I currently have a travel blog on Wordpress, which is free. In one year I've recieved nearly 30,000 visitors and I now would like to register the domain and have it hosted.

I also need to host a separate performing artist website where I would have my own personal videos and mp3 recordings, which I have to authority to post.

I have no idea how much storage space I'll need nor any other technicalities.:confused: I plan to register my domains separately in order to keep them if I should choose to switch web hosts.

I've been reading lots of info about iPage. Aside from a small number of complaints, they sound like a good option, but I wanted to ask the experts or more experienced people first. So, please let me know what you think I'll need and any advice you may have. Thank you.

Finding a decent host for the Wordpress blog should be no problem as there are tons of great ones out there these days.

As far as the site that hosts videos & mp3s goes i would not recommend chunking this site on a Shared webhosting plan as it could become resource intensive and you would be asked to move it, I would recommend going with a Virtual server for this one, While you can still try a shared plan i wouldn't recommend it long-term.

I would suggest you to go for cpanel / linux hosting to host your wordpress blog. Wordpress is more tightly coupled with linux environment compared to windows.

Regarding disk space, most of the companies are offering unlimited space and unlimited bandwidth. So that won't be issue.

You can register and host a domain name at the same company and still switch your hosting at any stage. You just need to ensure that you're registered as the owner of the domain name.

vps would be good choice for a start, i think shared its difficult with that requirement. Just keep on eye about the resource, if you upload more videos and mp3.

Talking from my own personal experience:

1. There is no such thing as unlimited diskspace or unlimited bandwidth. If you read the ToS, you will find that unreasonable use is considered a violation of the unlimited feature. Unreasonable meaning the personal assessment of the host owner/admin. So go for plans which tells you exactly what you are getting.

2. Stability of the host should be your prime concern. I have lost regular visitors when the host I was on faced technical issues. Nothing can be more frustrating than logging on to your favourite site and be faced by a 404 message. It's like going for your morning coffee and finding your favourite kopitiam closed for the day.

3. Ease of installation of software makes things much more pleasant. I have used hosts where I have difficulty in installing themes and plug-ins.

4. Do not ever buy a plan which gives a free domain. The ToS says that the domain name is yours only as long as you stay with their plan. Spend a little money to buy your own domain name from a different company than the one you are using for a host. Of course, you can buy a plan which offers a free domain. Just don't accept the free domain. If, for any reason, you want to change hosts, it will cost you a hand and a leg to get full ownership of your domain name.

Having said that my personal recommendation would be:

1. Domain registration : godaddy.com. Best prices. Many domain registrars are actually godaddy resellers.

2. Webhosting : x13-hosting.org. Not oversold. Seamless installation and customising of software. Well-priced. You can even pay month by month.

3. Filehosting : server4you.com. Unbeatable prices for vps. Also payable monthly.

Please note that I am talking from my own personal experience. Others may have different experiences with the companies I suggested.

Good luck and let us know when your new website is up so we can all go and visit.

<<removed>>

Out of curiosity, is there a specific reason that you're looking for a Windows-based provider? Linux-based providers are often cheaper, and would suit your needs just fine based on your statements here. This is even more true if you go for a VPS solution instead of shared hosting.

I know this might sound crazy since we're supposed to be giving web hosting advice here, but if you are happy with Wordpress, you can probably still point a domain to your existing blog and keep it hosted with them. They provide premium services that will give you higher traffic capacity and such as well.

According to their site, you can register a domain through Wordpress and map it to your blog for $15/yr. http://en.support.wordpress.com/domain-mapping/

Just a thought.