Just like budget airlines, budget web hosting companies have presented a world of exciting possibilities to ordinary people everywhere. And just like budget airlines, many web hosting companies offer temptingly low prices. At first glance, they seem excellent value, but when you calculate the lifetime costs of the service and any hidden charges or indirect costs, the price can soon escalate.
You know the scenario: at the time of booking, the airline piles on the taxes and once you’ve boarded the plane, they charge you for a dry, old sandwich with curled-up edges.
The web hosting equivalent of budget airlines’ unappetising in-flight snacks has to be limited bandwidth. But unlike a dodgy sandwich, this can have a devastating effect on your organisation, especially if you rely on a website to generate revenue.
It is crucial that budget airlines and web hosting companies make it clear to customers what they are getting for their money from the start.
So how can you ensure that along with bargain web hosting, you don’t end up with a service that is more hassle than it is worth? The most vital first step is to research the market before you are tied into a contract. Telephone support is a right, not a luxury. Also, think of your needs carefully when choosing a package. Think very carefully about the features you really need. If your website is only one or two megabytes, why buy a plan with unlimited web space? Don’t be taken in by flashy special offers.
And avoid companies which do not offer a crystal clear breakdown of what packages include for the price. If pricing structure is completely transparent, you get exactly what it says on the tin, in plain English. No hidden charges, no extras, and definitely no old sandwiches with curled-up edges.
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