Looking for a web host? Well you better be careful on your quest for the best deal ... the web hosting scene is full of unscrupulous businesses. Review our 4 tips for avoiding web hosting scams. Here they are in no particular order:

Scarce Customer Service

You'll want to make sure your webhost provides excellent support. You can test this out by calling in and asking a few questions before you buy. Send them a test question through their email address or online support system as well. Most major webhosting companies offer 24 hour/7 day a week support which is very convenient.

Unlimited Anything

Although it may sound like a fantastic deal, limitless features are not a good sign. No host is going to offer you unlimited space or especially bandwidth for an ultra low price. It just isn't going to happen. So be wary of the web hosting company that clams you'll get unlimited features like these.

Although it is possible for a webhost to run a special unlimited offer for a short period of time (to get you to sign up), you can be sure they will either increase your fees later on, or cut down on bandwidth and storage space. The last thing you want is to have your site shut down because you went over your bandwidth quota for the month. This will cost you in customers and frustration. So remember that there will be a finite cap on your space ... and that's a good thing (otherwise they're not being honest with you).

Web Hosting Contracts

Be wary of the web hosting company that forces you into signing a contract. After all, if you do that, your host really has no incentive to keep you happy and can offer you mediocre services.

Of course many reputable hosts will offer a lower rate if you do pay for a year up front, but it's best if you try them out for at least a month first. If you are happy with the service, go ahead and sign up for a year if there is a discount.

Elusive Uptime

Uptime is the amount of time a site can expect to be fully functional and online with any particular host. Uptime is usually expressed as a percentage. You want a host that will make sure your site is online nearly all of the time.

But beware, there is no such thing as 100% uptime. Problems will arise, it's the nature of the internet and servers. 100% uptime really is too good to be true. Although it may not seem like much difference, 99% uptime is more accurate.

If a hosting company doesn't display their uptime on their site, then you may want to call them and find out what it is. Uptime is a crucial aspect of web hosting. You can find web hosting comparisons at http://top-5-web-hosting-charts.com/

Check out the options before you commit. It is expensive enough to pay for advertising, therefore you need to make sure your site will be up and running or you're throwing advertising money down the drain.

Avoid web hosting scams by following our tips.