Choosing Your Web Hosting

May 27, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Writer's Life

Web hosting is an important decision for a writer. It almost goes without saying that in today’s marketplace, a writer must have a website and preferably a blog as well. As the blogosphere and social media world grow, so must you evolve to keep pace with potential new readers.

Many options exist. Going to a hosting review site is a great way to quickly scan the choices available to you. Cost is not the only consideration. Other things you want to consider are space, bandwidth, and dedicated server hosting especially if you plan on online sales. Since web hosting will be an on-going expense, you’ll also want to consider the cost of the domain and whether or not that is covered.

Tech support is another big issue. Many sites offer live chat, which is a great option if you need immediate answers. Support is probably a make or break issue for many hosting companies. Good tech support is worth paying a little extra. Reviews of hosting can also help you make informed decisions. Bear in mind that almost all companies will have a bad review in their past. Things happen. Communication breaks down and a poor review is written. Consider the entire picture before making a judgment.

If you’re torn between companies, look at the perks. Many companies throw in freebies like Google Adwords credit or other advertising site. Some sites like LunarPages offer free software. Finally, look at the guarantee you receive. A reputable site will give you at least a 30-day guarantee. A good company will stand behind its product.

Web hosting is part of the writing landscape. Careful research of your options will help you make the right choice for your needs.

Tags: web hosting