Small businesses seem to struggle when trying to choose the right Web hosting provider. To someone inexperienced with Web hosting, it can certainly be a daunting task.

There’s no need to worry, however. If you consider some (not even asking for you to consider all of it) of this information when choosing your Web hosting provider, you should be on your way to success on the Internet, and at the very least, get your website up and running.

The first step of picking your Web hosting provider is to step back. As always, you should ask yourself the simple questions of who, what, why, where, when, and how.

• Who is most qualified to search for Web hosts in your business? Does your office manager know about gigabytes and email accounts or does someone else? Consider asking whoever sets up your computers, network, etc. to help you find the right Web host. Though technical expertise isn’t required, it’s always helpful.

• What are your requirements? Do you just want a simple web site to provide information with the basics like email or do you want a full featured eCommerce website? Another good what question is what is your budget?

• Why are you looking at Web hosting? Do you want to simply provide information to prospective and existing customers, partners, etc.? Do you want to have company email addresses or do you want a full featured eCommerce website that allows you to sell your products over the Internet.

• Where are you looking to host your website? Do you prefer a local company or is your view “as long as they do a good job, I don’t care where they are based”? Local companies may provide more personal attention, but hosting likely isn’t their core business.

• When are you looking to get started? Do you have 1 year, month, or day to choose your Web hosts? Like with anything else, the more research you do, the more you will learn, and the more likely your chances of choosing the Web hosting provider that’s right for you are.

• How do you want to get started? Do you already have a domain name or do you need to buy one? Do you need a website design and programming of special features? Some hosts offer these features, other do not.

Now that you’ve stepped back, here are some things to consider that can help you choose the right Web host. Keep them in mind when scouting hosts and you should be on the right track to choosing the host that is right for you.

• Look and feel. Though there may be good hosts with bad websites, they’re few and far aplenty. Established Web hosts almost always have good websites that are easy to navigate, provide information, and are visually appealing. Check out a demo of a control panel the host uses. Is it user-friendly or is it clunky and hard to figure out? If you can’t figure out how to navigate their website or control panel, you may want to stay clear. Also look for things like how easy it is to find a phone number or email address. If they hide it, they may not be the host for you.

• The service. Customer service has become one of the leading differentiators between hosts. Before testing out the service, step back and think of what your service requirements are? (Be honest) Do you want someone that can hold your hand when you need it or are you pretty confident that you won’t need much help? Once you’ve decided what your service requirement is, test the host.