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A perfect web host can be as hard to track down as the proverbial matchless mate. Only your Aunt Sally isn’t constantly trying to hook you up with the perfect web host.

Of course, we all realize that no person is perfect and just like us no web host is perfect, either. Web hosts are really just a mix of people and technology and either or both is likely to fall down just when we want them up. That’s why I think it makes sense to apply the same rules to finding a web host that we apply to finding a mate.

So, where to start? Start with yourself and your needs; self evaluation is critical before starting any long-term relationship. What needs are you trying to fill? Do you want to start a personal blog? An e-commerce web site? A family web site? A forum to discuss urban landscaping?

The type of web site you intend to build can help to determine the type of host you need. An e-commerce site that will (hopefully) generate lots of traffic will likely need the power of dedicated servers, whereas a family web site will likely do quite well on a shared server.

Are you experienced? If this is your first foray into web hosting relationships, your tender sensibilities and delicate ego will require extra TLC. Look for a host that has highly rated customer service and, after choosing one, test it before you really need it. Be needy; call their support line, send them emails, and use the online chat before you really need it. Ask questions about site setup, email configuration, setting permissionsanything you can think of to see what kind of responses you get. If they aren’t supportive now when you don’t really need them, they aren’t likely to be when you do either; move on.

Try to have some idea what software you will need before you start searching for a host. Many hosts provide free and easy to use software packages for things like blogging and forums. If you are planning something more involved, make sure the host can support it. If you’re a PHP type and your host is strictly ASP, you will never be compatible.

If you’ve experienced the hosting scene before, think about your prior affairs and what you liked and didn’t like about them. It sounds obvious, but try to find hosts that offer the features and services you liked and avoid those you did not. So often we tend to repeat the same mistakes we made in the past both in choosing patners and in choosing web hosts. Just because they promise us a terabyte of bandwidth doesn’t mean we’ll really get it. Read the fine print.

A clear understanding of your needs along with careful research can net you a partnership that you can both be happy with. Remember to always read through the details and always be prepared to leave.

Web hosts, like every other human venture, are not perfect. But, if you do your homework you can find one that fulfills your needs and will keep you satisfied for years to come.

Last 5 posts by Dan Scott

• At What Cost? - June 6th, 2008
• The New Internet And Why You Should Be On It - April 15th, 2008

Tags: Web Hosting