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Here are some other guidelines to follow when choosing the right web hosting Company.

What type of customer/technical support does the hosting company offer?

Find a company that offers 24/7 tech support. If you're working on your site at 2 am and run into a problem, you don't want to wait until 9 am the next day to get it fixed. Make sure the company has a detailed FAQ page or online manual so you can get answers to some common questions immediately. You should prefer companies that offer a toll-free number as well, in order to avoid long distance charges in the event you have a problem that can't be solved online or via email.

How long has the company been in business? Who are some of the clients?

Before you look for package specs, prices, etc, check out the company and make sure they're reputable. Look into how long the company has been in business and, if possible, check out some of the sites hosted by that company. Many web-hosting firms won't provide you with a list of clients, so if you're unable to get that information, find out how many clients they have.

What is the length of contract that you are required to sign? Are there discounts for paying several months in advance?

You'll find month-to-month contracts, quarterly contracts, annual contracts and almost any other arrangement. Decide what is best for you. Once you settle on a company you like and want to stay with, it's nice to have the option of paying several months in advance at a discounted rate should you decide to do so.

How much will it cost?

Web hosting fees vary greatly. For the most part, though, you get what you pay for. Companies that charge $2.95/month usually don't offer everything a company that charges $24.95/month does. Generally, you should find a high-quality host and a decent plan from $15.00 - $35.00 per month.

Is unlimited FTP access provided?

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a method of transferring files to your server. It is highly recommended that you shop for unlimited, 24 hour FTP access. Access to your control panel to enable management of your site is important.

How many email addresses are provided? Are auto-responders provided?

Some plans offer numerous email addresses with their hosting packages, so you can set up you@yourdomain.

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