When you look to buy cheap website hosting, you’ll notice the number of options you have can be pretty staggering. However, most of those options come with some extremely damaging drawbacks.
In our search for Cheap Website Hosting, we’ve come across one option that’s not only affordable but also has just about everything you need when you’re getting started: HostGator.
Let’s take a look at the strengths and weaknesses HostGator brings to the table.
Pricing
Pricing is easily HostGator’s strongest advantage. The lowest price plan is a mere $3.75 per month, and the, business-oriented, plan is only $6.25 per month. This puts even the more expensive HostGator package well below the price of most standard packages from other providers. However, there are some things to consider.
The packages on the lower end of that price range are unlikely to work for websites with high traffic. They’re more geared towards starter sites, personal blogs and other low-traffic sites. So, expect to purchase a plan towards the middle of the price range or near the top if your site already gets a lot of traffic, or if you plan on operating multiple websites.
As a bonus, anything above the Hatchling package offers more than one website.
Domain and Security
Getting a domain name and standard security features is key for any provider. With HostGator, you get both for free. However, there is one caveat.
Every HostGator website receives a free SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate that is necessary for any site managing user data or transactions. So, your most necessary security feature is covered for free.
However, you will only receive a Free Domain name if you pay for 12 months of HostGator service upfront. If you only buy a month or two to try it out, you’ll have to buy your own domain name.
WordPress Compatibility
Since WordPress is used for most of the websites currently online, you’re probably wondering whether or not you can use it with HostGator as your host. Yes, you can.
There’s a small extra fee for using your WordPress Hosting for your site with HostGator, but it’s less than $1.00, and it includes an Easy Install feature that allows you to automatically install all the work you did with WordPress on your HostGator platform. Considering HostGator’s already cheap website hosting prices, the extra buck is worth it.
Limitations
Of course, HostGator isn’t for everyone. Here are the major drawbacks you should know about.
⦁ Usage Limit: HostGator claims that all of its features are unlimited, but that’s not true. Since it’s a form of shared hosting, you can only use up to 25% of your server’s resources for 90 seconds at a time. Any more, and you’ll be breaking the service’s TOS. This isn’t a problem for small sites, but it means that larger, more successful, companies simply can’t use the service.
⦁ Odd Plan Fees: Plans are cheap with HostGator, but there are some odd pricing features. You can pay in advance for up to a year of service and get a special deal, but once those three years are up, you’ll renewed plan will be full price. Also, you only get a 45-day guarantee. So, purchasing a 12-month plan in advance for a free domain might come back to haunt you if you decide you don’t like the service after those 45 days are up.
⦁ Shared Service: HostGator’s cheap shared hosting is a shared service. Your website will be on the same server as other sites, so your not on an independent server. If you’re looking to grow your business website into a high-traffic eCommerce store or service, this isn’t for you. Small businesses are unlikely to be affected by this, though.
HostGator is Great, but Not for Everyone
HostGator shared hosting is great if you want to buy hosting cheap. Personal sites, small business websites, and other low-traffic sites can save a ton of money with HostGator, and there aren’t many limitations that will hold them back. However, high-traffic sites of all sorts should consider, VPS or dedicated server hosting.