Do You Know How to Choose a Website Host?
As you set up your first blog, you’ll find yourself facing a number of key decisions. From picking a domain name to deciding on monetization options, you have lots of significant choices to make. One of the most important decisions you'll be faced with is which web host to choose.
The right host can offer you the support and security your site needs, while simultaneously providing you with an enjoyable experience. This is why it's so important to know how to choose the one that's best for you.
In this post, we’ll offer an introduction to website hosts, including what makes a good one, and how to choose a website host in which to go with. Additionally, we’ll introduce three web hosting solutions you might want to consider. Let’s get started!
An Introduction to Website Hosts and How to Choose the Right One
In the simplest terms, a web host enables you to connect your blog or website to the internet by providing space on a server. There are different types of hosting, including shared, dedicated, and managed. Shared hosting involves the use of one server for multiple websites and is a good choice if you are just starting out.
When looking for a host, there are a several factors you’ll want to keep in mind. Here are three of the most important:
- Security. Your website will contain valuable data (yours and perhaps your visitors'), and it’s vital that the host you choose can protect it.
- Support. While setting up a WordPress site is relatively simple, you may run into a few bumps along the way. A good host will consider customer support a priority and make it available 24/7.
- Functionality. The right host will have the same goal as you: to provide your site with as much functionality (both for you and your site visitors) as possible.
Thankfully, there are lots of hosting options that perform well when it comes to all three of the above factors. So which one should you choose?
Every blog has different needs, so your choice of host will depend on your particular situation. The first thing you need to decide is which features are most important. For example, if you're planning to combine your blog with an online store, security will be high on your priority list.
Other features that may or may not be included in hosting plans are unlimited domains, email addresses, and automatic site backups. Once you've addressed your list of must-haves, other factors to consider are price and ease of use. These are some of the elements we'll discuss when we look at hosting options in the next section.
3 Website Hosting Solutions Compared
As you prepare to make this important decision, it’s a good idea to consider and compare a number of different hosts. In this section, we'll discuss three popular web hosting solutions, one of which could be right for you. Let’s jump in!
1. Bluehost
Another well-known name in the web hosting industry, Bluehost is an option which includes free domain names and automated site backups. Similar to HostGator, Bluehost uses cPanel as its web server management software, making it a bit overwhelming for amateur bloggers.
Of course, just like the other solutions in this list, Bluehost takes security, customer support, and functionality seriously. It offers SiteLock integration, so you can be sure you’re in good hands. Additionally, 24/7 support is available, and site functionality is improved with mobile site integrations like goMobi.
Pros:
- Offers one-click WordPress install
- Includes integrated SSL certificates
- Provides automated site backups
Cons:
- Monetizes your site by placing ads on 404 pages
- Charges a hefty price for site migration
Price: Plans start at $2.75 per month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. HostGator
With a focus on speed and reliability, HostGator is a popular web hosting option. It offers the same features as similarly-priced hosts, including unlimited storage and one-click WordPress install, but HostGator also takes it one step further by providing free website transfer. In addition, this hosting solution utilizes cPanel, and offers $100 in AdWords credit to subscribers.
While it's not a free security integration, SiteLock does provide HostGator users with a steep discount on its security products. In addition, HostGator provides 24/7 support and mobile site functionality.
Pros:
- Offers one-click WordPress install
- Includes $100 AdWords credit
- Provides free website transfer
Cons:
- Domains can be expensive (in comparison to similar hosting solutions)
- Its cPanel can be overwhelming to beginners
Price: Plans start at $3.95 per month and include a 45-day money-back guarantee.
3. iPage
Although it's not the most well-known solution in our list, iPage has a robust offering of features at one of the lowest prices available in the shared hosting market. It includes one-click WordPress install and a drag-and-drop website builder, so it's perfect if you're looking for a simple setup process and easy-to-implement customization.
In terms of security, support, and functionality, iPage offers them all in spades. With SiteLock integration, 24/7 customer support, and a variety of e-commerce integrations, it really is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Offers one-click WordPress install
- Includes $100 AdWords credit, $100 Bing ads credit, and a free Yellow Pages listing
- Provides 24/7 customer support
- Includes SiteLock integration
Cons:
- Can be bit heavy on the upsells
- Doesn't utilize cPanel, which may be frustrating for advanced bloggers
Price: Plans start at $1.99 per month and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our Recommended Hosting Option
Recommendation: Bluehost
In terms of affordability, ease of use, and feature offerings, Bluehost is our recommended host for a WordPress blog.
While all three of the options above provide security, support, and functionality, we believe Bluehost outweighs the other hosting solutions in terms of user interface and site customization. These are a must for seamless WordPress site creation, and make a world of difference for beginner bloggers.
Our 30 day blog challenge course and all the blog setup instructions is also based on Bluehost hosting.
Conclusion
As a key step towards building your first blog, choosing a web host may be one of the harder decisions you have to make. However, with an understanding of important web host elements, and a thorough comparison of the top options, you'll be fully equipped to make the right choice.
In this article, we've offered an introduction to website hosting, including how to choose the host that's most suitable for you. We've also compared three popular web hosting solutions, one of which could be the perfect fit. Let's recap those quickly:
- Bluehost: Our recommendation, one of the more well-known web hosts, boasting integrated SSL certificates and an extensive knowledge library.
- HostGator: A great choice if you're a more advanced blogger, offering extensive customization options and free website transfer.
- iPage: An affordable choice offering an easy-to-use interface and all the features you'd reasonably require as a blogger.
What's Next?
Do you have any questions about how to choose a website host for your WordPress blog? Let us know in the comments section below!
If you want to know more about web hosts check our article “What is a Web Host and Why do You Need One?”. Or…
…..sign up for the FREE 30 Day Blog Challenge and well help you get setup. You will also learn how to start a blog, as we send you simple daily task for the next 30 days to get your rolling.
Image credit: Pexels.
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