Your hosting space is your website’s home. And if you want your clients or customers to access your website 24/7, you need a hosting provider that offers a space that is compatible with the tools you will use to create and run your website. While most hosting packages offer free email hosting, there are some necessary features that you should get with your package.

We take a look at the basics you need when choosing a web hosting provider:

Storage space

Your files and database will take up space on the hosting server. You need to ensure that you have a hosting plan that offers enough space to host these files. Photos, videos and other files will all use the physical storage space on the hosting server. Think of it in the same way as when you store files on your laptop or mobile phone. Very often this storage space is also used to store your email. Remember your website will grow, you will add files as you progress, and you will receive emails all the time.

Domain name registration

Be it co.za or .com, you will need a domain name. This is your unique identifier on the web. Choose a name carefully. Go with something that’s easy to remember and that relates to your business. Keep it short and unique. A common practice is to have more than one domain name, you can point all your domains to one single website. Your hosting provider should be able to assist with this.

Website security

It is now a Google requirement to have your website encrypted with an SSL certificate. This will allow the public to browse your website safely. Notice the green padlock in the address bar of this site? An SSL certificate achieves that. The encryption also ensures that you get listed on the Google search results. The web hosting service provider must assist with this setup.

Email host package

You no longer need to do business with a @gmail.com address. Build a professional image and get a personalised email address. As mentioned earlier your hosting plan usually comes with business email email hosting, use it. These email accounts can be added to your laptop or mobile device.

Technical support

You don’t have all the tech know-how. We get that. Before you decided on a hosting service provider, determine what their technical support is like. The good providers are available via email, phone, LiveChat, and have useful articles in their Knowledge Base to guide you.

In summary, below are the basic considerations to take into account while looking for a web hosting provider.

  1. Storage
  2. Domain name
  3. Website security
  4. Email
  5. Support

It’s also vital to keep your business needs in mind throughout the process, to find the provider that best suits these needs.