If you’re not careful, you could end up with a site that’s sluggish and unstable. Slow websites alone are costing businesses $500 million per year. Just a single second delay can also reduce your conversion rates by 7%. The best way around this is to find a top-tier web host. So let’s take a look at some of the lesser-known, but equally reliable web hosting providers.
HostPapa
We all heard of GoDaddy, but what do you know about HostPapa? This isn’t a new kid on the block — the web host has been around since 1998. It’s also not a slouch — it comes equipped with multiple GigE fiber connections, fully-redundant Liebert HVAC cooling systems, and a diesel generator. In other words, it has all the geek tech needed to ensure it stays operational. It also means you get maximum uptime and speed for your website. You can choose between several plans, but one that may catch your eye is one that offers SSD performance. If you’re looking for shared hosting, you’ll spend under $4/month (starting price). Then for VPS hosting, the price starts at $45/month. Plus, it’s available to Linux and Windows users. So what’s the downside? There’s no uptime monitoring. However, it does offer backup through its numerous dashboards, and you’re allowed to build scripts to automate backups. Just make sure to request malware scans, since this isn’t performed automatically.
InMotion Hosting
Maybe you’re looking for something with more tech support and hosting options. If so, InMotion Hosting offers hosting for WordPress and businesses. Plus, you get access to web design services and excellent tech support. Familiar with cPanel and Softaculous? It comes with that as well. Then to top it off, you get some handy extras bundled into the packages that other web hosting providers charge extra for. This includes protection from malware and DDoS attacks, spam emails, and data loss using basic backups. The overall performance of the service is above average, which means faster load times. However, some complain that the shared hosting speeds are subpar. The plans begin at $4/month for basic, and then InMotion pro is $14/month. There’s also a 90-day money-back guarantee.
A2Hosting
Did the shared hosting speeds turn you off from InMotion Hosting? Then here’s an alternative. A2 hosting offers the quickest speeds for shared web hosting (somewhere around 336ms). It comes with free site migration for those who are considering switching web hosting providers. Then if you need tech support, you’ll find it offers quick and efficient services to members. Plus it’s compatible with popular content management systems (CMS) like WordPress. Then for the environmentally-aware out there, you’ll be happy to know that using A2Hosting also means you’re reducing your carbon footprint. It operates in an environmentally-friendly manner, all without disrupting your site’s uptime (around 99.92%). The downside is that there are restrictions for its cheapest plans, which start at $3/month. For instance, you have limitations like:
Hosting for one website.Five databases.Add-on domains excluded.Limits to WordPress caches.
However, it does come with unlimited SSD storage and transfers, 25 email accounts, and an anytime money-back guarantee.
iPage
Now let’s say you have a website without a blog. In this case, you may only have a handful of web pages to host. If so, then you can go lightweight with iPage. It has an impressive uptime rate of 99.97%. Plus, it comes with enhanced security scans using SiteLock (for free). When you need help, you can use its live chat service, which is available 24/7. When you sign up, you pay only $2/month for the first three years, then it rises to $8/month. If you’re just starting out, you can use its free website builder. Also, there are thousands of templates to choose from, and you get a free email address. You can also use this if you’re hosting an eCommerce website. It even has analytics tools so you can keep an eye on your website’s performance. Ready for the downside? If you need a domain, you’ll have to pay $17/year and $150 per site transfer. The speeds also aren’t the greatest (787ms). However, if you have a small website, then you may not have to worry too much about this. On the other hand, if you’re not satisfied within the first 30 days, you can get your money back.
GreenGeeks
Here’s another one for you, eco-conscious consumers. GreenGeeks isn’t your typical gas-guzzling infrastructure. The company buys 3x the energy it uses, transferring the remainder into wind energy credits. You can look at it as recirculating energy back into the economy. The idea is to help fuel the green energy economy. Now, here’s what you’ve been waiting for — is it an overpriced powerhouse? Yes and no. Yes, it’s a powerhouse offering SSD infrastructure and 24/7 phone support. Then no, it’s an affordable option, starting at $3/month (lite) for shared and WordPress hosting. VPS hosting starts at $5/month. The price resets to its typical $10/month for the lite shared hosting package. You also get nightly backups, proactive server monitoring, and real-time security scanning.
GlowHost
The web is a diverse platform. So what do you do when you need a host for more than a website? Maybe you’re running a podcast, for example? GlowHost is an exceptional choice — it offers FFmpeg, podcast, and SHOUTcast hosting. They pride themselves on being a VPS hosting alternative. It also boasts having a user-friendly platform (similar to shared hosting plans) with robust performance (like VPS hosting offers). Most plans come with a cPanel option, and all members get access to 24/7/365 phone support. The added bonus is that it operates using wind power. The prices start at $5/month for shared hosting and can go as high as $50 for cloud VPS hosting. GlowHost offers a 91-day money-back guarantee, so it wouldn’t hurt to try it out.
Give Your Website The Hosting It Needs
As a webmaster, you will want to ensure your site is up and running at full-speed every second of the day. While this is impossible to guarantee, you can decrease the odds of your website going down repetitively by choosing a reputable web hosting provider. Now that you’re equipped with this list, you can begin your hunt with some of the top hosting providers out there. At the end of the day, it’s about getting the best bang for your buck.
