After choosing and changing web host for a couple of times, here’s five tips for picking a good web host for your business.

1. First have a check list. Have a checklist of the essential things you want from a web host such as the amount of web space, metered traffic, level of support or free website templates or ‘fantastico’ that allows you to install plug-in and shopping carts easily etc. etc. etc.

2. Read reviews on forums from fellow online entrepreneurs for their recommendations on their favourite web host. Having a good hosting account is important as you would not want your web host to fail on you when you are rolling out a new product.

3. One you have some recommendations, chose a company from amongst the list and choose the smallest web hosting plan they have just to test the waters. You can always upgrade to a bigger and better plan as your business takes off.

4. Pick a host that provides a reliable service. If your site is down or takes to long to load when visitors are trying to get in, it may lead them to click out of your site and move on to the next one. They will also more likely not visit in the future since they will remember their bad experience. For this reason, it is probably best to stick with a well-known company whom you have reliable references to check with. There are numerous small hosting providers that offer space for as low as $.50 to $1 per month, however, you never know what you will be getting and many of them want you to pay for at least a year worth in advance.

I cannot stress the importance of choosing a company that has excellent support service and will respond to your support request within 3 to 6 hours. Can you image running into problems with your hosting account in the middle of an important product launch and having to wait for 24 hours before your web hoist is able to resolve your issue?

5. The price of the service has to be affordable as well. In your midst to create an online business, some people may forget about the basic nuts and bolts of running an online business. Sure, all those bells and whistles your web host provides may be useful and interesting. However if you continue to pay substantial amounts to your host each and every month, your business may not be sustainable unless you can generate cash at the on start which most online businesses may not be able to until they have been online for at least three to six months. Always look for savings and some discounts without compromising on the quality you require.