Very seldom does a day go by that we do not get a phone call from a prospective client who asks us about website hosting. Although we have a trusted web host that we use for our clients we do not handle hosting in-house because it's not in the best interest of our client. Before you signup for hosting consider the following:

Don't host with the same people who design your website

This is something we point out to most prospective clients. Let me explain. We handle a lot of redesigns where the client is no longer wanting to continue with their existing web designer which isn't a problem accept they usually have hosting with the old designer who is no longer returning phone calls, etc. This means they have a certain amount of leverage over you. Will they hold your site hostage out of spite? Will they hand over all login details without issue? You just never know until you're in the situation. Sometimes you may get lucky and they will allow you to migrate the entire site, more often than not they will not respond to you which means you either have to get your new web designer to get into the host (assuming the old one gives you login details) and move the site or lose your website because they didn't allow you access to your hosting control panel or ftp. Hopefully you don't have this problem but we hear about it all the time.

Do they offer tech support in the manner you prefer?

There will be a time where either you or your web designer will need to contact your host regarding setup on your host's server. Since no two servers are configured the same, sometimes the only people that can remedy a problem is the host themselves. This is fine as long as you have a host that responds to your questions. Some hosts keep 9-5 hours along with phone, chat or email support, some offer just email support, etc. Does their support work with your workflow? Do they actually respond to your questions and concerns? How long does it take them to get back to you?

Cheaper isn't always better

Not all hosts are created equally. Many offer extremely cheap hosting but what does this buy you and what don't you get? Will your website be slow loading on this host? Does cheaper monthly hosting mean bad or non-existent customer service? Do you have a shopping cart that requires upgraded hosting? Do you need dedicated hosting? Do you have an extremely large amount of traffic that the host can't handle? Make sure you understand whether or not the host can manage your site and you do not find yourself locked into an annual hosting contract that winds up being more expensive in the long run. Regardless of who you host with make sure to educate yourself.

Here is a link to Hands On Web Hosting. They are the most reliable and helpful hosts that we've ever worked with in the last 12 years.