Godaddy vs HostGator: Which WordPress Hosting Package is Best for Your Needs?
WordPress is the #1 Content Management System (CMS) online, and it’s grown in popularity because of its ease of use and power. Launched in 2003, WordPress is a free and open-source CMS that allows anyone to create an online presence for free.
No matter what type of blog or website you’ve got, WordPress is the perfect solution. In this article, we’ll discuss the differences between the shared hosting packages from Godaddy and HostGator and which one is best suited for your needs.
Shared Hosting
Shared hosting is, simply put, when multiple websites share the same server. This is a cost-effective option for those who are just getting started with a web presence or for individuals or businesses who are looking to host multiple websites on a single server. The great thing about shared hosting is its simplicity; you don’t need to have special hardware or software to use it.
You’ll notice that most shared hosting packages come with one or two domain names included. This means you can create as many websites as you like on one account with the shared hosting package. In most cases, the number of sites you can host is limited by how much memory the host provides.
For example, if you look at the Hetzner Online GmbH shared hosting plan, you’ll see that it allows you to create 12 websites with one account and offers one free domain name. This means you’d need to spend 19.95 € (about $24 USD) to purchase a custom domain name through them.
It’s also an easy and affordable option for those looking to build a blog. As long as you have a web space that’s equal to or more expensive than shared hosting, you should consider spending the additional money to have your own domain name. This way, you can properly gauge the effectiveness of your content and grow your audience organically without worrying about your blog’s appearance.
VPS (Virtual Private Server)
If you’re looking for a more robust and flexible option, you should consider looking at the Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting plan from Godaddy. A VPS is essentially shared hosting with additional features that make administering and managing multiple websites much easier. A VPS hosting plan from Godaddy will run you about $5 per month more than a shared hosting plan but give you much more freedom in how you utilize the server.
For example, if you have a WordPress blog on a shared hosting plan and you want to take that same blog and make it available on a different domain name, you can with a VPS. This is because you have complete control over the files as well as the resources of the server. You can install any type of software or theme you’d like, and you don’t need to ask permission from your host to do so.
This level of control comes at a price. You’ll need to budget more for your virtual private server hosting because it costs you more to rent a VPS from an experienced provider than it does to rent a shared hosting plan from a reputable company. Additionally, VPS hosting is not as popular as shared hosting, so you may have limited options when it comes to finding a VPS host that’s willing to deal with beginner webmasters or businesses who are just looking to get started. Finally, if you want to take your blog to the next level, building a community around it, or just want to run an authoritative blog, you should look into the dedicated hosting plan.
Dedicated hosting is, in theory, what you’d get if you paid a bit more for a VPS. It is essentially reserved hosting, where you have full root access and complete control over the server. You don’t have to share it with anyone else, and you can install any type of software or theme you’d like. Essentially, you’re paying extra for the privilege of having a fully dedicated server.
Cloud Hosting
If you’re looking for something different yet, you should consider looking into the cloud hosting option. Essentially, cloud hosting allows you to access your website’s files via a web browser, with all the software and features being delivered to you over the internet. It’s like getting a VPS but without having to set up any software or make any configuration changes.
The benefits of cloud hosting are numerous. You don’t need to have any technical knowledge to use it. Additionally, because it’s delivering all the files to you over the internet, it ensures that your blog will always be accessible, even if your server’s connection is down for some reason. This is hugely beneficial if you’re running a business and need to be able to access your website frequently to check on things or make changes.
The downside to cloud hosting is the extra cost involved in purchasing and maintaining a powerful server just to handle the bandwidth required by one or two websites. Additionally, not all cloud hosting providers are created equal, so make sure you’re getting what you need and don’t waste your time and energy with mediocre hosting providers who will leave you unsatisfied with their service.
Secure (HTTPS) Hosting
If you’re looking to take your blog or website to the next level and are considering an upgrade, you should look into the secure (HTTPS) hosting plan. This plan has been around for a while but has mostly remained a choice for major brands and businesses because of its complexity. But as more people are looking for privacy and security online, more platforms are offering it as an option, making it much more accessible to individuals and small businesses.
When you install the HTTPS protocol onto your blog or website, it will make all the content you create appear as secure as possible because all data is transmitted via an encrypted connection. Additionally, the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate that’s automatically installed with the HTTPS protocol provides you with another layer of security online by ensuring that all data and communications between your browser and the server are kept private. This is especially important if you’re running a business because you don’t want your competitors or any other third parties getting access to your financial information or customer data.
The downside to HTTPS hosting is that not all web browsers support it, and it takes a little bit of work to get it configured correctly on your blog or website. But the convenience and security it provides are worth the effort.
Managed WordPress Hosting
If you’re looking for an entirely different approach, you should consider looking at the managed WordPress hosting plan. Essentially, with managed WordPress hosting, you don’t have to worry about any of the technical stuff involved with running a blog or website. The host takes care of all the technicalities so all you need to do is create content and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This plan can also save you a great deal of money in the long term.
The advantage of managed WordPress hosting is that the host will take care of all the messy stuff so you don’t have to. They’ll install and configure WordPress for you, set up your blog’s themes, and configure the settings for your product reviews, etc. Essentially, they’re handling all the techy stuff so you don’t have to.
The downside to managed WordPress hosting is that you don’t get the same kind of flexibility that you would with regular hosting, and it can be a little more expensive. But in the long term, it’s worth it to not have to worry about your blog’s performance and stability.
Best Overall For Blogs And Websites
So which option is the best choice for blogs and websites? As we’ve discussed, shared hosting is the perfect entry point for someone who is just getting started. It’s extremely affordable and provides you with just what you need to get started. Additionally, most shared hosting providers offer one free domain name, so you don’t incur any additional costs related to domain names or web hosting. Finally, most web hosts provide tutorials that walk you through the setup process, so even if you’re a total novice, you shouldn’t have any issues getting started.
As you can see, there are various hosting options available to you, depending on your needs and the direction you want to take your blog or website. For those who just want to get started and don’t necessarily need the absolute most flexibility, shared hosting should be your first choice.