If you want to run a successful website, paid web hosting is a must. Moving away from free hosting, where pervasive advertisements are displayed on every page and reliability is a constant concern, is the first step toward ensuring your future success online. But is it best to pay for web hosting by the month or the year?
The reliability factor
The single most important thing to consider when choosing a web hosting company is their proven track record of reliability.
If you don’t yet have those answers, you have some research to do. You can begin by reading web hosting reviews here on Reviews Gurus.
The cost factor
The cost of a web hosting package between companies can range drastically. While one host may offer unlimited space and bandwidth for only pennies on the dollar, another host may charge a significant fee for the same service. To be certain you’re getting a fair price, it’s important to visit a few top level hosts in the industry and find the average price for hosting. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to determine whether it’s cost effective to pay for your hosting plan by the month or by the year.
The pros and cons
Paying for hosting by the year means that you’re paying one year in advance for service. Because you’re paying upfront, web hosting companies can afford to offer you significant savings, sometimes as much as 50% off standard prices. In addition to that, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of paying another bill each month. That’s the good news.
On the flipside, if you find that you’re dissatisfied with service after paying for hosting by the year, there’s not much you can do about it. Once you’ve signed your yearly contract, that’s it. You can move to another company at any time, but you won’t be able to get your money back.
Putting it all together
It is entirely possible to take advantage of the tremendous discounts most hosts offer by paying for web hosting in advance and to also get a reliable web host out of the bargain. How do you do that?
By arming yourself with as much information as you can find, you’ll be able to get a great web hosting bargain and protect your wallet.