourself a lot of hassle by just choosing a good web host from the start. So, how can you tell if a web host is good or not? After all, let's face it - they all look pretty much the same and seem like they know what they are doing, right?

Well, there are a couple of ways. The great thing is these are pretty much foolproof and will enable you to find out before you pay any money whether the host is good or lousy.

What to Look For and What to Look Out For

It is very important that the web host you choose provides fast, quality support.

Server Uptime : The percentage of time your hosting computer is running and your site is available. Understand, all computers are occasionally shut down for maintenance. However, you should look for a host with a record of 99.9% uptime

Location : In most cases, if you are a US company, choose a US host. You'll be protected by US law should any problems arise.

Customer service : You want a host who will answer your questions and address problems promptly and courteously. When shopping, test customer support by contacting support and seeing what the response time is. Check to see if the host publishes their physical address and phone number on their site. Hosts unwilling to reveal their location may have good reasons for hiding.

If you have a problem with your web site you want help now, not in a day or two. Some web hosts advertise 24/7 support, but only actually respond Monday-Friday. To see how responsive your web host is send an e-mail to their support department and see how long it takes for them to get back to you. If you send the e-mail on Saturday and they don't get back until Monday, that isn't good.

Don't be fooled by a phone number. Just because there is a phone number on their web site doesn't mean someone will actually pick it up, especially on weekends. If there is a phone number - call it after hours or on weekends and see if someone answers.

If it goes to voice mail, leave a message and see how long it takes them to call you back. In the voice mail message you leave don't tell them you want to host with them, say that you have a question on your account and just leave your number. That way they will think you are a current customer not a potential one.

Lesson # 5 : Web Host - Building your Web Site

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