What kind of web host do you really need for your website? That is a question worth asking yourself. The answer hinges on what you are attempting to do with said site. Are you interested in getting a website that is simply used for promotional purposes for yourself? For some people that is all that they are looking for, and there is nothing wrong with this. However, some are looking for more. A problem with this is that more might not be cheap, and they are looking for a cheap web host.
Bulk Buying From A Web Host
In order to get the very best prices on web hosting, it is common to have to lock into a longer term contract. Why is this the case? The same reason that anyone makes you bulk purchase anything at all. They want you to buy a larger quantity.
Webdesign.about.com says this regarding bulk buying,
One of the most common ways you'll see cheap hosting is as a package deal over several months or years. In other words, they cost $4 per month when you buy 36 months of service. Otherwise they cost $15 per month.
This is a common method used in all sorts of markets. It is nothing to be upset or angry about. It makes perfect sense to have this type of pricing model, and it is what the web hosting sites use. You have to be prepared to accept that fact.
Though you may be in a rush to find a cheap web host and get your website up and running, don't forget to look for great customer service while you are at it as well. There is something to be said for having quality customer service when you absolutely need it. If your website goes down or there are some other problems, then it is best to have a way to contact someone in customer service and get things back up and running. Keep this in mind when looking for a great host.