Top 10 List of Questions To Ask Before Choosing Web Hosting Providers

 1> Is the company in good standing with Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
Why it´s important: The BBB acts as a consumer watchdog – logging consumer complaints and analyzing how companies respond to them. A poor BBB rating is a warning sign that good customer service and resolving complaints are not happening for many customers. You should always choose a company that has good standing with the BBB.  
 
 2> Does the company provide professional design tools and industry leading software bundled with their hosting from an industry leader like Macromedia?
Why it´s important: Cheap hosting providers will distribute “shareware’ or “freeware’ packages to bulk up their hosting offerings – Or - they will advertise a popular software package – with the fine print explaining that you only get a “starter’ or trial version. ValueWeb plans come with full versions of bundled software such as Macromedia´s Contribute.  
 
 3> Does the company have an uptime guarantee?
Why it´s important: Small or unprofessional companies that don´t have stable systems will never offer an uptime guarantee. This guarantee tells you that your provider´s systems are going to be up when your customers are online.  
 
 4> Does the company have a money back guarantee?
Why it´s important: Your wallet is protected if you aren´t happy with any aspect of the service – from uptime, to customer service, to tech support, to their email system. A money back guarantee and a good BBB rating means the company actually honors its guarantee, like we do.  
 
 5> How long has your provider been around? Do they have industry experience gained from longevity?
Why it´s important: It´s hard to beat experience when it comes to understanding the internet. A company that has online for more than 5 years will be there when you need them. ValueWeb has been in business for 8 years.  
 
 6> Has your web hosting provider garnered any industry awards? What do independent experts say about their products and services?
Why it´s important: Advertising and sales language is cheap – every web hosting company claims that their products and services are superior to the rest. Look for independent evaluations or awards from places like PC Magazine, Tophosts, HostIndex, or WebHost Dir.  
 
 7> Does your provider give 24 x 7 phone support staffed by certified professionals?
Why it´s important: Cheap providers will limit customer service and phone support to save money. Many providers either limit phone support to 8 hours per day or don´t offer it at all. Make sure you can reach a trained, caring professional by phone at any time of the day or night when you need help.  
 
 8> Can your account grow with your business?
Why it´s important: If you are serious about your online business, you want it to grow. Be certain that your web hosting company offers multiple accounts and options to let your business expand. Entry level accounts are a good start, ecommerce accounts can let you grow into selling online, and dedicated servers are appropriate for larger online business needs. Look for at least these 3 types of accounts.  
 
 9> Is spam and virus protection from a commercial provider included in your web hosting account?
Why it´s important: No one wants to spend their valuable time fighting a computer virus or wading through endless spam emails. Professional hosting should include commercial software (not shareware) to protect you. Every ValueWeb plan comes with the Industry´s Leading anti-spam solution from Brightmail.  
 
 10> Has your company been chosen by industry leaders who have deep knowledge of the Internet and web hosting?
Why it´s important: Big companies have large research staffs and setup test accounts before selecting a web hosting company to work with. ValueWeb has been selected by companies such as AOL, Network Solutions, Macromedia, and Costco because they know we know how to serve small business. That means we know how to guide you to success.