BlueHost Review
I maintain test accounts with a number of different web hosting plan providers simply for the purpose of being able to provide my readers (you) with up-to-date information about how those services stack up against each other.
My primary concern is that the web hosting service be user-friendly to newbies and offer top notch customer service all around.
My experience with BlueHost is that their service surpasses most web hosts in terms of features, pricing, reliability and customer support.
About BlueHost
Founded in 1996, BlueHost is one of the longest surviving web hosting companies in a business strewn with failed efforts. That alone should speak volumes to any potential customer about the quality of service and features provided by BlueHost.
BlueHost Features and Pricing
Below is a list of primary BlueHost features (at time of writing). Visit BlueHost to see the full range of their hosting plan features.
Note: One of the best features in my opinion is the Free domain name (registration) included with their accounts which will save you about $10 – as opposed to registering first with GoDaddy and then finding a web host.
- Disk Storage – Unlimited
- Host UNLIMITED Domains
- Free Drag and Drop Site Builder
- Free Domain Name
- Supports International Domain Names
- POP3/POP3 Secure Email Support – 2,500
- IMAP/Secure IMAP Email Support – 2,500
- 3 Different Web Based Email Solutions
- Forwarding Email Accounts – Unlimited
- Email Autoresponder Unlimited
- Gigs of Site Transfer – Unlimited
- Add-on Domains – Unlimited
- Parked Domains – Unlimited
- Subdomains – Unlimited
- Additional FTP Accounts – 1,000
- MySQL Databases - 100
BlueHost’s web hosting plans start as low as $6.95 per month.
Easy Installation of Wordpress Blogs and Other Scripts
You can use either Fantastico or SimpleScripts to install a Wordpress blog on your BlueHost account in a little over a minute — even if you’re a complete newbie. It’s just a matter of filling in a couple of form blanks, ticking a box or two and you’re done.
Other easy-to-install scripts include:
- Content management systems
- Client management
- Forums
- Chat
- Forms and surveys
- Mailing lists
- Photo Galleries
- Shopping carts
- and more…
User Interface (Control Panel)
BlueHost provides a user-friendly control panel known as cPanel for site administration. Here is a snapshot of the control panel.
Reliability
In the years that my site has been hosted with BlueHost I have never detected an outage – confirming that their reliability is well in excess of their advertised 99.9% uptime.
Technical Support
Technical support is perhaps the most important aspect when it comes to web site hosting – especially for new webmasters.
I’m happy to report that I’ve tested BlueHost’s technical support on a number of ocassions and relatively speaking, their response is phenomenal when compared to other hosting services.
I especially appreciate that they phone each new account holder personally to confirm the order and inquire whether the customer needs any special help to get their site up and running. Take advantage of that service if you are just starting out and have questions!
Summary
In terms of pricing, reliability, user-friendliness and customer support, BlueHost continues to be my top-pick for web hosting plans for new and experienced webmasters alike.
Visit BlueHost | See other recommended hosting services
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Rosalind Gardner is a Super Affiliate blogger, author, speaker, and Internet marketing consultant.
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