10 Warning Signs of a Bad Web Hosting Provider

Web hosting plays an important role in a website’s performance since it resides on it. When you start looking for hosting services for your site, you can choose from various options. Shared Web Hosting is quite popular among site owners since it is highly affordable and allows them to get started hassle-free.  

You can also choose between Windows and Linux Web Hosting on the server you choose. A Hosting Linux Server offers more cost-efficiency than a Windows server since Linux is a free platform. Usually, site owners assess their hosting needs and consider budgets before buying a hosting plan. 

While choosing the right hosting server and operating system type is essential to the site’s performance, choosing the right Linux Hosting provider is also important since he is responsible for managing and maintaining the server and associated infrastructure.

If you are already using Shared Hosting but are dissatisfied with the services, how would you know that the problem lies with choosing a bad web hosting provider or server type? Here are 10 warning signs to help you determine the same.

  • Regular downtime

In today’s times, 99% uptime is the basic assurance a hosting provider gives. 

Hence, if your site is experiencing more than one per cent downtime, there is something wrong with how the host manages the server. 

  • Bandwidth allocation policy

Most Linux Website Hosting providers have a defined policy to allocate bandwidth to shared server users. 

It is important to understand this document carefully because low bandwidth could impact your site’s availability.

  • Your site takes too long to load

There can be many reasons behind a slow-loading website. Once you have ruled out site-related issues, look at the number of websites the hosting provider has accommodated on the shared server. 

Too many websites can strain the resources and impact the speed of the hosted sites.

  • Renewal at a higher price

Many hosting providers offer discounts to websites for the first year. They do this to make the hosting plan seem attractive and cost-efficient. 

However, when you renew the plan, you can be asked to pay a much higher price. So make sure that you understand these terms before signing the dotted line.

  • Lack of storage

If your hosting provider cannot meet your site’s growing storage needs, it might be time to begin looking for a new provider.

  • Not making new software available

Reputed hosting companies ensure that their customers get access to the latest software for site management. 

If your host still offers old applications, consider migrating to a different host.

  • Security issues

If your server is facing regular security breaches and the host cannot provide a secure hosting environment for your site, then it might be time to move.

  • Poor customer support

Since web hosting is a round-the-clock technical process, you need access to a technical support team to help troubleshoot any issues that you might encounter. 

If your host fails you on these aspects, start looking for a new one.

  • Sudden and unexplained charges

Are you seeing some new charges on your bill? Has the host not informed you of the same? 

If your host cannot provide a satisfactory explanation even after you ask, consider migrating to another host.

  • Poor server maintenance

If the server is maintained regularly, a small issue can be manageable. 

If you have observed a need for regular server maintenance, look for a more responsible host.

Summing Up

While site owners research the hosting provider before buying a plan, once you start using the services, you are better positioned to assess the quality of services you receive for the money you pay. 

Ensure you constantly analyse the services received and keep your eyes open for the above-mentioned red flags to migrate to another host. Good Luck!