A Guide to Cheap Web Hosting – Find the Right Provider

Some of the cheapest web-hosting providers offer plans from just a few dollars a month, which sounds too good to be true. There is a catch with cheap web hosting services in that the low-cost plans mean you’ll be sharing server space with other customers. Other cheaper options are merely introductory prices, that later skyrocket when the promotional period ends.

In order to choose the right provider, it’s best to shop around and get a price comparison from an expert. Take into consideration the type and length of contract you’re after, and which services are most important to your business. Here is a guide to cheap web hosting, and a review of the top providers.

Why do businesses need web hosting?

Shared hosting is an easy and cheap way to get your website out into the world. Your website sits on the same server with others and you share resources such as storage and bandwidth. Professional web hosting servers can run a cheaper service and offer more security as well. 

Shared web hosting providers’ plans come with many useful features, and it’s the most cost-effective way to run a website. There is a lot of competition out there and many providers now offer incredibly cheap deals. In order to choose between them, it’s important to look at some evaluation criteria. 

Evaluation Criteria

A low cost shared hosting plan is adequate for a simple personal or business site. It might not be sufficient for eCommerce or websites with very high amounts of traffic. If you’re looking for a cheap web hosting provider then you’ll need to evaluate the services you need. There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a web hosting provider.  

• Money-back Guarantee
  Many providers offer a free trial period or a money-back guarantee before you sign up. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this and test the different features your provider offers. The services you need depend on your website and social media marketing goals.
• Customer Support
  Compare how many contact options you have for customer support. Does your chosen provide have the option for phone calls as well as email? Do some research into the customer support service and how quickly they respond. It’ll be important when you need it.
• Storage Restriction
  Check the fine print for storage and bandwidth restrictions. Some plans include limits on storage and monthly data transfer. Make sure you read about any restrictions and acceptable-use policies.
• Backup
  Web hosting providers are able to create manual backups but automated online backups are a more secure way to protect your business from a data breach. See if the provider charges extra for these.
• Performance
  If you’re paying less you’ll be more likely to have shared hosting. This could cause your page to load more slowly. You can upgrade to a higher-priced hosting plan to improve performance.
• Security
  Look for best security practices such as multi-factor authentication, updates, and SSL support. You could ask the support team what the procedure would be in the case of a security breach and how much it costs.
• Email and Domain
  Several providers offer free domain registration as part of the package and you can also expect web-based email options with advanced features.

Different web hosting providers offer a range of packages. For a small business, not an eCommerce, a shared option would be ideal. For websites such as eCommerce, dedicated hosting is more advisable. This means the server is just for you, and you’ll get extra advanced features. Here are just a few examples of cheap web hosting providers with factors such as cost, security, and contracts taken into consideration.

A2 Hosting

A2 Hosting provides free migration, software packages, and free automatic backups, making it a good all-round package. They also offer anytime money-back guarantee. They have customer support available 24/7 and 365 days a year, with the option to call, email, or live chat. 

Where security’s concerned, SSL support is free and two-factor authentication. Website building software is included with all shared plans and WordPress installations from $2.99 a month.

Bluehost

Bluehost claims to run over two million websites on its platform. The company offers three tiers of WordPress hosting and Weebly website builder. Customer support is available 24/7 via call and chat. Automated backups are not free but you can pay for a monthly upgrade. 

You can opt for shared hosting, VPS, or a dedicated server. The cheapest package is $2.95 a month, and a free domain name and email are included. 

Dreamhost

Dreamhost provides low-cost plans for WordPress and websites from just $2.59 a month, but they require a three-year commitment. For a slight increase in price, you can opt to pay monthly or for a one year contract. There’s a 97-day moneyback guarantee with all packages.

SSL certificates are free on shared plans with Let’s Encrypt and other certificates require an extra cost. To recover data and any repairs after a website is hacked would cost roughly $199.

Hostgator

Hostgator offers free site transfer, domains and WordPress installs with all packages. The cheaper packages start from $2.75 monthly and include an SSL certificate and you can upgrade to a business plan for $5.95 including dedicated IP and SEO tools.   

There’s a “quick install” feature that allows one-click access to a range of apps. Daily Codeguard backups are included and weekly offsite backs as well. 

Hostinger

Hostinger starts from 99c making it the cheapest option. A domain is not included with this offer, however, but you can upload one website and one email. The upgrade to include a free domain is only $2.89 a month, and they offer a range of packages for small businesses.

Hostinger boasts the latest technology and caching solutions, and have data centers in seven global locations. 

If you’re running your own business, it’s important to think long-term and the cost of running your website over time. The best cheap web hosting deals can help you save money.