Building your very first website is pretty exciting! It’s like opening the doors to your new business for the world to see. But before you can launch your site, you need a good home for it – your web hosting account.
Choosing the right web host is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It affects how fast your website loads, how secure it is, and how easy it will be to manage.
Just like anything new, building a website can feel a little scary at first. But once you understand the basics, it becomes easier—and even fun! Many of my Website Creation Workshop students start out building one website and end up creating several!
To help you get started on the right foot, here are 10 important questions to ask before signing up for a hosting plan.
10 Questions to Ask before signing up for Web Hosting:
Here are the 10 questions to ask yourself before you sign up for a web hosting account:
1. Do You Have 24/7 Phone and Chat Support?
Even with the best plans, you’ll likely have questions or need help at some point. Look for a hosting company that offers 24/7 support through chat, phone, or email.
Find out if support is included with your plan, and whether you’ll be talking to real people or getting automated answers. Quick, friendly support can save you hours of frustration.
2. How Many Websites Can I Host?
Some hosting plans allow you to host only one website, while others let you host several under the same account. If you plan to add a second website later, it’s best to pick a company that supports multiple domains. So sign up first for the lowest package, knowing you can upgrade later.
Not sure what the difference is between a domain name and web hosting? Your domain is your web address (e.g., websitecreationworkshop.com), and hosting is where the website files are actually stored. Click here to read more about the difference between your domain name and web hosting.
3. Does the Plan Include Email Hosting?
Many hosting companies include email hosting, which allows you to create a branded email address, such as yourname@yourdomain.com.
However, not all hosts do this. Some only focus on website hosting. I strongly recommend having a branded business email address, so make sure if you are not going to use Google WorkSpace for your email hosting, that your hosting company includes email hosting.
4. Does The Plan Offer Automatic Backups?
Technology isn’t perfect and mistakes happen. Having automatic backups means your site can be restored quickly if something goes wrong.
Ask how often backups run (daily, weekly, monthly), what’s included, and how long the backups are kept. It’s also a good idea to keep your own backup copies just in case.
5. How Fast and Reliable Is Your Hosting?
Website speed and uptime are more important than ever. A slow website can drive visitors away and even hurt your search rankings. Look for hosting companies that offer:
- SSD storage (faster than traditional drives)
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- A built-in content delivery network (CDN) or caching options
Fast, reliable hosting helps your visitors have a better experience and keeps your business looking professional.
6. Does the Hosting Plan Include a Free SSL Certificate?
These days, every website should be secure. An SSL certificate protects information shared on your site and shows visitors that your site is safe. You’ll know a site has SSL when its address starts with “https://” instead of “http://.”
Most good web hosts now include free SSL certificates, so there’s no reason to skip this. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep your site secure and trustworthy. If you don’t understand what SSL is then read this article that explains SSL
7. What Security Features Are Included?
Website security is a big deal. You want a hosting company that takes it seriously. Ask whether they include things like:
- Malware scanning and removal tools
- Automatic updates for your server software
- A web application firewall (WAF) for extra protection
Even small business websites can be targets for hackers. Choosing a secure host gives you peace of mind. Find out what your host includes with their packages.
8. How Easy Is It to Set Up and Use?
You shouldn’t need to be a tech expert to use your hosting account. Look for a host that provides a simple control panel – something clean and easy to navigate.
Many hosting companies use cPanel, while others have their own beginner-friendly dashboards. Either way, make sure you can easily install WordPress, manage backups, and access your email.
9. Do You Have Shared or Dedicated Hosting?
When you’re just starting out, shared hosting is usually all you need. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and perfect for most small business websites. Here’s a simple way to picture it:
- Shared hosting is like renting a room in a house with other people. You share the space and the resources, which keeps costs low.
- Dedicated hosting is like owning the whole house yourself. You get all the space and power, but it costs more and requires more upkeep.
- There’s also VPS hosting (Virtual Private Server), which is similar to having your own apartment in a larger building – your space is private, but you still share the structure with others.
Each type has its pros and cons in terms of price, performance, and security. For most beginners, shared hosting is the best place to start. You can always upgrade later if your website grows and needs more resources.
10. How Long Is the Commitment – and What’s the Renewal Price?
This one catches many beginners off guard. Hosting companies often offer a discounted rate for your first term (such as one or three years), but the renewal price can be significantly higher.
Always check the renewal cost and consider whether you can upgrade or downgrade your plan later. It’s better to know upfront than to be surprised later!
My Top Web Hosting Companies
1) GreenGeeks Web Hosting
GreenGeeks has become one of my favorite hosting companies. I use GreenGeeks web hosting for the Website Creation Workshop Students and love their support! Go to: https://www.christinasresources.com/greengeeks
2) SiteGround Web Hosting
SiteGround is a very dependable, fast, and reputable web hosting company. I have been using SiteGround for many websites and have always been satisfied with their service. Go to: https://christinasresources.com/siteground.
3) Bluehost Web Hosting
Bluehost has been around for a long time and has undergone numerous changes. The folks who work there are excellent. Check their current pricing, as it is often subject to change. Go to https://christinasresources.com/bluehost
Final Thoughts…
Choosing a web host can feel a little overwhelming at first, but asking these 10 questions will help you find one that’s reliable, secure, and a great fit for your business. A good hosting company keeps your website fast, safe, and running smoothly, so you can focus on sharing your message and serving your clients.
Before you make your final decision, take a few minutes to read some recent reviews. Are customers happy with their uptime, customer service, and billing? You can also ask friends, peers, or mentors for recommendations. Real experiences often reveal more than any sales page ever could.
There are many hosting companies out there, but not all are created equal. I hope these 10 tips above will help you find the best hosting service for you. I know you will learn lots just by asking these questions!
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