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Which Host do you suggest? Old topic beaten to death

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I know this is an old topic, but it seems like there is never a definite answer besides "avoid hosting companies owned by Endurance International Group". People used to rave about HostGator and BlueHost, but not anymore. GoDaddy gets bashed too. OK, so if it's not HostGator or BlueHost (both a part of E.I. Group), or GoDaddy, then what other affordable "big players" are out there?

I'm looking for a large and reliable hosting company,but also affordable. So what are my choices? I want to start a forum, but starting out I'd probably just get the cheapest plan and then upgrade to VPS when more members sign up?

So how about Site5? Does anyone have any experience with them? I can't picture myself just choosing some small company or going with an advertisement from the Web Hosting Offers section.
 
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What server location do you prefer and what is your Monthly/Annual budget for this requirement?
 
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I know this is an old topic, but it seems like there is never a definite answer besides "avoid hosting companies owned by Endurance International Group". People used to rave about HostGator and BlueHost, but not anymore. GoDaddy gets bashed too. OK, so if it's not HostGator or BlueHost (both a part of E.I. Group), or GoDaddy, then what other affordable "big players" are out there?

I'm looking for a large and reliable hosting company,but also affordable. So what are my choices? I want to start a forum, but starting out I'd probably just get the cheapest plan and then upgrade to VPS when more members sign up?

So how about Site5? Does anyone have any experience with them? I can't picture myself just choosing some small company or going with an advertisement from the Web Hosting Offers section.


"Large" doesn't always mean "Reliable" , many times small hosting companies can deliver great server speed and performance, as well as better customer support.

If your forum is resource intensive, I'd suggest to go to VPS. You can get great VPS plans and quick, professional support from many hosting companies also offering on this thread.
 
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When it comes to shared hosting check for providers that specialize in what you are trying to host. For example, wordpress specific host etc. That way you can get better performance for money as they will have servers tuned specifically for that purpose.

And don't worry about getting started at a small host. Majority of providers support Cpanel. So if you find a bigger / better provider later, then you can easily migrate your whole account to them.

Whether big or small provider, look for hosts that set realistic limits for hard disk and bandwidth (avoid the unlimited providers).

For one, most people won't use much hard disk and bandwidth. And second, the limits will mean that other abusive users on the same account will not affect your sites.
 
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"Large" doesn't always mean "Reliable" , many times small hosting companies can deliver great server speed and performance, as well as better customer support.
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Agreed. Being a big company doesn't make them a good company.

Just like in the offline world. I go to some stores that are huge companies and get poor service.

Then I shop at a locally owned store and get a better service.

Don't go for a host just because they're big.

Chad
 
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What server location do you prefer and what is your Monthly/Annual budget for this requirement?

I guess anywhere in North America will do. Canada or USA. Starting a forum will probably take a while for it to take off, so I guess shared hosting for around $10 or less, then i will pay more for VPS.

---------- Post added at 09:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:52 AM ----------

"Large" doesn't always mean "Reliable" , many times small hosting companies can deliver great server speed and performance, as well as better customer support.

If your forum is resource intensive, I'd suggest to go to VPS. You can get great VPS plans and quick, professional support from many hosting companies also offering on this thread.

That is true... I guess i meant "large" as in being "established" so one day they won't disappear on me especially when you enter into these 2-year contracts (to get a better deal). But back to my question, does anyone have any experience with Site5? HostGator/BlueHost still command a big portion of the market so should I give them a try?
 
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i am with Knownhost vps, Solid customer support.

$30/month, though
 
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I've never had a problem with HostGator.

I start all my sites with them, and then if they take off I look for a more suitable host for that specific site (high traffic / forum / image intense / local / loading speed critical / etc)
 
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I've never had a problem with HostGator.

I start all my sites with them, and then if they take off I look for a more suitable host for that specific site (high traffic / forum / image intense / local / loading speed critical / etc)

Yeah I think I will try HostGator. Also, BlackFriday is coming tomorrow so I will see what couponcode they come out with :)
 
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shared hosting usually is very cheap and you can get from as low as EUR 1.99 /mo.
I'd suggest monthly subscription, anyway.
 
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You can go with Knownhost vps they have good reviews about there reliable and stable server uptime
 
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And again, this is thread for the discussion not for the self-promotion ..
 
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Make sure the host has the payment option your looking for. I don't even think twice about a host that doesn't accept paypal.
 
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Is there any reputable hosting provider without PayPal acceptance ? ..
 
