6 Tips On Getting Good Cheap Hosting

Searching for hosting on the internet, especially if you’re using a search engine, is usually mess. What you usually get are hosting review sites or hosts that have the best SEO for your keywords. This is absolutely the worst way to go about it. I’ll give some tips on what you should look for. Recommendations made to normally obscure companies might lead you to suspect there’s a referrer incentive to the recommender instead of a genuine recommendation.

I’ve gone through numerous hosts and have my fair share of experiences. Here’s some recommendations to getting a good price for servers:

1 – Know What You’re Looking For

I’ll start off with the number one tip just because it is so important, it couldn’t wait for the end of the article.

If you don’t know what you’re looking for, talk to your web developer for some insight. If you don’t know what you’re looking for you can easily end up buying a package only to find out you’re missing a tiny detail, but have dozens of other programs and things that you don’t need.

• Databases – MSSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MS Access, etc. If you don’t know what this means, ask yourself if you’re going to run any applications on your server. How big are they? How many databases do you need? Don’t buy a server only to find out you’re only getting one database instead of the two your application requires.
• Domains – This can be hidden or not mentioned. If you know you’ll have multiple domains, be sure your host supports them. Sometimes multiple domain support is omitted from cheaper hosting packages. If you suspect you’ll need more, be sure to buy the right package. Also, don’t allow hosts to bundle in domains, it gives them an excuse to mark-up and there might be ownership issues (who owns the domain?). Buy your domain from a cheap registrar and set up the server yourself.
• Server Languages – PHP, ASP, Ruby on Rails, etc. Like databases, if you don’t know what this means, ask yourself if you’re going to run any applications on your server. It’s very important that your server supports whatever language your site is coded in.
• Bandwidth and Disk Space – These aren’t as restrictive as they were years ago. With each of these becoming more and more accessible, you should almost never run into issues. Don’t pay for huge amounts that you won’t need.
• Linux vs Windows - This typically doesn’t matter anymore. You should be looking at what features you need. The OS it runs on won’t make a difference in quality. Do note though that Linux systems don’t support Windows-only technologies such as ASP, ASP.NET, MSSQL, MS Access, etc. Windows can run both. But if you’re never going to use those specific technologies, the OS doesn’t matter.

2 – Don’t Pay For What You Don’t Need

All too often, people buy hosting packages based on what they might need in the future. This is ridiculous. Hosts are typically able to upgrade hosting packages with a click of a button. Buy the hosting that you need now, upgrade later.

If 9 out of 10 businesses fail in real life, I can only imagine what percentage of websites don’t explode with popularity and need ultimate hosting packages.

3 – Don’t Get Blown Away By Lists of Software or Features

In an attempt to boost their image as a technically advanced, superior host, websites will have pages upon pages of add-ons, software or features. These lists are notorious for being filled with open-source (free) software with easy installations, programs that facilitate easy tasks (custom 404 pages, etc.) or programs that simply up to snuff (page-builders, etc.).

This can include:

• Forums – Lots of open-source alternatives
• Blogs – Install WordPress or MovableType yourself
• File managers – Use a free FTP program
• Site builders – Your site will be a template and visitors will know it’s a template
• Javascript and Flash – This features are enabled on probably 99% of hosts.

4 – If It’s Not Mentioned In the Package, It’s Usually Not Supported

This is another reason to make sure you know what you’re looking for. I recently bought a cordless mouse, I opened it up and it wasn’t a laser mouse. Even if you think features are common to all hosts, it’s worth it (and especially worth it if you buy months in bulk) to send an email to the hosting company.

5 – Buy In Bulk

If you know your business will be around for a few months, buy hosting in bulk. It can save you a decent chunk of money depending on your hosting package. If you’re not sure the hosting package is for you. Buy a single month of hosting and if you’re satisfied, go in for the long haul.

6 – Look For Discounts

GoDaddy.com, for example, has an area for Coupon Codes in its checkout. Use Google to search for coupon codes for your host of choice that could potentially save you some money or get you extra features.

That’s all for now, I hope that helps.

If you’re curious, I use GoDaddy.com for my website hosting. I use the Deluxe plan and host multiple domains.

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