4 Qualities to Look for to Avoid Web Host Scams

So you’re looking for a web hosting company to host your great new site? Be sure to be on the lookout for the best deal and avoid the bad web hosts along the way. Read our 4 tips to learn what you really need to look out for when searching for your next webhost. Here they are in no particular order:

Poor Customer Service

Check on a webhost’s support before you buy. We suggest calling their toll free number (they really should have one) and checking out the support right up front. Send them a test question through their email address or online support system as well. Most major webhosting companies offer 24 hour/7 day a week support which is very convenient.

Limitless Features

Another issue that can signal trouble down the road are unlimited features. No host is going to offer you unlimited space or especially bandwidth for an ultra low price. It just isn’t going to happen. So if you see this anywhere, make sure to read the fine print or steer clear.

Please note that while a hosting company may offer you unlimited space or bandwidth for a month, your fees will likely skyrocket after that. The last thing you want is to have your site shut down because you went over your bandwidth quota for the month. This will cost you in customers and frustration. So remember that there will be a finite cap on your space … and that’s a good thing (otherwise they’re not being honest with you).

Long-Term Contracts

Be wary of the web hosting company that forces you into signing a contract. If you sign a contract, your host will have no reason to offer you great service. For this reason, you should not choose a host that forces you to pay yearly.

You can always purchase hosting a month and then transfer your plan over to a yearly plan if you’re satisfied. Reputable hosts often offer a discount for paying yearly, but why not try them out first?

Elusive Uptime

Unfortunately, no host can guarantee 100% uptime of your site as no one is perfect. Uptime is usually expressed as a percentage. You want a host that will make sure your site is online nearly all of the time.

No host can offer 100% uptime. Problems will arise, it’s the nature of the internet and servers. So don’t believe a host that promises 100% uptime. Respectable hosts will often say 99% uptime (sometimes it may be a little more, like 99.5% uptime).

Ask the support what the uptime is if it isn’t listed right on the site. A host’s uptime is a very important aspect when deciding which web hosting company to use.

Be sure to avoid web hosting scams. It is expensive enough to pay for advertising, therefore you need to make sure your site will be up and running or you’re throwing advertising money down the drain.

Avoid web hosting scams by following our tips.