Affordable Website Hosting Services for UK Small Businesses

Understanding Different Types of Website Hosting Services

Did you know that nearly 40% of small businesses don’t have a website? That’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider that having an online presence is crucial for growth. But before diving into the digital deep end, there's one key decision to make: what type of website hosting services should you choose?

Shared Hosting: The Budget-Friendly Option

Shared hosting is like living in a flat with a bunch of other people — it’s cost-effective and convenient, but your neighbors can sometimes be a bit noisy. In this scenario, multiple websites share the same server resources. For small businesses just getting started or those on a tight budget, shared hosting can be a great way to dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.

• Affordable monthly rates, often under £5.
• Perfect for low-traffic sites or personal blogs.
• Limited control over server settings.

VPS Hosting: The Middle Ground

VPS sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Virtual Private Server hosting is like having your own flat with no roommates — you still share the building but have your own space. It offers more power and flexibility than shared hosting without the hefty price tag of dedicated servers. This option is ideal for growing businesses that need more resources as they scale up.

• More control over server settings.
• -50 per month typically.
• Scalable — easily upgrade resources as needed.

Dedicated Hosting: The Luxury Apartment

Dedicated hosting is where things get serious — think of it as renting an entire mansion just for yourself. You get complete control over the server and its resources, which means no sharing with anyone else. This option is best suited for larger businesses that expect high traffic and require robust security features.

• 0+ per month investment.
• Best performance and security features.
• Ideal for high-traffic websites or e-commerce stores.

Cloud Hosting: The Flexible Friend

Cloud hosting is like having a flexible friend who’s always ready to help out when needed. It uses multiple servers to balance loads and maximize uptime. If one server goes down, others jump in to keep your site running smoothly. This scalability makes it perfect for businesses that experience fluctuating traffic levels.

• Pay only for what you use.
• Great for seasonal sales or promotions.
• Requires some technical know-how to manage efficiently.

Did you know that nearly 40% of small businesses don’t have a website? That’s a staggering statistic, especially when you consider that having an online presence is crucial for growth. But before diving into the digital deep end, there's one key decision to make: what type of website hosting services should you choose?

Shared Hosting: The Budget-Friendly Option

Shared hosting is like living in a flat with a bunch of other people — it’s cost-effective and convenient, but your neighbors can sometimes be a bit noisy. In this scenario, multiple websites share the same server resources. For small businesses just getting started or those on a tight budget, shared hosting can be a great way to dip your toes in the water without breaking the bank.

• Affordable monthly rates, often under £5.
• Perfect for low-traffic sites or personal blogs.
• Limited control over server settings.

VPS Hosting: The Middle Ground

VPS sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Virtual Private Server hosting is like having your own flat with no roommates — you still share the building but have your own space. It offers more power and flexibility than shared hosting without the hefty price tag of dedicated servers. This option is ideal for growing businesses that need more resources as they scale up.

• More control over server settings.
• $20-50 per month typically.
• Scalable — easily upgrade resources as needed.

Dedicated Hosting: The Luxury Apartment

Dedicated hosting is where things get serious — think of it as renting an entire mansion just for yourself. You get complete control over the server and its resources, which means no sharing with anyone else. This option is best suited for larger businesses that expect high traffic and require robust security features.

• $100+ per month investment.
• Best performance and security features.
• Ideal for high-traffic websites or e-commerce stores.

Cloud Hosting: The Flexible Friend

Cloud hosting is like having a flexible friend who’s always ready to help out when needed. It uses multiple servers to balance loads and maximize uptime. If one server goes down, others jump in to keep your site running smoothly. This scalability makes it perfect for businesses that experience fluctuating traffic levels.

• Pay only for what you use.
• Great for seasonal sales or promotions.
• Requires some technical know-how to manage efficiently.

Evaluating Key Features of Hosting Services

Imagine having your website go down during a big sale, leaving potential customers staring at a blank page instead of your fabulous products. That’s not just a nightmare; it’s a reality for many small businesses that choose the wrong website hosting services. The right features can make all the difference between thriving online and being lost in the digital void.

Performance and Uptime

Performance is like the engine of your website — if it sputters, your users will be left waiting. Look for hosting services that guarantee at least 99.9% uptime. Anything less is like rolling the dice on whether your site will be accessible when customers want to shop. For example, a local bakery that relies on online orders needs robust uptime to ensure customers can always place their orders without interruption.

