Is HostGator WordPress Hosting Worth Paying More for?
WordPress is a free and open-source CMS (content management system) that can be used to create online brochure-style magazines, blogs, and websites. It is widely considered to be one of the world’s most popular content management systems and is definitely one of the most popular CMSs for bloggers and content marketers.
Launched in 2009, HostGator offers a fully managed WordPress hosting service that is both robust and feature-rich.
Given that Blogger, WordPress, and other CMSs are free, it might be tempting to look at HostGator as a potential bargain – and you would not be wrong! But is it really a good idea to go with this host for your website? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Should You Avoid GoDaddy For Your Website Hosting?
If you’ve been following the web hosting news in the last year, you’ll likely know that the web hostgator shared hosting plans have become extremely popular because of their low pricing. The standard plan, for example, is only $2.95 per month with no additional costs (such as domain registration or setup fees), which makes it one of the cheapest WordPress hosting plans available. While this might be great for an initial trial run, it’s important to consider the many drawbacks that come with using Hostgator for web hosting.
First, let’s take a quick look at what the typical hostgator customer experiences:
- Poor quality web pages (SEO)
- Limited storage space (SEO)
- Poor support (customer reviews)
Now, it’s important to bear in mind that every situation, cost-wise, is different, but these are some pretty significant red flags that you shouldn’t ignore. The bottom line is that although the pricing on the standard hostgator plan is incredibly competitive, it comes with considerable trade-offs that might not be worth it for everyone.
HostGator Versus WordPress
What if I told you there was an even cheaper option for a robust, fully managed WordPress hosting service? You might be tempted to think that you can get the best of both worlds by hosting your website with the popular CMS and saving on web hosting costs, but there’s a catch.
Like a lot of hosting companies, HostGator gives you access to a WordPress installation via its cPanel. This essentially means that you can have a WordPress site up and running within minutes. The price, however, is extremely high compared to what you’ll find with other, more traditional web hosts. Here’s a quick breakdown of the price differences between HostGator and WordPress.
In terms of price, HostGator is currently the cheapest option for a fully managed WordPress hosting plan, but it comes with some significant caveats. If you choose this hosting provider, you’ll receive a free domain and you’ll need to install WordPress yourself (you won’t get cPanel or a one-click install option). Also, you’ll need to take care of backups and security yourself, as well as implement any updates that come from WordPress itself.
Considering that you get what you pay for, it’s important to do your research before committing to a hostgator plan. In some situations, this could be an affordable option (depending on your specific needs and what you’re looking for), but you’ll also need to understand the trade-offs that come with this type of hosting.
Is Domain Registration Worth It?
Perhaps the largest trade-off that you’ll need to consider is whether or not you want to register your own domain name. For the vast majority of websites, domain registration is an essential part of creating an online presence. Having your own domain provides you with many benefits, such as the ability to customize your site’s URL, create customized email addresses, and more.
If you decide that you want to host your website on HostGator, you’ll need to register your own domain. One excellent option is Bluehost, which is where I’d recommend you begin if you’re looking to create a blog or a simple website. They offer great value and allow you to get started with WordPress quick and easy.
Keep in mind, however, that domains are not free, and you’ll need to decide whether or not this is worth it based on your specific needs. The pricing for domains varies by provider, but it typically costs you $2 to $5 per month.
Final Takeaway
There are a lot of positives that come with choosing HostGator, but it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks. If you’re looking for a low-cost option for a WordPress site or a simple blog, Hostgator is a popular choice because of its low pricing, but it might not be the best option for everyone. Do your research and find the best hosting plan for your needs before committing.