Build-A-Blog Workshop Day 3: Purchasing Web Hosting and Finding the Best Deal
Author: Jim | Filed under: 30-Day Blogging
Now that we have our domain name bought, we need to get it to point somewhere! Every website is a simple connection of a domain name to a server, like a computer, somewhere around the world. In layman’s terms, whenever you type a domain name (or “URL”) into your web browser, the domain name will tell your browser where to look for the website. This location that the domain name points to is your server, and nowadays you can get web hosting from a third party rather easily.
Free vs. Paid Web Hosting
In this day and age, paying for web hosting is no longer a large ordeal. In times of old, we had to shell out the big bucks in order to gain access to bandwidth and space. Free web hosting has, of course, improved right along with paid hosting. However, when you think about the cost/benefit between paid and free hosting… the margin has surely contracted. Therefore, I am recommending that you have a look to paid hosting ONLY for your new website. Don’t worry, nowadays it is very cost effective!
A Comparison of Premium Web Hosts
I’ve drawn up a chart here of what I feel are five of the best web hosts. Remember that you only need to buy the bare-bones package on each of these popular web hosts, so your costs will remain minimal and you should be recouping these initial losses fast.
| Hosting Company: |
Bandwidth
|
Space
|
Features
|
Support
|
Cost (monthly)
|
| 1. Host Gator |
UNLIMITED
|
UNLIMITED
|
*****
|
*****
|
$4.95
|
| 2. Blue Host |
UNLIMITED
|
UNLIMITED
|
*****
|
*****
|
$6.95
|
| 3. Just Host |
UNLIMITED
|
UNLIMITED
|
*****
|
*****
|
$3.95
|
| 4. GoDaddy |
300GB
|
10GB
|
****
|
*****
|
$4.99
|
| 5. Host Monster |
UNLIMITED
|
UNLIMITED
|
*****
|
****
|
$5.95
|
These “top five” web hosting companies are subject to change, but these five have been industry leaders for years. Most of them formed back in the early-00s/late-90s around the dot com bubble, and are still very strong today. Personally, I recommend that you sign up for Host Gator. Why? First of all, the support is the best in the business. I have had a few problems, but never an issue with getting them resolved within half an hour. Also, they are so nice that they even sponsor contests for you! 
Other than that, you get unlimited space and bandwidth, along with enough features to feed a family (HostGator gives you almost total control, and makes it easy).
Today’s Task: Buy Your Hosting!
Which brings us to today’s task, buying your hosting! Check out the top five hosts that I have outlined here. I highly doubt that you can find a company that is substantially better than one of these, and I think that you should consider a cheaper solution like HostGator to host your blogging websites. There is really no need to look for rediculously speedy hosting, as any one of these top five deliver enough performance to get your site viewed in miliseconds.
Do your homework and visit each of the top five web hosts. Then, go ahead and buy your hosting! Typically, you will get a much better deal buying a year or more in advance, and don’t forget to look for coupons on the internet (just google “COMPANY NAME coupon codes”) to lower your cost even more. I walked away with hosting from Host Gator for around $65 for a full year of hosting, I can recoup that loss even selling one advertisement on my blog here! 
What web host did you decide on and why?
Drop your comment and let us know… you could be featured in tomorrows post!
-Jimvesting
Related Posts
- Host Monster Web Hosting – Top Notch Service with Unlimited Features!
- Build-A-Blog Workshop Day 4: Linking Your Domain Name to Hosting Account
- Creating A Blog – Part Three: Registering Your Domain Name & Web Hosting
- Looking for an Alternative? Check Out Web Hosting Hub!
- Choosing The Right Web Hosting Package For Your Blog
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I decided on Godaddy, not because they are the cheapest, but because I already had a hosting plan with them that I prepaid for the year.
Nice post, Jim. Can’t wait for step 3 now, as I already have my hosting plan down. Still deciding on the best domain name, I have 3 (mainly 2) possibilities, I just can’t choose.
Yeah GD has good prices but there are other companies that actually provide an income opportunity along with the domain, hosting, etc.
HostGator is the one that use, and must say their service and uptime are fantastic!
I have to agree with you Hostgator is Fantastic! There customer service is amazing and never ever had a downtime since I have been with them and tried over 10 hosting services already.
I use Jaguarpc.com I have been with them a long time. They are really great and support is also good.
Obviously I meant “4″ in my post above, whoops.
Hi Jim, I offer a “blog tutorial on my blog also” and I also recommend Hostgator. They are by far one of the best hosting companies I’ve come across. I do have another small website with a different hosting co. and their tech help is much to be desired. When I have to call Hostgator which has been several times
I’ve had nothing but great communication and always pleasant and willing to help.In fact I can honestly say that their tech help will go well pass what others will just to help their customers out. 
You can’t go wrong with Hostgator!!
Hi Jim
Going with Hostgator. Looking forward to Day 4!!
Nice post Jim, I have already purchased my web hosting and registered my domain name with a company. Thanks for better guidelines
Really informative post! Your list of premium web hosts are probably the most reliable ones available at the moment. Looking forward to more of your helpful posts!
Jim I have not yet bought the Domain Name. Busy with Examination. Will do it on Monday or Tuesday and let you know my progress. I already have a hosting plan with a hosting company. I will host my domain there.
Hi Jim, I really thankful to you because I don’t know anything about web hosting before read this article, And this all are really very cheap rates’ list for web hosting. Thanks again.
Pintu.
Twitter: @motorbeam
April 25, 2009 at 1:20 pm #
I am sure quite a few people following this workshop already have a blog so we can skip this step
I personally have been with GoDaddy for a while now and they have helped my quite a bit with advice, support and price adjustments. I know that the posted rates might be higher compared to the above chart, but when you call their CSdept, there seems to be room for negotiations.
i like to use hosting from hostgator only…it is the best.
I’m amazed at how many people are mentioning GD and HG but none of them provide compensation as well as products. I would encourage people to check this out first when looking for these products because there’s a much more sensible/lucrative way to operate your domain.
I think dreamhost is very nice managed hosting solution.
I chose 1and1 and hostgator on your recommendation. I can build a house Great and soon thanks to you I am going to be able to build a blog Thanks again!
I like dreamhost! Nice idea this workshop…thanks!!!