Good web host for hobby business?

[Lazy8s]

I am wanting to start a web site idea I have to earn some money on the side. It will be add supported so I don't even need a shopping cart, I just need reliable uptime and data redundancy. Do any of you own an online business? What host do you use? Is there anything specific I need to look for in hosting? (besides a database or email addresses that I need obviously) I have found everything from $5mo-$40. I don't really need a dedicated server. I'm guessing this won't really take off. This is more of something I want to do as a hobby / for fun and frankly just because I can. If it grows I figure I will use the money I make to expand. Thanks in advance.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Need more detail.

How much disk space?
How much traffic?
What operating system?
Do you need shell access?

 

[Lazy8s]

Well of course unlimited everything with shell access would be great but I could probably start with 40 or 50gig of storage and honestly I would be suprised if I got 1000 visitors per day for a good while. I am probably fine without shell access. This will be more php and databases with your basic web page for the forseeable future.

 

[JS80]

What's the best hosting in terms of speed? Doesn't need to be unlimited disk/bandwidth. For hosting multiple "hobby" sites.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

OP, sounds like you'd be fine with any of the major shared hosting companies. I have personal experience with HostGator and Dreamhost and both have been fairly good (had some pretty rough times with Dreamhost in the past, but they have improved dramatically). But honestly any major host should meet your needs at a reasonable cost. You should be shooting for around $10-15 a month, but you can probably get your first year much cheaper by using coupon codes from RetailMeNot or similar.

All of the major hosts keep backups on site but I would recommend doing a weekly or monthly backup of your own as well.