Customer Support

Let’s face it: tech issues happen when you least expect them, often at 2 AM when you’re trying to figure out why your site looks like it’s been hit by a tornado. Reliable customer support is crucial. Look for hosting providers that offer 24/7 support via multiple channels — think phone, chat, and email. A small business owner running an online craft store once shared how their host's prompt support saved them from losing sales during peak holiday shopping.

Scalability

Scalability might sound like a fancy corporate buzzword, but it’s vital for small businesses with growth ambitions. Choose website hosting services that allow you to easily upgrade resources as needed without major headaches or downtime. Picture this: A boutique fitness studio starts with shared hosting but quickly grows into offering virtual classes — they need more bandwidth and storage fast!

Key takeaway: Prioritize performance, support, and scalability when choosing your hosting service to avoid future headaches.

Security Features

Security isn’t just about keeping hackers at bay; it's also about protecting customer data and building trust. Look for features like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and regular backups in your hosting package. A small e-commerce business selling handmade jewelry learned this the hard way after experiencing a data breach — they now prioritize security in their hosting choice.

• [ ] SSL Certificate: Essential for encrypting data.
• [ ] Regular Backups: To recover from any mishaps.
• [ ] DDoS Protection: To fend off malicious attacks.

Imagine having your website go down during a big sale, leaving potential customers staring at a blank page instead of your fabulous products. That’s not just a nightmare; it’s a reality for many small businesses that choose the wrong website hosting services. The right features can make all the difference between thriving online and being lost in the digital void.

Performance and Uptime

Performance is like the engine of your website — if it sputters, your users will be left waiting. Look for hosting services that guarantee at least 99.9% uptime. Anything less is like rolling the dice on whether your site will be accessible when customers want to shop. For example, a local bakery that relies on online orders needs robust uptime to ensure customers can always place their orders without interruption.

Customer Support

Let’s face it: tech issues happen when you least expect them, often at 2 AM when you’re trying to figure out why your site looks like it’s been hit by a tornado. Reliable customer support is crucial. Look for hosting providers that offer 24/7 support via multiple channels — think phone, chat, and email. A small business owner running an online craft store once shared how their host's prompt support saved them from losing sales during peak holiday shopping.

Scalability

Scalability might sound like a fancy corporate buzzword, but it’s vital for small businesses with growth ambitions. Choose website hosting services that allow you to easily upgrade resources as needed without major headaches or downtime. Picture this: A boutique fitness studio starts with shared hosting but quickly grows into offering virtual classes — they need more bandwidth and storage fast!

Key takeaway: Prioritize performance, support, and scalability when choosing your hosting service to avoid future headaches.

Security Features

Security isn’t just about keeping hackers at bay; it's also about protecting customer data and building trust. Look for features like SSL certificates, DDoS protection, and regular backups in your hosting package. A small e-commerce business selling handmade jewelry learned this the hard way after experiencing a data breach — they now prioritize security in their hosting choice.

• [ ] SSL Certificate: Essential for encrypting data.
• [ ] Regular Backups: To recover from any mishaps.
• [ ] DDoS Protection: To fend off malicious attacks.

Cost Analysis of Popular UK Hosting Providers

When it comes to website hosting services, the price tag can feel like a game of roulette. One minute you're looking at a budget-friendly option, and the next you’re staring at a premium plan that promises the moon but might just leave you feeling like you've been taken for a ride.

Let’s break down the costs of some popular UK hosting providers to see what you really get for your money. Spoiler alert: not all hosting services are created equal, and some might just be a glorified email address with a side of disappointment.

Provider Breakdown

Now let’s unpack these options. While Bluehost offers an attractive starting price and decent features like a free domain for the first year, SiteGround is known for its stellar customer support—something crucial when your website decides to throw a tantrum at midnight.

Important takeaway: Always consider what features matter most to your business before signing up.

Hostinger is hard to beat on price, but be cautious—cheap isn’t always cheerful when it comes to performance and support. A local coffee shop owner once shared their woes after switching to Hostinger; they faced long response times during peak hours when their site went down during the morning rush!

