When we start our journey in the world of e-commerce, it’s easy to fall into traps by simply overlooking the most important checklists in our web hosting decision-making. It is easy to consider the provided disk space when selecting the hosting company and other less important features that we do not need at first. All the plans look impressive, but do we really need those features on offer? It is best to consider the following factors when deciding on your web hosting packages:
1. Established Host
You don’t want to get involved with someone who hasn’t been in the business long enough to host your e-commerce or simple personal website. Also, if you are running an entire e-commerce with a lot of data to support your operation. Time is of the essence in the selection of your host. The longer a host has been around, the more likely it is to be better. You wouldn’t want to go down along with the host that also goes down. Fixing things will get very complicated.
2. Reliability
This is an important checklist to consider. Reliability is one of the most important checklists as one would not want to hire an overnight flight accommodation company. Please check the amount of time in their response to your email inquiry. It is important to enjoy both after-sales service and technical service. Some big names with a substantial customer base and long duration of operation may become complacent and unable to provide reliable services, while small startups will do everything they can to impress. You need to make your own judgement.
3.Space
You need to decide on your disk space requirement. However, better planning for future expansion is also important so you don’t have to go back to the hosting company and get charged for no reason. There is a saying, once hooked, forever hooked even if you don’t like it.
4. After-sales service and technical support
You never know what you need after the sales or even after the web is up and running. You like to feel comfortable with the after-sales service and technical support available, when needed. The time it takes to respond to an email inquiry is a simple indication of the level of services that hosting companies provide.
5. Uptime
Most hosting companies offer 99% uptime. You should select the one that offers no less than 99% uptime.
6. Recovery time
Determine how quickly the hosting company recovers from downtime. Do you have backup procedures? What type of UPS do you use? Where they are located? Are they near any disaster prone areas? These are the questions you need answered.
7. Bandwidth
Don’t bypass the bandwidth limit. Excess bandwidth usage accompanied by excess billing. Do not exceed your allocated bandwidth; Plan what you want to put on your site. Higher pixel images definitely use higher bandwidth.
8. CGI Trash Can
CGI is used to install scripts and programs; CGI comes standard with any hosting package.
9.Perl
You must have Perl to run Perl programs. Paid or free scripts are mostly written in Perl. Make sure you get the latest version or update it from time to time.
10.SSL
This is the most important criteria to consider especially when you are planning an e-commerce. Make sure SSL is included in your hosting packages. You can use a third-party credit card processor, but the provider may not work in some countries. It is also limited to electronic products only, not physical products.
11. International Space Station
The server side includes is used to minimize the update time of your site. You can edit your page or link section you want to modify without modifying all pages.
12 MySQL
Some scripts and programs require a MySQL database to run. Make sure the charges are not exorbitant and usually come with hosting packages.
13.PHP
Many new scripts and programs require PHP support, and this feature is almost standard for all hosting packages.
14.Domain
You should be able to point your own domain name to the site. Another feature is to make sure that you can control your domain because you may not stay with the same hosting companies, but your domain is still yours.
15.FTP
You definitely need a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to transfer files or make changes to your web pages and upload them. You must have unlimited and unrestricted FTP access to your site.
16.Control panel
The main feature of the hosting is the availability of the control panel. The level of use goes from friendly to difficult. Choose the one that fits your technical capacity and budget.
17. Statistics
To make adjustments to your marketing programs, you need a good statistics program. The excellent statistical program allows you to monitor visitors, collect emails, etc., to fine-tune your marketing programs. Obtain an advanced statistical program from a third party if the host cannot provide one, as long as the program can be installed.
18. Site Development Software
If you are not a webmaster or a programmer, you better consider the package with the software offered to build your site. Some hosting companies provide this for free, while others charge a fee.
19. Slow down and take your time
Some hosting packages may seem great, but if a feature that is required according to your needs is not offered, then the package may not meet your requirements. Take your time to compare all the features on offer. What is good for someone else may not be acceptable to you. The important thing is what is your criteria and can the hosting company meet your needs?
20. Last Big Step
The following table lists some of the criteria typically offered by the web hosting company. Don’t be alarmed by the long list. As mentioned, some features may not be necessary when you start out and it’s nice to know that those features are offered. You’re always ready when it’s time to expand. At the end of the day, the important thing is the hosting that fits your budget and your expectations.
Pricing and Setup (Choose your billing cycle)
Setup Fee N/A
Option 1: Monthly Payment 34.95 USD (ex.)
Unconditional 30 day money back guarantee
Setup time 30 seconds
quota allocation
Disk Usage Summary 5000 MB
Traffic summary 150 GB
Default disk space quota (adjustable to suit your requirements at no cost) 5000 MB
domain resources
Multiple domain hosting 10 domains
Subdomain 100 Subdomain
Third level domain 100 Third level domain
Provisional domain 100 Provisional domain
Domain Aliases 100 Domain Aliases
Parked Domain (DNS Hosting) 10 Parked Domain
Mail Domain Aliases 10 Mail Domain Aliases
Web services and tools
CGI with Free Custom Mapping
Own CGI-Bin Directory Free
Free MS Home Page Support
no ASP
ASP Secure N/A
NET Framework Free
ASP.NET Free
Server Side Includes (with custom file extension) N/A
PHP with GD (Last stable version) N/A
Perl with GD (Last stable version) Free
Cold Fusion MX 6.1 Free
Redirect URL 100 URL
Free custom directory indexes
Commonly used components pre-installed / Free DLL
Free custom DLL components
Server Side Image Map N/A
PhpMyAdmin / PhpPgAdmin Free
Web Shell (advanced file management interface) N/A
Password protected directories Free
Studio Software website
(Best Selling WYSIWYG Website Builder Tool Plus Tons of Templates and Features!) Free
PHP BB 2 Forum Free Software
Free custom error document
Free MS SQL Server Manager
Transfer Log (Access Log) Free
Reference record N/A
Agent Registration N/A
Error log N/A
Webalizer Site Statistics Free
Mail services and tools
Free Web Mail
Mailbox 1000 Mailbox
Default mailbox quota (adjustable to suit your requirements at no cost) 10 MB
Email Auto Responder 100 Auto Responder
Capture all email addresses for free
Mailbox Aliases 100 Mailbox Aliases
Mail Forwarding 100 Mail Forwarding
Mailing list 10 Mailing list
Free Own SMTP Server
Free IMAP Support
electronic commerce
Free Dedicated SSL Module
Free shared SSL
Free OS Commerce Shopping Cart
databases
User MySql 3 User
Database MySql 3 Database
Default MySql database quota (adjustable to suit your requirements at no cost) 50 MB
MS SQL User User 3
Database MS SQL 3 Database
Default MS SQL database quota (adjustable to suit your requirements at no cost) 100 MB
PgSql User 3 User
PgSql 3 Database Database
Default PgSql database quota (adjustable to suit your requirements at no cost) 50 MB
Advanced features and others
Anonymous FTP server 3 Server
FTP Subaccount N/A
Virtual FTP ServerN/A
Free ODBC Service
Free custom DNS records
Shell Access N/A
Crontab N/A
Dedicated IP address 3 units
Free daily backup
