If you are using ASP.NET then you need window server with SQL server database. If you are using open source PHP/MySql then go for Linux based server which is cheapest. For news portal or property portal go for the VPS server to get speed and security.
Lots of big web hosting company write that they provide the unlimited functionality in terms of disk space. But that is not possible. Always read the terms and condition and definition of Unlimited in their dictionary. Mostly they put condition of Inode its normally number of files on server from 50000 to 250000 depends on company to company policy. Mostly you will find this in shared hosting. Even you see 503 errors page due to limited scripts process time . To get accurate disk space and speed go for the VPS and Dedicated Server
If you are going to buy good speed hosting so confirm the shared ram and Core of server. Mostly people buy shared hosting because its cheap. But if you more concerned about speed then confirm the RAM of server more ram more speed , more core more procession of files fast.
When any visitor access the website then a amount of bytes consumed by server which is countable . Incoming and outgoing traffic on your website is stored into logs file. You can see the logs into hosting panel. You can check the daily traffic on your website. Mostly they provide bandwidth on monthly basis. So you have to check how much GB they are providing into shared hosting. Even into VPS and dedicated server its into limitation. You can extend it via support ticket or call them.
After website live business need some professional email account to communicate with clients. Mostly hosting provider provide limited on the basis of packages. Starting may be its 5 business email accounts with 1 GB storage or increase to 5 more etc all depends on packages.
When you buy package for website then there is another option how many databases you can create on server. Your website may be need 2-3-5 so before buying confirm from them. Some time in future you need so that you get it early rather then you have to upgrade it with full package again.
In a shared hosting you can host more website also into single cPanel account. Its called Addon domains so that you no need to buy another hosting. Even from single FTP account you can fetch all files of each website. It’s helpful and save time to update the website. But need more security because if one website hacked it will affect the other website easily.
Before you buy hosting make sure you get best support system via phone or online chat or ticket system. Check the response time of them. You can search the reviews of them to judge easily. Now a days need quick response to solve the errors rather then wait for a day.
check there uptime in month get some help of google to found out the information. If too much downtime then better to go to other hosting provider . Its effect the SEO and website rank go down. So always use best quality security server.
Always use the latest version of PHP and Mysql on cPanel. There is option into cPanel about to check PHP version . If you not found the latest then ask the hosting company to update it with latest versions.
Check the backup system its automatically or manually. From hosting control panel you can set via Backup section. Download your backup on local machine whenever you request. Make sure these options are available on server.
Local server access time is always short ms if you buy a long distance service then access time increased in ms so better to go for local for low website latency. But some time need security and good quality server so keep in mind these things also. Some time a cheap fast server is not good because downtime is too much .