Hidden Costs You Should Know About

Now here’s where things get tricky. Many providers lure you in with low initial prices but then hit you with renewal rates that can make your wallet weep. For instance, while GoDaddy starts at £4.99 per month, their renewal rate can jump significantly after the first term ends.

• Domain registration fees (if not included)
• Renewal rates that skyrocket after your initial term ends
• Additional costs for backups or security features

Finally, consider scalability in your cost analysis. A small business might start with shared hosting but could find themselves needing VPS or dedicated hosting as they grow—this transition can come with significant cost increases.

In conclusion: don’t just look at the shiny price tag; dig deeper into what each provider offers and how it aligns with your business needs. A little homework now can save you from costly surprises later!

When it comes to website hosting services, the price tag can feel like a game of roulette. One minute you're looking at a budget-friendly option, and the next you’re staring at a premium plan that promises the moon but might just leave you feeling like you've been taken for a ride.

Let’s break down the costs of some popular UK hosting providers to see what you really get for your money. Spoiler alert: not all hosting services are created equal, and some might just be a glorified email address with a side of disappointment.

Provider Breakdown

Now let’s unpack these options. While Bluehost offers an attractive starting price and decent features like a free domain for the first year, SiteGround is known for its stellar customer support—something crucial when your website decides to throw a tantrum at midnight.

Important takeaway: Always consider what features matter most to your business before signing up.

Hostinger is hard to beat on price, but be cautious—cheap isn’t always cheerful when it comes to performance and support. A local coffee shop owner once shared their woes after switching to Hostinger; they faced long response times during peak hours when their site went down during the morning rush!

Hidden Costs You Should Know About

Now here’s where things get tricky. Many providers lure you in with low initial prices but then hit you with renewal rates that can make your wallet weep. For instance, while GoDaddy starts at £4.99 per month, their renewal rate can jump significantly after the first term ends.

• Domain registration fees (if not included)
• Renewal rates that skyrocket after your initial term ends
• Additional costs for backups or security features

Finally, consider scalability in your cost analysis. A small business might start with shared hosting but could find themselves needing VPS or dedicated hosting as they grow—this transition can come with significant cost increases.

In conclusion: don’t just look at the shiny price tag; dig deeper into what each provider offers and how it aligns with your business needs. A little homework now can save you from costly surprises later!

Local vs. International Hosting Providers

Choosing between local and international website hosting services can feel like picking between a cozy pub down the street and a swanky bar in a far-off city. Both have their perks, but which one serves up the best experience for your small business?

Let’s break it down with a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re a small bakery in Manchester. You need your website to be as reliable as your sourdough, but you’re torn between hosting with a local provider who knows the UK market and an international giant that promises the world (but might not know what a Cornish pasty is).

Local Hosting Providers: The Friendly Neighbors

Local hosting providers often come with the charm of personalized service. They understand the regional market, which means they can offer tailored solutions that resonate with your specific audience. Plus, their customer support is usually just a phone call away — no time zone confusion here!

• Familiarity with UK regulations and compliance.
• Quick response times for customer support.
• Potentially better performance due to localized servers.

International Hosting Providers: The Big Players

On the flip side, international hosting providers often boast robust infrastructure and advanced technology that can handle high traffic loads like a champ. They typically offer more scalable options, which is great if you plan on blowing up overnight (in a good way!). However, their customer support might feel like trying to get through to an overworked call center during peak hours.

• $$ Competitive pricing due to economies of scale.
• $$ Advanced features like CDN integration for faster load times.
• $$ Global reach for businesses targeting international customers.

Key takeaway: Consider your business needs—local providers offer personalized service while international ones provide scalability.

Ultimately, whether you choose local or international website hosting services depends on your unique business goals and audience. If you're aiming for community connection and personalized service, go local! But if you're eyeing global expansion with all the bells and whistles, an international provider might be worth considering.

Choosing between local and international website hosting services can feel like picking between a cozy pub down the street and a swanky bar in a far-off city. Both have their perks, but which one serves up the best experience for your small business?

Let’s break it down with a relatable scenario. Imagine you’re a small bakery in Manchester. You need your website to be as reliable as your sourdough, but you’re torn between hosting with a local provider who knows the UK market and an international giant that promises the world (but might not know what a Cornish pasty is).

