Information about hosting

A web search will reveal pages of website hosting reviews to the point where you really need a review of the review sites to know where to start.  It is quite valid to wonder whether most of these sites are as independent as they seem as most will be tied to one or more hosting companies in one way or another.  No review site can claim to cover all hosting companies so what does determine which ones they include?

A bit of research shows that the same hosting companies do keep appearing on website hosting reviews but it is quite possible to see a service topping the list in one review and not appearing at all in the next.  Some sites include user feedback but you can never be sure if this is carefully selected or, indeed, if it is real.  

This does make you wonder if sometimes payments from hosting companies influence inclusion in “Top 10″ listings!

The more reputable sites state upfront that they get a commission on sales they refer to some or all of the hosting companies which they review (i.e they are affiliates).  Others do not mention this.  

I suspect that some sites are influenced by these payments others specifically claim to be independent and apply criteria like recommending sites with “happy customers”.

I should point out that there is nothing wrong with hosting companies making payments to affiliates.  This is a very common method of marketing but anyone receiving a commission cannot really claim to be independant.

Ultimately the problem with hosting review sites is that having looked at lots of them you can still end up confused.  The only good thing is that you will begin to recognise the names of some of the well known players.

My conclusion therefore is that there are too many review sites, many of questionable merit and whilst they serve make you aware of who are the major players in the hosting market they can leave you unsure how to move forward.

Once you are aware of these companies you then need to do your own research i.e. look for independent user feedback and balance this against price.  You can also look at forums such as webhostingtalk.com where you can also seek advice if you have specific requirements.

I personally have sites with two hosting companies, one I would recommend and one I wouldn’t.  Although I have since discovered that I am not alone with regard to my problem with the second company it relates to an issue I would never have anticipated.   There is therefore always going to be an element of trial & error so I would recommend looking for a well known company that offers a money back guarantee.  You can then set-up your site and if all is well – great.  If not you can get your money back and try again.