There is really no shortage of web hosting companies out there who will offer you web hosting plans at a very low price. There is additionally no shortage of people out there who are opting for such plans. The thing is, you get what you pay for, and web hosting is no exception to this rule. Unfortunately, many do not realize this until it is already too late.
On the other hand, if you buy Shared Web Hosting package you have every aspect of your weblog under the control. There is very simple solution for those who want to install their own weblog on the shared host without any special technical knowledge. Download PHP script called WordPress (it can be downloaded for free), change the config file, upload it to the server and run the install file. If you are looking for easier way to start your own blog you can find a web hosting company which has pre-installed scripts. Scripts like WordPress are presented almost in any installer.
These hosting plans will usually provide only one root directory for all of the domains and sites you plan to build. You will also be allowed one "primary domain". All other domains will have to be "parked" or added on to the primary domain. Without getting too technical, let's just say that some Shared Web Hosting UK scripts don't "play" well with others. And many just don't like being installed in sub-directories!
Popularity does not guarantee you a good service. Many popular host start of small and offering a good service but once their popularity grows they start to become complacent and their product suffers. It may not always be the case but it happens more than you'd believe. Also becoming popular nowadays can simply be a case of having the largest advertising budget.
This is why I prefer Affordable Web Hosting plans. They give you more control of your website. If your site doesn't generate traffic right away you will not have to worry about having your web hosting service cancelled with no warning. You will also be given more tools to help grow your website and make your site more user friendly. Reliability is also something you get with paid hosting. They want to keep you as a customer so they will do more to keep you satisfied. Free web hosting can be crappy on purpose in hopes that you will upgrade to the paid service so you might as well get an affordable web hosting plan that fits your needs.
Another thing you should look at is whether or not you want to host multiple domain names with your one hosting package. Both shared hosting and dedicated hosting can allow you to do this. A lot of share hosting services now allow this.
As I mentioned in the opening section of this piece, this has only been a basic outline of a few of the key items with regard to the topic of how to choose the best web hosting. There are just a tiny number of other absolutely crucial factors that you will have to be aware of.