7 Web Hosting Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to web hosting, avoiding mistakes is crucial to ensure your website runs smoothly and reflects your business in the best light. Looking back at my own experience when I started my first website, I didn’t know much about hosting, and there weren’t many resources available to guide me. So, consider this guide as a starter kit—a gift from me to you, filled with tips to help you avoid common hosting mistakes.

1. Don’t Overlook Reviews

Skipping over reviews can lead to major issues down the road. Reviews from previous users offer insights into a hosting provider’s strengths and weaknesses, providing you with valuable, unbiased information. These testimonials can help you avoid pitfalls that the service provider may not disclose, allowing you to save both time and money by making a more informed choice.

2. Don’t Choose the Cheapest Hosting Plan

It’s easy to opt for the least expensive hosting plan, especially when you’re on a budget. However, choosing a cheap plan can come with significant trade-offs. Many budget-friendly hosting options provide limited disk space, bandwidth, poor customer support, and frequent downtimes. While cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the only one. Investing in a higher-quality hosting plan with more features will support the growth of your website in the long run.

3. Don’t Lose Track of Contact Information

One of the mistakes I made early on was not saving the contact information of my hosting provider. When the server went down, I found myself unable to reach them quickly because I only had access to support through the platform. If I had stored their phone number, I could have contacted them directly to resolve the issue faster. Always make sure to have a direct way of contacting your hosting provider, such as a phone number, in case of an emergency.

4. Don’t Use the Same Provider for Both Domain and Hosting

While it may seem convenient to have both your domain registration and hosting with the same provider, this can be risky. If your hosting provider faces downtime or technical issues, it could affect both your domain and website. To reduce the risk of total downtime, consider keeping your domain registration with one provider and your hosting with another. This ensures you have more flexibility and security in case of any issues.

5. Don’t Neglect Website Security

When I first started building websites, I didn’t take website security seriously. I opted not to get an SSL certificate, thinking it wasn’t necessary, and didn’t implement any other advanced security measures. As a result, my site was hacked within two months. An SSL certificate is one of the most important tools for securing your site and protecting both your data and your users. It’s a must-have when setting up your hosting plan.

6. Don’t Stick with Shared Hosting as Your Site Grows

At the beginning, shared hosting might seem like a good option due to its low cost. However, as your website grows and attracts more traffic, shared hosting may no longer be sufficient. Shared hosting plans often experience slowdowns and downtime because multiple websites share the same server resources. For a growing website, upgrading to a dedicated server or a more robust hosting plan will provide better security, support, and performance.

7. Don’t Rely on Free Hosting Plans

While free hosting plans may seem like a good way to save money, they often come with significant limitations. Free hosting typically has lower performance, frequent downtimes, and restricted functionality. Additionally, your website will carry the provider’s branding, making it harder to build a professional reputation. Instead, opt for an affordable paid hosting service that offers greater control, flexibility, and reliable support.

Choose Wisely

With so many hosting providers to choose from, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially if you’re new to web hosting. However, making the right choice is essential for your website’s performance and the longevity of your business. While I personally recommend HostGator based on my experience, take the time to do your own research to find the provider that best fits your needs. Avoiding the mistakes mentioned above will set you up for long-term success.