We talk often about how to find the perfect web host, but very little about what responsibilities, if any, you have as a client. Come along as we explore what it takes to be a good web hosting customer.
Be self sufficient
Web hosts provide support by answering any questions about your services and account. That is their job and they're happy to do it. Still, some customers abuse the support team by not being a self sufficient hosting customer. You can avoid this by following a few simple rules.
Read instructions thoroughly. Each web host provides an introductory letter welcoming you as a client. This email will contain your login and password information, FTP details, account settings, and instructions about how to get your site online. Before submitting a trouble ticket or contacting support, read the letter thoroughly. It's very rare that an introductory letter will leave clients with questions.
Use your web host's knowledge. Most hosts today have an area on their website called Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or a Knowledge Base. These databases are a goldmine of information put together by experts in the field. Take some time to familiarize yourself with your host's website and when you have a question, this should be the first place you turn.
Do some of your own learning. While your host will eagerly answer questions regarding your hosting account, they are not paid to teach you HTML, CSS or how to show you how to change a Wordpress template. When you have questions regarding your hosting account, turn to your host. When you need to know how to build a better website, get more traffic or construct a logo, learn from experts in those fields.
Be professional
It's frustrating when your website is down or you can't get a handle on a technical problem. We've all been there. No matter how upset you may be, always act professionally. Inquiring about why your website is offline is perfectly acceptable, but yelling at your host or repeatedly calling and complaining every five minutes is not.
Don't abuse services
There may be times when your website receives an extreme amount of traffic unexpectedly, causing you to go over your allotted amount of bandwidth. If it happens once or twice, that's fine. If this is routine however, it's time to upgrade your account to a larger plan.
Don't SPAM
Spamming is forbidden on every single host in the United States. Sending out unsolicited mail is the quickest way to lose your hosting account and have your domain blacklisted. Spamming also creates a lot of work for hosts, who then have to clean up after you, disable your account and deal the many unhappy people who received your email. Don't spam.
Say thanks
If you have an exceptional host whose reliable services have helped your website to succeed, let them know. Send an email or letter by postal mail. The best thank you of all is to write a review, boasting about your host's good work.
Your web host works hard to keep your site online daily and to help you make the most of your online experience. Establishing a good relationship with your host will take your website to bigger and better places.