The bad news is not having an online presence in the global marketplace that's fast being dominated by the Internet. The okay news is that you already have an online presence – whether this is good news, is not certain. The worst news, however, is you're already online with a web host that can't provide your website with decent services!

So, what is the really real good news?

The good news flows in when you sign up with a reliable and quality web host. This article guides you on choosing a reliable web host step-by-step.

Here we go:

Checklist to Determine the Essentials Qualities of a Good Web Host

1. Does the web host have reliable servers that are equipped with the latest software and are backed up by another redundant server, just in case the first server breaks down?

2. Are the servers scalable? It is important to check that your host has scalable servers because you don't want any speed or space cramps popping up in case your website begins growing big.

3. Does the web host have adequate power back up? A good web host must be connected to the electric utility company by two power lines. Plus, he must be equipped with a robust uninterrupted power system that can keep the servers going in times of a power shutdown.

4. Does your web host have a sound data backup plan?

5. Does your web host have a super fast Internet connection that is powered by the latest equipment? Remember, they must be connected with 2 separate lines just in case anything goes wrong with one. If not look someplace else.

6. Does your web host offer you the content management systems that you are comfortable working with? Nowadays, most web hosts offer a range of content management systems (Joomla, Drupal, etc.) along with click-and-install blog technology from Wordpress and Blogspot. Along with these, there will be a host of features offered without a charge – examples: tracking software, newsletter creating and mailing software, widgets, bulletin board software, free email addresses, etc. If a web host does not offer you any goodies on the house, move on.

7. Do they support the latest changes in software? Most coders program websites and application software using the latest innovations in programming languages, and you don't want to be caught in a situation where your coder has programmed your database using PHP 5 where as your web hosts' servers support only up to PHP 3 (this is just an example – ask your coder for the languages he's using employ and see if your web hosts supports them).

8. Quality web hosts offer gigabytes of space with almost unlimited bandwidth at very reasonable prices.

9. Does the web host must have the latest and the best web analytics software installed on his servers? Nowadays, every e-business owner wants to know where his traffic is coming from so that he can sharpen his marketing strategies. If a web host is relying on poor web analytic software, then don't touch them.

10. Is the web host reputed? Have they provided web space to reputed clients who can vouch for them? Are they willing to tell you who some of their clients' are? Check on all these.

11. How long has the web host been in business? If they are new on the scene, it may be best to stick to a host who has been around for a while.

12. Do they feature 24/7/366 support? And, how reliable is this support? Is customer support staffed with tech guys who can fix your problem in a jiffy? Needless to say, go with the web host with a strong tech support. Okay, this is important: you must talk to the support staff to find out if they have brain or meat in their heads!

13. Do they provide free SEO (Search Engine Optimization) services? Quality web hosts offer their customers access to a free automatic search engine optimizer tool – check to see your host has it.

14. Good web hosts also offer free automated search engine and directory submission software services to their customers. One click can send websites to all major search engines and to scores of directories around the Internet. A quality web host always provides such tools.

15. Does your web host conform to anti-spam guidelines? Specifically, he must conform to America's CAN-SPAM Act (Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act), and if you are targeting audiences based in Europe, then also to European Privacy & Electronic Communications Regulations 2003.

Follow this checklist to audit your web host, and you will surely find a quality host. Remember not to buy your domain name from your web host because they may create a hassle in transferring it later if you decide to take your business elsewhere. Also, read the Terms of Agreement and go through each clause thoroughly – companies usually lay down a lot of riders about space and bandwidth usage in this agreement.

Last thing: Before you sign up, ask the web host for a 15 or 30 day money-back guarantee. That will keep you safe. Here's wishing you good luck in your online business!

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