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.
Customer service has to be looked into, seriously many providers think that because they offer cheap Shared Web Hosting UK that they don't need to support their users to a high standard. BS, you paid them for a service so they should damn well provide it. The truth is many webmasters encounter difficultie and at these times they need the support of their hosting provider. Ignore the importance of customer support and you will regret it.
So, you have a name, a plan and a place for your site to live. Finally, it is time to start designing! The choice here is to try to build yourself, "self-build", or find a professional to do the job for you. A half way house some use is to find a family member or friend who dabbles in Shared Web Hosting UK design and will do the job for as little as a case of beer. I would strongly advise against this route as the design process can be quite intense and is apt to place some strain on any personal relationship if significant redrafting is needed or the design is not all you had hoped for. If your first designer is not up to the project you can fire them and move on. Letting go of a family friend can present far more issues.
Will they hold your domain to ransom when you come to transfer away? Can you be in full control of your domain at all times? Is the company just another reseller of a reseller of a reseller?!
Another key ingredient to finding Affordable Web Hosting is to make sure the control panel is simple to use. Most people that own websites aren't programmers. The webhost should provide you with an easy-to-use program that allows you to manage the site. If possible, try to see a demo. This is a great way to really get a feel for the controls. It's the equivalent of taking a car for a test-drive. See how your website might look sitting behind 'the wheel' of their control panel.
Look for the reviews, take the companies for test (almost every web hosting company provides 30 days money back guarantee). In a good web hosting company, a very important step is to test the credibility.
I can't stress this enough, with an established online business your most precious asset is your domain name. Don't risk your business for the sake of saving a few dollars!