QUESTION: I’m moving my blog from Blogger to WordPress. Can you recommend a host? I was thinking of going with BlueHost as I know someone who uses them – unless you have any other recommendations?
- Christina, Hair Romance
Bree’s answer:
Hi Christina!
That’s a great question – and a popular one to too!
Web hosting services are a bit like cars: everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s good and what’s not. I am absolutely certain that if you were to Google any of my suggestions below, you’d find a negative “I’m NEVER using this company AGAIN”-type review. And I can also guarantee they’ll use a lot more colourful language than that 
The first thing to look for when searching for somewhere to host your WordPress blog is that it can handle the requirements of WordPress. You don’t have to know what this means (it’s rather technical), you just have to be aware of it. This article on the WordPress site has what you need to know.
(Side note: If you don’t know the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com make sure you read this post.)
Thankfully, most of the well-known hosts not only have all the things you need, but they also make installing WordPress easier with relatively simple instructions that can take away the headaches of trying to create new databases, users, setting up FTPs and other geeky things like that!
Over the last seven years I’ve used six different hosts. Ironically, I found the most-expensive “prestigious” one (who I chose because they host many, many popular websites – including a well-known airline) the worst in terms of performance, reliability, ease-of-use and customer service. And they charged THREE times as much as the others!
The two I currently like the best are:
Both handle WordPress and have live-chat functions so you can contact someone day or night for support if you need to. Also, I’ve found both to have good customer service, a quick response time and relatively inexpensive pricing (however, HostGator‘s starting price is a little cheaper).
If you’re interested in using HostGator, I have discount codes arranged with them – simply enter theblogstylist or stylishblogger to save when signing up. (Friendly disclosure: I may receive a referral fee from the Bluehost or HostGator if you sign up via my links.)
And if you’re still not sure who to go with, ask as many other bloggers as you can. Like I said, everyone has an opinion, so try to get as many suggestions as you can!
Hope that helps Christina!
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Thanks Bree! Great advice!
i use dreamhost and i’m really pleased with them. They’re support is great and any problems i’ve had have been resolved very quickly xx
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Good to know! I’ve had a couple of people tell me they like DreamHost – I’m yet to give them a go. Thanks for your contribution!
Bree recently posted..Ask Bree- Which host should I use for a WordPress blog
Great rundown! It’s a hugely popular question (way!) more than one answer.
For the past few years I’ve used and set up my clients on Media Temple. Their support is awesome, 24/7/365 online or phone, forums, wiki how-tos, and they’re super responsive on Twitter!
My favorite thing is that they offer built-in, burstable resources at no extra charge so your site doesn’t go down with traffic spikes. I’ve found their interface to be very clean/user-friendly too, especially for first-timers!
At $20/mo it’s more expensive than other hosts, but with plenty of space and other perks, I’m glad to pay it!
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I’m a huge fan of HostGator, seriously could not gush about them enough. They helped me move my website (and everything else) over when I was switching hosts – who does that these days? – and their support is amazing when I’ve had other problems.
I could not reccommend them more! And they’re cheap!
Thanks Helen – agreed!
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