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Let’s face it—choosing a shared hosting plan sounds simple, right? But one wrong move and you could be stuck with slow speeds, hidden fees, or terrible support. It’s a classic trap that catches thousands of beginners.
In this post, we’ll break down the 7 big mistakes people make when choosing shared hosting, so you can avoid them and pick the right plan from the start.
1. Only Looking at the Cheapest Price
Cheap sounds tempting—especially when you’re just starting out. But with hosting, you usually get what you pay for.
Why it’s a mistake:
- Rock-bottom plans often cut corners on support and speed
- Essential features like backups or email may cost extra
- Renewal prices are often way higher than the intro deal
Tip: Focus on value, not just price. What features are included? How reliable is the provider?
2. Ignoring Renewal Rates
That $1.99/month offer looks amazing—until it renews at $9.99/month a year later.
What to check:
- Renewal pricing after the first term
- Length of contract required to get the lowest price
- Hidden fees (setup, migration, backups, etc.)
Pro tip: Always read the pricing details before you click “buy now.”
3. Overlooking Uptime and Performance
If your website goes down a lot or takes forever to load, visitors won’t wait around—and Google won’t rank you well either.
Red flags to avoid:
- No uptime guarantee (look for 99.9% or higher)
- No mention of SSD storage or CDN support
- No performance benchmarks
Your hosting plan needs to keep your site fast and online. Period.
4. Choosing a Plan Without SSL
A secure site (HTTPS) is no longer optional. Google favors it, and visitors trust it. Plus, many browsers flag insecure sites.
Why this matters:
- SSL encrypts user data
- It improves SEO
- Visitors are more likely to stay on secure sites
Don’t pay extra for SSL—it should come free with your plan.
5. Assuming “Unlimited” Means Unlimited
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
“Unlimited” bandwidth or storage usually comes with hidden limits in the fine print.
What to watch for:
- CPU or inode limits
- Throttled speed after certain usage
- Penalties for using too many resources
Always check the acceptable use policy (AUP) before signing up.
6. Skipping Customer Support Reviews
You won’t care about support—until you need it. Then, you’ll really care.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Assuming all support is 24/7 (some offer limited hours)
- Not testing the live chat or email response time
- Ignoring complaints about support delays
Good hosting comes with great support. Don’t settle for less.
7. Forgetting About Future Growth
You may be starting small—but will your host be able to grow with you?
Things to consider:
- Does the provider offer easy upgrades to VPS or cloud?
- Can you add more domains or storage later?
- Are there flexible plan options?
Choose a host that scales with your needs—not one that boxes you in.
Conclusion: Learn from These Mistakes—Don’t Repeat Them
Choosing shared hosting shouldn’t feel like a gamble. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you’ll save time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
Focus on reliability, support, scalability, and value—not just flashy discounts or “unlimited” claims. Your website deserves a strong foundation.
Make the smart move. Choose shared hosting that actually supports your goals.
FAQs
- Is it bad to choose the cheapest shared hosting plan?
Not always—but cheap plans often lack essential features and support. Always read the fine print. - What’s the best uptime percentage to look for?
At least 99.9%. Anything less means frequent downtime, which can hurt your traffic and trust. - Do all shared hosting plans include SSL?
No, but many top hosts now offer it for free. If they charge extra, it’s a red flag. - What happens if I outgrow my shared hosting plan?
You should be able to upgrade to a VPS or cloud plan. Choose a host with flexible options. - How can I test a host’s support before buying?
Try their live chat or submit a pre-sale question to see how quickly and helpfully they respond.