Here’s the nuts and bolts of web hosting and where to buy domains.

What to look for when buying hosting…

For my insurance websites and blogs, I want a hosting package that allows me:

• To host multiple domains on one account
• 1 click install of WordPress blog software and multiple MySQL databases (which I’ll go into detail in another post and video)
• Linux hosting instead of Windows
• “CPanel” control panel for management of the site, email accounts, etc.
• Fast, responsive service.

That’s it. I’m not going to explain what all these mean or do other than they allow me to easily host websites and make changes.

While bandwidth and disk space on the site are important, it’s rare you’ll run out of either. And, if you actually start getting thousands of hits per day then you can always upgrade.

If you have custom service forms or need security features on your website to collect information then you also want to get a dedicated IP address and SSL (security certificates) but you can always upgrade from a basic account to one that will include these.

Here are the companies I use and recommend for hosting multiple sites:

• Hostgator – Most of my sites are on a couple of accounts here because they’re so quick to respond on the phone and via email tickets to questions. They’re “baby” plan meets all the above.
• Bluehost – They make it easy with only one hosting option.
• Midphase – Their “unlimited” package meets the above and they also provide great support.

Where to get domains…

I don’t recommend owning your domain on the same account where you host your website. While you’ll hopefully/probably never have a problem with a web host, it’s easier to move the actual site from one web host to another if things go bad than to move a domain name.

You can buy domains and thousands of places online and at the hosts above. However, I find it easier to buy all my domains with one or two companies. They’re all in a central account where it’s easy for me to access and make changes if necessary.

Here are the companies I use and recommend for domains:

• 1and1 – Their domain researching is terrible but they’re very inexpensive and give free private registration. Service calls are outsourced to another country and can be frustrating to understand if you’re not familiar with the technical lingo. But, they’re very reliable.
• Dotster – Not the cheapest but easy to use and can do what you need. Also a good place to research domain names.
• Nameboy – I don’t have any domains here. I just use this for domain name research.