What do you look for in a host?

[flash_drive]

What are some key features you look for when looking for a good hosting company?

 

[RH-Calvin]

The key features for a good hosting company are

1. Server specifications
2. Good reviews
3. Cost effective
4. Protection against external attacks
5. Responsive support service

 

[Doctor Tech]

The key features for a good hosting company are

1. Server specifications
2. Good reviews
3. Cost effective
4. Protection against external attacks
5. Responsive support service

Definitely all the ones listed above. I would also look if they provide some goodies in their packages like if paid licenses are included (Softaculous 1-click installers, Website Builders, WHMCS for resellers, etc).

Another factor to consider is how often they backup their clients' data (if at all). Expect the unexpected 🙂

 

[tk_hassan]

The top two things for me is the uptime and the support.

 

[Chris K]

Uptime, support and speed.

 

[GSquadron]

I would say price\performance ratio.

 

[Geoffrey]

Price is the biggest thing for me at this point. I only use my host for my personal blog and random test sites I might need, so honestly uptime and performance isn't too important (I want it to work but I'm not too fussed with if my host goes down for an hour). I just need to place to store stuff.

 

[DudeThatsErin]

1) Whether they have live chat support or not.
2) How fast their support ticket replies are.
3) Price of services. Can I find comparable services at a better price elsewhere?
4) How knowledgeable they are in their support ticket replies
5) How fast do my really stupid easy issues get fixed? (by stupid easy I mean the ones I know how to fix but either can't fix (no root) or can't remember how to fix)
6) UPTIME. Biggest one here. Most important.

Some of these take time to figure out on the service but most places give you a 30 day money back guarantee so I use that time to figure these out.

Luckily I've found a host that meets all of those needs with flying colors so now I'm providing all of those with flying colors. 🙂

 

[Allenafaith]

Good support, not alot of down time, and good ratings.

 

[Sharon]

1) Whether they have live chat support or not.
2) How fast their support ticket replies are.
3) Price of services. Can I find comparable services at a better price elsewhere?
4) How knowledgeable they are in their support ticket replies
5) How fast do my really stupid easy issues get fixed? (by stupid easy I mean the ones I know how to fix but either can't fix (no root) or can't remember how to fix)
6) UPTIME. Biggest one here. Most important.

Some of these take time to figure out on the service but most places give you a 30 day money back guarantee so I use that time to figure these out.

Luckily I've found a host that meets all of those needs with flying colors so now I'm providing all of those with flying colors. 🙂

I would have to completely agree with you. Erin highlights everything that I look for when it comes to hosting. Customer service is a huge factor for me. I like being able to reach someone (via phone or email/ticket) and get a prompt and logical answer.

 

[MasterA]

Good uptime, 24/7 support, fast support, good speed and good reviews.

I don't mind paying more for a good hosts but of course, I would prefer the cheaper option that meets all my requirements.

 

[Tucker933]

Dedicated resources and reliability.

 

[drucrazy]

Price, reliability, support, and the services they provide.

 

[Kopacetic]

I am not really knowledgeable when it comes to server specifications and such. But what I look for in a web hosting service are:
- Competitive prices
- Reliable servers
- Good support
- Good reputation

 

[Ashley z]

How I evaluate new hosts
1) Does it use cPanel, or another panel?
2) Server connection speed
3) Disk space / bandwidth
4) CPU / RAM on server
5) How long has the host been around for?
6) How expensive are similar options?

I consider all 6 of those things, and more, when choosing a host.