How to choose a web host - Rule #1 - Liability
Liability means not choosing a web hosting package just because it looks good. There are several web hosting packages which make tall claims, however they hardly do what they say. This leaves clients high and dry, especially if it is your first time. The web hosting package which you intend to buy has to be reliable.
Probably you need a web hosting plan like Fatcow, which is reasonably good and provides all the requirements for any web hosting plan.
How to choose a web host - Rule #2 - Support
The web hosting plan must provide you with ample customer support because you never know when your website is going to crash or go offline. During these situations you do not want your web hosting firm to give up on you. Instead, they should be there giving your answers as to how long things will take to get normal.
Make sure that their number is there on their website and chat facilities are working. You can contact them few times just to make sure and before signing up.