Ho do I choose a host?

Oh so many

[antipodes]

They all seem to offer much the same thing. What are the key things I should consider when looking for a host.

They all seem to offer php and other backend stuff and my needs are not that complicated.

I'm in Oz btw

thx

[keyplyr]

Several hosts I've had started out real fast, then slowed waaay down as they added thousands of new accounts. I would try and find accurate stats on just how many accounts share the juice for the different servers:

domain farm(s)

secure server(s)

search query

webmail/POP

What type of server software? Unix, Windows...? (I prefer BSD run on Apache)

Also, they all (imo) seem to lie through their teeth about their uptime, so I would want to speak with several current customers.

Some hosts say their customer service dept will respond within a certain amount of time. Find out if this 'response' is in fact a real person or an auto-responder.

And what data transfer per month? Extra charges if you exceed?

These are just some of the issues I have run into in the past. There are scores of server config, upstream, backbone, blah blah that I don't understand that some other members would know about.

[richardb]

Hi antipodes

I’m sure that you’ve already researched the basics. So only 1 bit of advice from me, make sure that you can/have access/contact to the person at the top.

Since using this as a rule of thumb, I’ve never had any problems, I like small(ish) hosting companies! Our most miserable time was when we hosted sites with the big boys, what a horrible time.

Sticky me if you want a URL.

Rich

[Napoleon]

If I had to pick just one thing: ability to contact them (by phone).

If your site is even remotely successful, and you can't speak to your host when problems arise.... sooner or later you will regret it. It's painful to learn the hard way!

I could name maybe a couple of hosts where I might forego that requirement, but that's all.

[Visit Thailand]

If I were starting out again, I would not think so much about what I want now, but would look at the business plan and think what will I need in 5 years, what are my plans, where is this site going, how many sites might I have in that time?

If all works well where should I be at the best?

Then look at what that gives you.

Personally I think if you have sufficient budget (and the site will generate revenue) I would go for a managed dedicated from startup as that will allow you to add as many domains as you want, speed, and gives you enormous growth to expand etc.

But if the budget for that is not there then look at what expandibility options the host has, will you have to change IP if you change options in the future etc.

Also look at where you want your major customer base (ie the most viewers) if you are aiming at the Aussie market then perhaps a host there is best, but if you are more interested in Europe or US then a host over there might be better.

keyplr gave some v. good tips as well.

Hope this helps but I know it is a nightmare, we have squandered money messing around with this.

One thing I recommend is staying away from the webhost type forums that go on about how bad a host is etc. as it will only confuse you and is often at least in the past competitors bad mouthing each other.