Wading through the cesspool of host review sites ain't easy.
Although there's currently a lot of conversation on the web about the benefits of working with various hosting companies, it is important to note that not all of this feedback is guaranteed to be legitimate. Many unethical persons have adopted the practice of creating or even purchasing fake reviews in order to generate more attention for their hosting services and products. After having read a few of the most obvious examples of fake reviews, you're probably asking yourself, "Are there any real web hosting reviews?" The truthful answer is that you'll find a balanced mix of genuine and insightful feedback and feedback that is wholly contrived. In order to get any real value from online reviews, you'll have to be able to tell the difference.
How to Tell the Difference
There are a number of ways to distinguish between genuine and disingenuous consumer reviews. One of the first and most important things to remember is that an established and well-reputed hosting company can stand on its own and is therefore, far less likely to resort to tactics like these. For new and developing hosting companies, however, you will have to be a bit more discerning. At this level of service, it is vital to look for reviews that offer both positive and negative feedback. Glowing reviews and long-winded testimonials are not likely to be the products of actual consumers. Real reviews always discuss the pros and cons of working with companies and recognize that no business, no matter how wonderful its services might initially seem, is without its disadvantages.
Technical Knowledge and Testing Methods
Another sure sign of a good review is evidence of strong technical knowledge. Reviews that are not genuine are often written by people who have little understanding of hosting companies and common hosting needs. They often use the wrong terminology and do not have a good grasp of industry jargon. When describing different service features and rating them, they also lack clearly defined testing methods. A good reviewer will tell you exactly how services are rated and will have a clearly defined standard for testing features and issuing the resulting ratings. This standard will be outlined on the review platform or within the actual review itself.
Knowing What to Look For In a Hosting Company
People who write real reviews also have a keen understanding of what to look for in a hosting company. They go far beyond simply comparing costs or mentioning uptime guarantees. They talk about whether site transfers are assisted, whether WordPress or Joomla is supported and if hosting plans are scalable enough to meet the needs of growing businesses. You can find genuine reviews from both real consumers and well-respected review sites that actually test the products they review. Anything less is just a calculated marketing tactic and will not provide real help with your purchase decisions.
Search for Links on Reputable News Sites
Fly-by-night companies will generally be unable or unwilling to work the major online news firms. Go to the big business news release outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, the Street, PRNewswire, etc. If you can locate news releases by a review company on one or more of these sites, then you may have been lucky enough to come across a company that provides unbiased reviews of hosting services.
So far the best I have done is come across one review company that was listed on 4 out of 5 of the above, but I'll keep looking for more. While they seem OK, I am not yet convinced and want to hear some feedback from you guys. Are they really honest - or the same as the rest - just in it for the quick buck? Let me know. You can click the links above if you want to see any of the news releases I am referring to.
Thanks for all your help, guys!
ServerGirl
How to Tell the Difference
There are a number of ways to distinguish between genuine and disingenuous consumer reviews. One of the first and most important things to remember is that an established and well-reputed hosting company can stand on its own and is therefore, far less likely to resort to tactics like these. For new and developing hosting companies, however, you will have to be a bit more discerning. At this level of service, it is vital to look for reviews that offer both positive and negative feedback. Glowing reviews and long-winded testimonials are not likely to be the products of actual consumers. Real reviews always discuss the pros and cons of working with companies and recognize that no business, no matter how wonderful its services might initially seem, is without its disadvantages.
Technical Knowledge and Testing Methods
Another sure sign of a good review is evidence of strong technical knowledge. Reviews that are not genuine are often written by people who have little understanding of hosting companies and common hosting needs. They often use the wrong terminology and do not have a good grasp of industry jargon. When describing different service features and rating them, they also lack clearly defined testing methods. A good reviewer will tell you exactly how services are rated and will have a clearly defined standard for testing features and issuing the resulting ratings. This standard will be outlined on the review platform or within the actual review itself.
Knowing What to Look For In a Hosting Company
People who write real reviews also have a keen understanding of what to look for in a hosting company. They go far beyond simply comparing costs or mentioning uptime guarantees. They talk about whether site transfers are assisted, whether WordPress or Joomla is supported and if hosting plans are scalable enough to meet the needs of growing businesses. You can find genuine reviews from both real consumers and well-respected review sites that actually test the products they review. Anything less is just a calculated marketing tactic and will not provide real help with your purchase decisions.
Search for Links on Reputable News Sites
Fly-by-night companies will generally be unable or unwilling to work the major online news firms. Go to the big business news release outlets like the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, the Street, PRNewswire, etc. If you can locate news releases by a review company on one or more of these sites, then you may have been lucky enough to come across a company that provides unbiased reviews of hosting services.
So far the best I have done is come across one review company that was listed on 4 out of 5 of the above, but I'll keep looking for more. While they seem OK, I am not yet convinced and want to hear some feedback from you guys. Are they really honest - or the same as the rest - just in it for the quick buck? Let me know. You can click the links above if you want to see any of the news releases I am referring to.
Thanks for all your help, guys!
ServerGirl