Local Hosting Providers: The Friendly Neighbors

Local hosting providers often come with the charm of personalized service. They understand the regional market, which means they can offer tailored solutions that resonate with your specific audience. Plus, their customer support is usually just a phone call away — no time zone confusion here!

• Familiarity with UK regulations and compliance.
• Quick response times for customer support.
• Potentially better performance due to localized servers.

International Hosting Providers: The Big Players

On the flip side, international hosting providers often boast robust infrastructure and advanced technology that can handle high traffic loads like a champ. They typically offer more scalable options, which is great if you plan on blowing up overnight (in a good way!). However, their customer support might feel like trying to get through to an overworked call center during peak hours.

• $$ Competitive pricing due to economies of scale.
• $$ Advanced features like CDN integration for faster load times.
• $$ Global reach for businesses targeting international customers.

Key takeaway: Consider your business needs—local providers offer personalized service while international ones provide scalability.

Ultimately, whether you choose local or international website hosting services depends on your unique business goals and audience. If you're aiming for community connection and personalized service, go local! But if you're eyeing global expansion with all the bells and whistles, an international provider might be worth considering.

Performance Metrics that Matter for Small Businesses

If you think website hosting services are just about keeping your site online, think again! Performance metrics can make or break your small business's online presence. A staggering 79% of customers who experience poor website performance are unlikely to return, according to a study by Akamai. That’s like throwing away money every time someone visits your site!

Load Time: The First Impression

Load time is the speed at which your website appears on a user's screen. Picture this: a local coffee shop with an enticing website showcasing their artisanal brews. If that site takes more than three seconds to load, potential customers might just decide to grab their caffeine fix elsewhere. Aim for under two seconds — that’s the sweet spot!

Important note: For every second of delay in load time, conversions drop by up to 20%.

Uptime: Your Site's Reliability

Uptime is the percentage of time your website is operational and accessible. Think of it as your site's reliability scorecard. If you’re aiming for a professional image, anything below 99.9% uptime is like showing up late to your own party — not cool! A small e-commerce business selling handmade products learned this the hard way when their site went down during a weekend sale, losing out on hundreds in potential revenue.

• 99% uptime = 7 days of downtime per year.
• 99.9% uptime = about 3 days of downtime per year.
• 99.99% uptime = around 52 minutes of downtime per year.

Customer Support Response Time

What do you mean my site is down? If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you know how crucial customer support can be. Look for hosting services that promise quick response times — ideally under an hour. A small digital marketing agency once faced an emergency when their client’s site went offline during peak hours; they were grateful for their host's rapid response, which saved them from losing business.

Tip: Test customer support before committing — send an inquiry and see how fast they respond!

(Bonus) Scalability and Growth Potential

As your business grows, so should your hosting capabilities! Choose a provider that allows easy upgrades without causing downtime or headaches. For instance, a local gym offering online classes started with shared hosting but quickly outgrew it as membership surged — they had to switch gears fast to accommodate increased traffic.

In conclusion: Understanding these performance metrics can help you choose the right website hosting services for your small business and avoid pitfalls that could cost you customers and revenue.

If you think website hosting services are just about keeping your site online, think again! Performance metrics can make or break your small business's online presence. A staggering 79% of customers who experience poor website performance are unlikely to return, according to a study by Akamai. That’s like throwing away money every time someone visits your site!

Load Time: The First Impression

Load time is the speed at which your website appears on a user's screen. Picture this: a local coffee shop with an enticing website showcasing their artisanal brews. If that site takes more than three seconds to load, potential customers might just decide to grab their caffeine fix elsewhere. Aim for under two seconds — that’s the sweet spot!

Important note: For every second of delay in load time, conversions drop by up to 20%.

Uptime: Your Site's Reliability

Uptime is the percentage of time your website is operational and accessible. Think of it as your site's reliability scorecard. If you’re aiming for a professional image, anything below 99.9% uptime is like showing up late to your own party — not cool! A small e-commerce business selling handmade products learned this the hard way when their site went down during a weekend sale, losing out on hundreds in potential revenue.

• 99% uptime = 7 days of downtime per year.
• 99.9% uptime = about 3 days of downtime per year.
• 99.99% uptime = around 52 minutes of downtime per year.

