The digital revolution requires a stable web hosting company in Kenya to help build an online brand. Since it encompasses several features, you have to get it right with the web hosting, making it easier to harness online visibility. We will help you understand these features and why they are important in digital marketing. More importantly, we will discuss common issues in web hosting and how to mitigate them.

Choosing the Right Web Hosting Company in Kenya

Your Web Hosting Needs and Scope

There are different types of websites with different hosting needs. Your web host should have supporting infrastructure to onboard and maintain these features. There are several issues to look out for when considering the website’s needs:

Expected Traffic 

Websites that anticipate a high number of people require a higher bandwidth. Therefore, your web host should have a good deal on bandwidth to withstand the traffic at no extra cost. Also, consider using an SSD to avoid time-out when reloading.

Online Security

Websites with M-PESA or any other payment integration should have the best security. It deters cybercriminals from accessing the system and guarantees customer information safety. If possible, it should have the capacity to allow additional security.

How Big the Project Is

A big and bulky website needs enough storage to house all files. The space must be ample enough to host all files, especially if frequent posting occurs. Online newspapers and other blog websites fall into this category. 

Understanding your website’s composition and supportive features should be the first consideration when sourcing for a web hosting company in Kenya. Write them down, map them, and look for web hosting features that can support the website without additional features.

Compare Different Offers in the Market 

Kenya has many web hosting service providers with different features, prices, and supporting structures. Look out for the following when researching for the ideal web hosting company in Kenya;

Customer Reviews 

Go to customer review sites like Trustpilot or HostAdvice and check what other customers say. The one with the most positive feedback is the ideal. However, zero down to specific features and see what other customers recommend. Do it diligently because it is the best and most honest advice you will get on the web hosting service.

Customer Service Turn Around Time

Cross-check the feedback mechanism on the web host to see the turn-around time. There are many users who might need urgent customer support. If reviews from other customers show that the web host is poor on feedback and customer service, consider looking for a better response rate, and vice versa.

Stand-Out Features

Each web hosting service provider has a unique offer that stands out. Most services are uniform across the board and only need a twist to break the tie. Some of these stand out feature includes:

• Money-back guarantee – the web host can decide to refund part of the amount spent if the customer isn’t satisfied with the service.
• Offer on hosting – the web host can offer discounted services for a period to thank its customers for patronage.
• Complementary services – many web hosting providers also offer domain registration services. They can combine a package with all the services and offer a significant discount. Watch out for such offers. 

Web Hosting Infrastructure and Technology Updates

It is the engine of the service, which explains what the service provider has and how relevant it is to contemporary hosting services. They include data storage, website security, migration options, and data management. Some of the features to look out for include:

Data and Data Management 

Settle of a web hosting company with several servers spread across different locations. If possible, there should be a data centre to reduce latency and loading time. It not only improves the website performance but also makes data management easier.

Data Movement

If there is an issue with the hosting, or you want to move data from one hosting to another, look for a web hosting company with a friendly policy on data movement. Consider one with a free and seamless data migration. 

Customised Communication

Emails are a great source of communication, especially if customised. Cross-check the software or program used in managing private email. Is it easily customisable on mobile gadgets? If you have the resources, you can still use Google to access the emails. Ensure your web hosting allows the integration. 

Attention to Customer Needs; Customer Support Responsiveness

The relationship between support and customers determines customer retention. Remember, not all customers are tech-savvy. Some need attention, especially during account set-up, migration and integration. A good web hosting in Kenya company should have various ways to talk to their clients, among them:

• WhatsApp – there are several website WhatsApp plugins you can use to communicate directly with customers.
• Live-chat plugin – this one is ideal for structured conversations. It collects email addresses, phone numbers and emails the conversation to the customer for the records.
• Phone number – there should be a dedicated phone number for customer service. 
• Email address – organisations use emails for formal communication for the records.  
• For those who can read and understand web hosting terminologies, create a Knowledge base page with every detail explained. It acts as the frequently asked questions, only that this one has every detail on web hosting in Kenya.

Whichever way you choose to reach out to your client, it should be easy to access, verifiable and facilitate storage for the records. 

Pricing/Cost per Acquisition

As much as the amount payable is a factor, consider the service the main determinant in purchasing web hosting in Kenya. Collate every feature or service you need and look for the best cost forgone. It should have all the features to avoid extra purchasing, making the service expensive in the long run.

Even if the offer is irresistible, read carefully what it affords you based on your needs. If you need a good website with all the important features, go for a medium package, which is commensurately priced and allows improvement in terms and conditions. 

Another important pricing feature is the frequency of payment. Choose a web hosting service that pays per year. It is cheaper in the long run, sustainable and gives you time to plan for your digital marketing. 

Online Security 

The secure socket layer (SSL) is essential in website security. It should be the main feature when settling for a web hosting company in Kenya. Most companies give it out for free, but the user must set it up manually. Consider the one that automatically enlists all URLs on the SSL. More importantly, look at the type of security and its susceptibility to cyber-attacks. 

Online security should help in the following ways:

• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Protection 
• Virus Scanning – frequent 
• Firewalls 
• Server hardening 
• Brute Force Defense