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Hostgator.com are awesome, they provide reliable and cheap offers.
 
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Hostgator.com are awesome, they provide reliable and cheap offers.

May we know if you are one of their clients? What is the website address you host with them? Please share.
Thanks.
 
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Yeah I think I will try HostGator. Also, BlackFriday is coming tomorrow so I will see what couponcode they come out with :)

I am still trying to get your idea. You are well aware of the bad reputation of EIG brands and yet you are fully prepared to choose them over the fear of a smaller host going incognito overnight. Although I see your point, I think you have a wrong idea about the market. The Hosting market is VERY saturated, there are thousands and thousands of companies, so they are not divided by just bigger and smaller ones. There is an abundance of mid-level companies which have slowly built their reputation and would be great choices for your project. I will try and advise you what I advise all potential customer falling into your confusion:

- Define your requirements - you are already ahead here, you have an idea about a new forum, have outlines for your budget and a basic idea about the features you need
- Research thoroughly - the Offers section here is nice, but this is still a domain forum mainly. Check out some other hosting places like WebHostingTalk (sorry if I'm praising the competition) as people there tend to be much more objective. Avoid places like directories (as most are paid by affiliates mainly from the EIG brands). You will find good and bad reviews for practically every company, so you will have to find the cream of the crop.
- Before you signup always check their Live Chat/Phone - even if you are the most skillful webmaster you have to be prepared to ask for help sometimes so you need fast and reliable assistance. This is where most companies fail as they see clients just as dollar signs on the wall and miss the fact that each project and customer has their own specific needs and requirements. This step will definitely narrow your choices
- Make sure to have a way out - a free trial or a money-back guarantee is a must, so you can easily jump ship if the deal was not as good as it seemed to be

Hope this helps and if you still decide to go with an EIG brand - good luck :)
 
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I am still trying to get your idea. You are well aware of the bad reputation of EIG brands and yet you are fully prepared to choose them over the fear of a smaller host going incognito overnight. Although I see your point, I think you have a wrong idea about the market. The Hosting market is VERY saturated, there are thousands and thousands of companies, so they are not divided by just bigger and smaller ones. There is an abundance of mid-level companies which have slowly built their reputation and would be great choices for your project. I will try and advise you what I advise all potential customer falling into your confusion:

- Define your requirements - you are already ahead here, you have an idea about a new forum, have outlines for your budget and a basic idea about the features you need
- Research thoroughly - the Offers section here is nice, but this is still a domain forum mainly. Check out some other hosting places like WebHostingTalk (sorry if I'm praising the competition) as people there tend to be much more objective. Avoid places like directories (as most are paid by affiliates mainly from the EIG brands). You will find good and bad reviews for practically every company, so you will have to find the cream of the crop.
- Before you signup always check their Live Chat/Phone - even if you are the most skillful webmaster you have to be prepared to ask for help sometimes so you need fast and reliable assistance. This is where most companies fail as they see clients just as dollar signs on the wall and miss the fact that each project and customer has their own specific needs and requirements. This step will definitely narrow your choices
- Make sure to have a way out - a free trial or a money-back guarantee is a must, so you can easily jump ship if the deal was not as good as it seemed to be

Hope this helps and if you still decide to go with an EIG brand - good luck :)


Good information for consideration. I'd add more about hosting forums - carefully review all posts connected to particular hosting provider, do not just trust dry recommendations (as many of them are also paid or affiliated), do your own research. The really good UK hosting related forum is webhostchat.co.uk , where providers are carefully picked and it is less crowded with spammers.
 
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Usually reliable small to medium companies offers more personal and friendly support than big companies and do care more for their customers.

Site5 has a good reputation and you should be fine with them.
 
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Few days of communication with the hosting provider and their support/sales as well as doing personal research about the company would be enough to decide if it worth to go with them or not. Call them, chat with them, check uptime history and you'll get decent picture.
 
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When selecting cheap website hosting, be sure that the web host provider is trustworthy. Try to ask around people about their perceptions on the web host company. What they can say about it?
 
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I'd also suggest to browse hosting related forums. Webhostchat.co.uk is one of the reliable sources to find a good deal from the real hosting company.
 
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you almost nailed it. HostGator, BlueHost, GoDaddy - huge and well known (good or bad). Site5 (or 100's and 1000's others) - never heard of. It is all depends on what price you put on the your time researching and trying those hosts and the grievance they will cause you and your customers when it is down or slow and nothing you can do about it. In this light a little extra you would pay for VPS is not a bad idea at all.
 
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