subject: How to choose the best host for your blog site [print this page] How to choose the best host for your blog site
Blogging websites are relatively simple to understand and are compatible with nearly every type of general hosting service. The good news for blog sites is that generally you would never have to upgrade to a dedicated server. If your blog site is just for your use then feel secure that you may very well get away with using free alternatives to hosting, such as blogger.com or using a free host for your own unique site (outside of template restrictions). If your website is offering a blogging option for others then you absolutely must keep in mind the potential host's data transfer limitations as well as the allotted disk space. If for some reason your site was to reach an extreme level of popularity (lucky you) then it may be a good idea to consider a dedicated server, or creating your own server. If your blog has a target audience or message that is relatively controversial, then be sure that the potential host offers the best security you could afford, as hacks and spamming occur frequently especially amongst controversial websites.
Up-time is crucial to your blogging site, as Google loves websites that are highly active, as do the followers of blogs. If your website is frequently down, you can be sure that many of your members and their followers will abandon it, and that you will not climb the ranks in Google very fast at all. Also it is important to consider customer service, an ideal format being a 24/7/365 accessible customer service as you may never know what issues you may run into, nor what time they will occur. Blogging websites are very generic in their compatibility with hosts, making them a great project for the new designer.
