HostGator is a privately owned web hosting company founded in 2002. They offer different plans ranging from shared to dedicated service plan but HostGator shared hosting is the most popular one. The web host serves more than 400,000 businesses of all sizes ranging from complete novice individuals to technology expert Fortune 500 companies.
NB: It’s amazing how this simple info I want to share here can help you find whether HostGator is the right web host for creating your first website so I suggest you read thoroughly and take action!
This web host is a BBB accredited business since 5/1/2008 with A+ rating on a scale of A+ to F. It has 170 complaints closed with BBB in last 3 years, 79 of them closed in last 12 months.
How HostGator Shared Hosting Works
There are 4 website hosting plans: shared, reseller, VPS and dedicated. If you’re just starting out and you only manage your own websites chances are the HostGator shared hosting plan will meet your needs. But a reseller plan is the way to go if you sell services that include web hosting as part of your package. And the VPS and dedicated plans are right for you when your site grows in both size and traffic.
You’ll need to register a domain name or move your exiting one to the web host. Make sure also you check your web hosting package and type in your preferred username and security pin. Complete all other information including hosting addons and coupon codes, if any, to create your account. Once done, you’re ready to use your hosting account.
The first place you want to visit is your CPanel or control panel. This is the place where you can install your website builder and other supporting software as well as manage domains, web files and databases.
If you want to use WordPress as your website builder just click Install Now button under the WordPress Hosting navigation to the left. Then click Continue button on the Quickinstall panel and fill in the space with your domain name to finish the installation.
Once done, you’re ready to login to your new website, with the link given after the installation, and you can start playing around with it, and hopefully find joyful experiences with your new toy.
HostGator Shared Hosting Pros
I’ve hosted some websites, including this website, with this web host since 2009. There is time when I have to talk to the company’s support staff through chatting and email correspondences. I always get fast responses and they solve my problems within less than 24 hours.
My sites’ uptime rate has been very good and downtime only happens during low to no traffic period. They have 99.9% uptime guarantee but I haven’t checked that figure for my own websites.
HostGator Shared Hosting Cons
HostGator is a generic web hosting service. This means you can only expect to get basic services like disk space and bandwidth and supports for all issues related to the basic services. If you know what you’re doing with your business website that is not a problem for you. However, that is not the case if you expect other value added services from a web host.
The way they organize information — especially on the CPanel– is not beginner friendly. If you’re new to all this hosting stuff you will want a step-by-step instruction on how to install a site builder on your domain and start creating a website with it. Unfortunately, you will have to scour the tutorials on their website.
Is HostGator Shared Hosting Right for You?
First, you will want to know who their target market is.
Hostgator is good for anybody who wants to build a website. This may start from a one page static website to thousand pages dynamic website with many functionality. The web host is for you if you need a virtual space to store website files.
Now you will need to check your own needs. If you just need a space for your web files and bandwidth that accommodate your site traffic then HostGator is good for you. This is especially true if you are looking for a low-cost and no-frills service. HostGator is a reputable company that offers such a service.
But if that is not what you’re looking for, take a look at other services. There are providers specializing in a specific platform like WordPress hosting or those installing and updating all facilities for you such as managed hosting. Alternatively, you can also pick a web host that offer business building solutions like SiteSell.
So, if you’re willing to handle a few technical stuff on your own and budget is an issue, I would recommend you go with HostGator. The HostGator shared hosting package’s Baby plan is less than $8 per month and it’s just what you need to start creating the first website for your small business.
Build Your First Website with HostGator!
And don’t forget to get a 25% discount using this coupon code: SMALLWEB25OFF