Utilizing a reliable and trustworthy web host does not come cheap. This is a major factor if you have just started a blog or website and you are not earning any money from it. As your site grows and earns, you will require additional functionality from your web hosting provider that will increase costs so it is always beneficial to find ways to save money throughout the growth process. While managing the costs of hosting can be burdensome, there are a few workarounds that can help you save money. The following is a list of the five best tips to save money on your hosting bill:
Tip One: Eliminate Extra Services
If you have existing hosting for your website or blog, consider eliminating the extra services offered by the provider. Hosting companies always include extra services with packages such as backup, search engine optimization (SEO) and Sitelock. These services are not free and can add up on your bill. Therefore, if you do not anticipate needing them in the future then contact your web hosting provider to eliminate them from your monthly charges. You always have the option of adding them back as you need them at a later date.
Tip Two: Evaluate Services Every Year or Two
It is easy to remain on the same old slow server when you stick with the same hosting company for many years. You continue to pay the same amount each month or annually to receive the same outdated server specification. The Internet hosting market moves quickly and server specifications become cheaper as time progresses and new technology is launched. Therefore, every one-to-two years you should check what server specifications are offered by your current hosting provider and request upgrades. They will not automatically upgrade you unless you ask.
If you are not content with your existing services, this is a good opportunity to take advantage of lower costs and better technology with another hosting provider. Since you will be a new customer, you can take advantage of the specials, promotional codes and vouchers when signing up with a new company. If you like your existing host but are not receiving the requested upgrades, leverage the existing offers and specials by other hosting companies to negotiate services.
Tip Three: Purchase Long-Term Hosting Plans
To save additional money on your hosting subscription, consider signing up for longer-term service. Signing up for a three-year hosting contract will give you significant discounts because it is the same as buying products in-bulk. Long-term contracts could save you more than half-off of your subscription. Also, by paying annually, you will get a huge discount compared to monthly. This is because it gives the hosting company the cash immediately in a single charge. Sometimes the hosting company will give you this option when you sign up. In other instances, you need to specifically request it and they will provide you with the total amount and money saved.
Tip Four: Start with a Shared Hosting Plan
If you are new to Internet hosting, you may be confused by the number of options available. WordPress hosting, dedicated hosting and shared hosting are three of the many packages offered by hosting providers. Each of these packages has a different cost depending on the depth of the service. It is best to start with the basic plans of shared hosting. This is the most popular type of Internet hosting and the least expensive option. The concept is that you will share hosting spaces with others to minimize the cost.
Shared hosting is an excellent deal, when starting a blog or website, because you will not initially see a large amount of traffic so you do not need significant space on the server. A typical shared hosting plan can manage up to 20,0000 daily visitors for the most optimized sites. Like with extra services, you can upgrade your hosting plan at any time to accommodate increased traffic and popularity.
Tip Five: Utilize Coupons or Voucher Codes
One of the best ways to save is by using discount codes or promotional links. These opportunities can save you a significant amount of money on your monthly bill. The most popular Internet hosting companies offer discount coupons to affiliates which you can use to lower your total purchase. Other hosting providers offer promotional links for you to get the discount.
To find the codes or promotional links, simply perform a quick Google search prior to purchasing web hosting. Typically, the bigger brands will have specials like a 20-percent off code or offer for your first month free. Make sure to provide the code during check out to receive the discount. For promotional links, the discount will usually already be applied when you checkout on the Internet hosting provider’s website.
In addition to the aforementioned tips on how to save money on your web hosting bill, occasionally conduct research on the best options available for the least amount of money. These are regularly changing as hosting companies are trying to increase market share in a competitive marketplace. By following these tips, you will be able to save money on your next hosting bill while still maintaining a high level of quality, service and technology.