Customer Support Response Time

What do you mean my site is down? If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you know how crucial customer support can be. Look for hosting services that promise quick response times — ideally under an hour. A small digital marketing agency once faced an emergency when their client’s site went offline during peak hours; they were grateful for their host's rapid response, which saved them from losing business.

Tip: Test customer support before committing — send an inquiry and see how fast they respond!

(Bonus) Scalability and Growth Potential

As your business grows, so should your hosting capabilities! Choose a provider that allows easy upgrades without causing downtime or headaches. For instance, a local gym offering online classes started with shared hosting but quickly outgrew it as membership surged — they had to switch gears fast to accommodate increased traffic.

In conclusion: Understanding these performance metrics can help you choose the right website hosting services for your small business and avoid pitfalls that could cost you customers and revenue.

Migration Strategies for Switching Hosting Providers

Switching hosting providers can feel like moving house — exciting yet terrifying. You might be leaving behind the comfort of familiarity, but sometimes it’s just necessary. A staggering 30% of small businesses report slow website performance as a major pain point, often due to inadequate hosting services. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to pack your bags and migrate.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation

Before you leap into the unknown, take a good hard look at your current hosting setup. Are you dealing with slow load times? Frequent downtimes? Or perhaps you’re just not getting the customer support you need? Create a list of what’s working and what’s not — this will guide your decision-making process.

Step 2: Research New Hosting Providers

Now that you know what you want, it’s time to shop around. Look for website hosting services that align with your needs. If you're a growing e-commerce store, prioritize scalability and performance. For instance, a local florist might need robust uptime during holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day when traffic spikes. Check reviews and compare features to ensure you're making an informed choice.

Step 3: Backup Your Website

Cue the dramatic music. Before making any changes, back everything up! This includes your website files, databases, emails — basically anything that would make you cry if lost. Most hosting providers offer backup tools; take advantage of them! If anything goes wrong during migration (and let’s be real, sometimes it does), you'll thank yourself later.

Step 4: Migrate Your Website

(Deep breath) Now comes the fun part! Depending on your technical skills and the complexity of your site, this can either be a walk in the park or a bit of a circus act. Many providers offer migration assistance or tools to simplify this process. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional — trust me, it's worth avoiding potential headaches down the line.

Step 5: Test Everything

Drumroll please! Once migrated, thoroughly test your site. Check links, forms, and page load times because nothing says I’m still figuring things out like broken links on launch day. A small tech startup learned this lesson after migrating their site only to find their contact form was down for days — they lost valuable leads during that time.

Finally! Once everything is running smoothly on the new host's server, update your Domain Name System (DNS) settings to point to the new provider's servers. This step can take some time for changes to propagate across the internet (think hours rather than minutes). During this period, some visitors may still reach your old site while others will see the new one — don’t panic!

Important takeaway: Thoroughly assess your needs before migrating and ensure proper testing post-migration to avoid disruptions.

Switching hosting providers can feel like moving house — exciting yet terrifying. You might be leaving behind the comfort of familiarity, but sometimes it’s just necessary. A staggering 30% of small businesses report slow website performance as a major pain point, often due to inadequate hosting services. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to pack your bags and migrate.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Situation

Before you leap into the unknown, take a good hard look at your current hosting setup. Are you dealing with slow load times? Frequent downtimes? Or perhaps you’re just not getting the customer support you need? Create a list of what’s working and what’s not — this will guide your decision-making process.

Step 2: Research New Hosting Providers

Now that you know what you want, it’s time to shop around. Look for website hosting services that align with your needs. If you're a growing e-commerce store, prioritize scalability and performance. For instance, a local florist might need robust uptime during holidays like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day when traffic spikes. Check reviews and compare features to ensure you're making an informed choice.

Step 3: Backup Your Website

Cue the dramatic music. Before making any changes, back everything up! This includes your website files, databases, emails — basically anything that would make you cry if lost. Most hosting providers offer backup tools; take advantage of them! If anything goes wrong during migration (and let’s be real, sometimes it does), you'll thank yourself later.

Step 4: Migrate Your Website

(Deep breath) Now comes the fun part! Depending on your technical skills and the complexity of your site, this can either be a walk in the park or a bit of a circus act. Many providers offer migration assistance or tools to simplify this process. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional — trust me, it's worth avoiding potential headaches down the line.

