Search Engine Optimization ... Web Hosting Check List

This list is not exhaustive at all. These are important points from what I have actually done and learned about myself. Few of these are strictly technical hosting questions but they are designed to assist you get a feeling about the company and its staff.

Know how to contact the Web host at all times including real telephone numbers and not just free 0800 numbers.

Which country is the host operating from you might be surprised
Check speed of response by sending list of questions
Confirm you will get your very own ip address as shown above by being able to search for it. You will share a server of course but not an ip address.
If you use Front Page that the host server has the latest Front Page extensions installed (the host will know what you mean you dont need to worry too much about the detail). Some aspects of Front page need NT servers to be used if your host uses UNIX servers this may be a problem. Check with the host. It is accepted that more stable servers are UNIX based.
Do not buy domains through the host. Do not accept free web domains even from a host you trust unless all registrations done in your name and make sure they are Best way just dont go for free sites period.
Even though you do not intend to register a domain through the host ask the question what will happen if you decide to switch hosts. The answer can tell you a lot about the company.
Find out if the host has his own servers or leases space from other large companies many do this. If they have their own ask if it would be ok to visit (in a nice way)
Confirm the name and details for any stats package and whether the control panel is available to you. If the host does not have a good stats package or control panel then go elsewhere all good hosts provide these.
Find out what happens if you use more space and download time on their servers than anticipated including if there is any limit on a specific single file in terms of downloading.
Ask the host how you find out the hosts servers on-line times and what their attitude is to down time. Some hosts will refund payments in part which does not really help if you have been skipped by Google. Remember 99% on line means total down time per month is still 7.2 hours downtime.
Confirm all fees are included in quote especially if there are any set-up fees.
Do not even think of using free hosting services.
Check 7/24 support
Check availability of POP e-mail accounts and autoresponders.
Check if autoresponders can attach files not critical but good to have.

There are many many technical aspects that will relate to your own situation. When selecting your host do take considerable care. The availability of your host to offer very good e-mail capability in terms of POP accounts and a large number of autoresponders is important bearing in mind a major objective of commercial web sites is to collect e-mail addresses.

Do not use your host for the critical parts of your web site such as e-commerce, storage of e-mail information and so on. If you change hosts or the host has problems then you have problems which may be very very difficult to resolve.

An excellent site on which you can spend lots and lots of time on checking out hosts is shown in the appendix.

A final word. Beware the host from hell. If you allow 3rd parties to do hosting for you make sure that you get involved.

STOP PRESS: MORE ON THIS HOSTING MINEFIELD

I recently bought a new hosting program (for 6 web sites) from my best host only to find that it now takes 120 hours to answer queries, only one request per day is allowed and a few other crazy restrictions has been applied to new accounts. My best host suddenly, incomprehensively became my WORST host. The latin term is caveat emptor, I believe .. buyer beware. This company will not survive under these new conditions I predict.