If you are looking for web hosting, whether it’s your first host or you are seeking a change, the choice is simple; Kualo.

I don’t know about you but I find the process of checking out the various package options of some interest at first, but it soon becomes a major headache trying to compare packages and prices. Then there is the numerous reviews, some good, some not so good. Not to mention the hassle of the actual change-over itself.

When you think hosting you think; “my web site needs a home”, but don’t forget, you need to transfer your email accounts and check their settings up on your computer, blackberry, iPhone or whatever device you use. Pain, right?

Having spent weeks searching through so many options and several days researching my short-list, reading countless reviews, I finally started to contact a number of hosting companies with relatively simple questions concerning their advertised package options. I had genuine questions which, as a relative novice, needed to be answered.

To my surprise the process of contacting various sales and support staff proved to be the deciding factor and I am very pleased to say I chose Kualo.

To be honest my previous host was cheap and provided enough for our needs, for many years, but we now have other plans and I found so many hosting companies offering so much more but the prices differed greatly.

First thing I would say is; having checked so many reviews beware cheap deals, one good pointer is the host’s affiliate program, if they are offering you cash to attract customers than the customer is supposedly paying there has to be a catch!

Here are a few pointers:

1. Search out a wide range of reviews
   Don’t rely on the host on site reviews not surprisingly you may find them somewhat biased. Beware comparison sites most openly admit to benefitting from commission, so read their reviews with an open mind. Negative reviews although apparently based on justified complaints most appear to point at infringement of the hosting companies terms and conditions, so read them and ask any questions you may have before you sign up.
2. Beware subtle differences in hosting packages
   One key example; if you want to host multiple sites under one package, be aware many hosting companies offer what appears to be the same package content as their competitor. However on close examination they have omitted the ability to host multiple domains. Suddenly what appeared to be a great price becomes an excessive cost if you multiply it by the number of sites you may have. So once again read the terms and conditions.
3. Beware cheap deals
   As already highlighted above look at the terms to see if there are penalty charges and initiate the order process to see what may have been added to the shopping cart. Granted you can remove such items but take care when placing an order. One of the hosting companies I checked out actually pointed out in their sales pitch if you opt for their competitor and decide to cancel in the first year you will actually owe them money rather than receive the claimed refund, so do your homework.
4. Draw up a short list of possible hosting companies and contact them with genuine questions
   The nature of the response you receive should be quite illuminating, i.e., if its short and abrupt it may well have come from a support team based, who knows where, and who actually have little or no knowledge of the hosting company, or for that matter, technical expertise. If the response is unclear and clearly indicates the reader either failed to read your question(s), or understand your concerns, avoid them. If the response is relatively quick, at any hour of the day, pleasant with specific detail relating to your question you are on the right track, you have found a company who really does provide customer support.
5. Ask for a second or third opinion
   If you have a family member of friend who can draw on their experience get their opinion. Use your social media contacts; find out if your choice of host is popular and respected. Beware companies who own multiple hosting sites, they tend to farm out support to the cheapest possible option to some far flung part of the globe and close examination of their terms identifies glaring similarities particularly penalty clauses.
6.  Don’t leave your search for a host to the last minute
   The process of finding a hosting company takes time, if you already have a contract with a hosting company and are looking to move hosts, make sure you make a decision before your current contract ends.

Okay so why Kualo?

1. Consistently positive reviews across a range of comparison and blog sites
2. Clear hosting options with a wide range of free add-ons
3. Value for money; reliability, friendly helpful and understanding support
4. On comparison with many of their competitors they win hands down
5. A company focused on professional, dedicated customer service, used by professional, experienced companies and web developers of all sizes
6. Easy setup with supporting documentation with a fair affiliate program

Personal experience

Honestly, I was overwhelmed and tired checking all the numerous options for hosting over so many days/weeks. I am sure you may well be thinking overkill, maybe so, but anyone who has changed hosting company has to admit it can be daunting and often down to luck when it comes to finding a decent company you are happy with.

So I started sending questions to my short list of hosting companies, (specifically about shared SSL certificates and multiple domain hosting). Kualo responded very quickly, politely and gave a clear explanation, (which was not copied from a manual or hastily compiled on the off chance of a sale).

The responder; Craig Luke of Kualo Ltd., clearly took time to read and respond to my questions. (All emails include a free phone number 0800 138 3235 (UK) or 1-800-368-0345 (USA) for support.) To my surprise, when I responded with; "thanks for the quick response", I received another email, thanking me, and giving even more detail including cost options should I decide to buy an SSL certificate explaining I would require a dedicated IP address and so on.

Before purchase I asked for a second opinion, providing my first and second choice options. It appears Kualo have a good reputation and are very well liked.

So I decided upon Kualo. During the order process you have the choice of hosting your site either in the USA or the UK (2 options only, nothing complicated). I would advise you select the server closest to you, however it should make little or no difference where your site is hosted on the World Wide Web, though from my basic research it does make a difference if you choose the wrong hosting company, i.e., issues such as excessive time for a page to load, technical support who can not answer your questions, and no complaint process should more serious issues regarding payments or hosting ever arise.

In addition, there are no hidden charges and the terms and conditions are detailed and easily read.

Have I become an affiliate? Definitely! That does not mean you must advertise their services, as with some hosting companies, you don't have to become an affiliate and you certainly don't have to promote them on your web site. Nevertheless, as someone who preaches quality and as a former software QA specialist it’s my personal policy never to promote anything that may prove not to be all it appears. For the first time, I am openly promoting Kualo as I believe Kualo offer a customer focused, quality, professional service.

Importantly they are reliable and friendly, they speak plainly or techy, your choice. Equally important, don’t think their hosting is just for experts, it’s not, they will happily deal with anyone with any level of knowledge / experience. After all support is not important until you need it, and Kualo are more than happy to help.

You will know within a short space of time if they are right for you. The setup process is usually the most crucial time, i.e., the time you will need most support, so you will know, well within the time of their money back guarantee period, whether you have made the right choice. I and many of their customers who have taken the time to share their thoughts and experience, on numerous sites, don’t regret moving to Kualo. Average rating on all the sites I visited gave 5/5 stars.

Don’t take your web site availability, or your ability to communicate 24 hours a day via email, for granted. Switch to a reliable, user friendly, complete service, which offers an extensive range of tools to assist you in promoting your services / products.

I, and many other Kualo customers, recommend you host with Kualo.

Hope this helps