Customer Service – Is there support for any and all problems you will experience? Customer service can include tutorials, information, email, live chat and phone services. It is important to be able to contact another, preferably knowledgeable, human at any time. After all, if your website isn’t working, you need it fixed now. Time is money.

Uptime – How often is the server hosting your domain online? If there are known problems with the server such as frequent time outs or crashes, no amount of savings will be worth the hassle. You must have your site in peak condition at all times, and if it is down and there is nothing you can do, the frustration will more than cancel out the few dollars a month you might be saving.

Quality Assurance – What happens if things go wrong? More than one webmaster has been locked into a contract only to want to back out when they got a full taste of the company’s antics. Companies have different policies and fees for switching domains from one service to another. It is important to find a company that is flexible and offers a money back guarantee if possible.

Size Allotment – Will the hosting package give you enough space? Simple websites don’t require as much space as full-fledged online shops or forums, but nobody likes to run out of room. Be sure you are getting plenty of storage and transfer for your money.

Management Features – The back office is literally where the magic happens. If you have to wait on someone else to upload and approve your site, you won’t be comfortable very long. You need access to your account and your domains and you need it around the clock. Who knows when the urge will strike to change some text or update your latest online offering?