Web hosts are sort of a dime-a-dozen on the Internet, but finding a really reputable and reliable one is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Educate yourself before you go shopping for a web host, so you can be sure you get the right one. The following tips will start you out on the right course.

1. Ask around with people you know. A direct recommendation for a web host provider is the absolute best way to find a reliable one; talk to anyone you know who has experience with hosting a site. Be sure to ask which companies they have learned to avoid, as well as for pointers that may help you on your way. If the company you work for has an IT division or help desk, visit that department and politely pick a few brains. First hand experience and knowledge will always serve you best.

2. Opt on a plan that gives you room to grow. Most “free” hosting services have small print that restricts everything you do. Still other companies will up-charge until you’re paying enough to run 10 sites. Make sure the plan you go with has a little flexibility so that as you learn and grow, there is no interruption of service to you from the host or to your visitors and customers. Anticipate your needs for the first year or so, and start out with a plan that will see you to that point.

3. Look for versatility in what the host company offers. You may need a particular platform or prefer a certain user control panel, and things may also be subject to change. If the company you select from the get-go really has it all, you will have no need to cancel a contract and begin the process of finding a host all over again. The larger web hosting companies are usually capable of delivering all the goods to your site, but check their options out carefully anyway, just to be sure.

4. Demand high statistics in uptime. Some web hosts are more reputable than others, this is because one company will look at down-time as an inevitable inconvenience they need to deal with, and another will fight tooth-and-nail to avoid it or get things back up again. The latter of these two types will have a much greater percentage of uptime and this is what your site needs. Investigate online reputations and dependability to make sure you get the best in the business.

5. Pick a host with online back-up ability. This simply means they have a copy of your site and all its contents on their server, sounds pretty basic but a lot of hosting companies won’t have you covered like this. Ask about back-up directly or look for it in the contract. Without it you run the risk of possibly losing everything you’ve worked so hard for, with no recourse. Poof, it’s gone!

Finding a good web host may not be quick and easy, but it will be well worth your time. Sign-up with a trustworthy and reliable host, then follow your online dreams to a successful end result!