Step 5: Test Everything

Drumroll please! Once migrated, thoroughly test your site. Check links, forms, and page load times because nothing says I’m still figuring things out like broken links on launch day. A small tech startup learned this lesson after migrating their site only to find their contact form was down for days — they lost valuable leads during that time.

Finally! Once everything is running smoothly on the new host's server, update your Domain Name System (DNS) settings to point to the new provider's servers. This step can take some time for changes to propagate across the internet (think hours rather than minutes). During this period, some visitors may still reach your old site while others will see the new one — don’t panic!

Important takeaway: Thoroughly assess your needs before migrating and ensure proper testing post-migration to avoid disruptions.

Long-term Considerations in Hosting Service Selection

Choosing website hosting services is a bit like picking a partner for a long-term relationship. You want someone who can grow with you, support your ambitions, and won’t leave you hanging when things get tough. A staggering 70% of small businesses report that their hosting provider impacts their growth potential — that’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call!

Future Growth and Scalability

Imagine you’re running a successful online bakery in Leeds, and your sales are skyrocketing thanks to Instagram. One day, you wake up to find your website has crashed under the weight of new orders. If your hosting service can’t handle the traffic surge, you might as well be selling bread at the bottom of the ocean! Opting for a host that offers scalable solutions means you can easily upgrade as your business flourishes without losing precious time or customers.

• Look for providers that offer easy upgrades.
• Check if they provide resources specific to e-commerce growth.
• Consider cloud hosting for flexibility during peak seasons.

Long-term Costs vs. Short-term Savings

Cheap can be seductive, like a discount chocolate cake at the supermarket — tempting but often disappointing. Many small businesses jump into low-cost hosting without examining the fine print. While initial savings are great, hidden fees and renewal rates can turn that sweet deal sour fast. A local florist learned this the hard way when they switched to an ultra-cheap provider only to find themselves paying double after six months due to unexpected charges.

Key takeaway: Always evaluate long-term costs against short-term savings before committing.

Reliability and Support

What happens if my site goes down? is not just a question; it’s a nightmare scenario for any business owner! Look for hosting services with stellar reputations for uptime guarantees (99.9% should be your baseline) and responsive customer support. If something goes wrong at midnight when you’re trying to launch your new product line? You want someone on speed dial who knows what they’re doing.

• 24/7 customer support is non-negotiable.
• Read reviews about uptime reliability.
• Consider hosts offering dedicated account managers.

Choosing website hosting services is a bit like picking a partner for a long-term relationship. You want someone who can grow with you, support your ambitions, and won’t leave you hanging when things get tough. A staggering 70% of small businesses report that their hosting provider impacts their growth potential — that’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call!

Future Growth and Scalability

Imagine you’re running a successful online bakery in Leeds, and your sales are skyrocketing thanks to Instagram. One day, you wake up to find your website has crashed under the weight of new orders. If your hosting service can’t handle the traffic surge, you might as well be selling bread at the bottom of the ocean! Opting for a host that offers scalable solutions means you can easily upgrade as your business flourishes without losing precious time or customers.

• Look for providers that offer easy upgrades.
• Check if they provide resources specific to e-commerce growth.
• Consider cloud hosting for flexibility during peak seasons.

Long-term Costs vs. Short-term Savings

Cheap can be seductive, like a discount chocolate cake at the supermarket — tempting but often disappointing. Many small businesses jump into low-cost hosting without examining the fine print. While initial savings are great, hidden fees and renewal rates can turn that sweet deal sour fast. A local florist learned this the hard way when they switched to an ultra-cheap provider only to find themselves paying double after six months due to unexpected charges.

Key takeaway: Always evaluate long-term costs against short-term savings before committing.

Reliability and Support

What happens if my site goes down? is not just a question; it’s a nightmare scenario for any business owner! Look for hosting services with stellar reputations for uptime guarantees (99.9% should be your baseline) and responsive customer support. If something goes wrong at midnight when you’re trying to launch your new product line? You want someone on speed dial who knows what they’re doing.

• 24/7 customer support is non-negotiable.
• Read reviews about uptime reliability.
• Consider hosts offering dedicated account managers.