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What Makes Bluehost the Best?
Are you thinking about creating your website, or are you confused about how to move forward with an existing one? To answer these queries, you do not have any shortcut, but you must consider yourself lucky, for you have certain tools that can make the daunting task easy in this Bluehost review. Now you might be wondering what the tools that I am talking about are.
At first, if you want to create your website, you must have web hosting. In case you are a novice or just a beginner, there is a possibility that the word ‘web hosting’ itself is totally unfamiliar to you.
Web hosting, in brief, allows you to publish your website or web application on the Internet. When a user signs up for a web hosting service, he or she actually rent some space on a physical server. In this rented space store, all the files and data necessary for his or her website. From this perspective, you may have realized the importance of choosing a good web hosting service provider. For your relief, there are a good number of web hosting sites. Bluehost is one of them.
As a beginner, you can easily rely on Bluehost and start your journey with it. It is a very well-known name in the realm of web hosting. It has dominated in the web hosting industry for the past few years.
I will not recommend Bluehost just because it has got a good reputation in the market. Instead, in this article(Bluehost Review), I will analyze several key factors of webhosting, like its features and usability. Incidentally, while choosing webhosting service, there are some who give priority to price; some also pay more attention to customer support. In this review, I will discuss all these factors to decide why you should go for Bluehost.
Overview
Bluehost’s service was initiated back in 2003 by Matt Heaton and Danny Ashworth. It is based in Orem, Utah. Its data center is located at Provo, Utah (USA).
Bluehost claims to support already about 2 million-plus websites all over the world. In 2010, the company became part of Endurance International Group or EIG’s family of brands. EIG is also the owner of groups like Arvixe, Dotster, iPage and HostGator etc. Over the years, it has gained recognition for being a very cheap and reliable hosting service provider.
That’s not all. You must have already heard about WordPress, which supports 30% of sites on the entire world wide web (www). Bluehost is often linked with WordPress. Actually, WordPress endorses Bluehost along with DreamHost and SiteGround. Bluehost fulfilled the requirements set by WordPress. The recognition is a significant achievement for Bluehost. In other words, WordPress made Bluehost more popular.
Now that I have shared some ideas about Bluehost let’s move on to learn more about it. The goal of this article (Bluehost review) is to provide you with info about Bluehost, a web hosting giant. I will be looking at its services, plans and prices in detail. Moreover, I will show you why I am saying Bluehost web hosting service is the best in the market.
Bluehost says, ‘It’s Webpossible’. You can take your website to new heights with Bluehost.
Striking Features of Bluehost
Bluehost is successful in offering a wide range of products and services to address your needs. For example, by exploring their Shared Hosting, WordPress Hosting and Website Builder tools you can create a new website or online shop. Besides, Bluehost provides services like social media marketing, graphic design, email, domain names, local business listings, etc.
Great Uptime and Speed
The web is all about speed. Imagine you are searching for something, and it takes a while to load the page. What will you do? You will instantly go to another website. The speed affects the user experience significantly. It can also decrease the conversion rate. That’s why the experts in the field always look at the uptime and speed of web hosting service provider.
No web hosting service provider can give you the assurance of 100% uptime. But the top ones ensure the maximum rate of uptime. Bluehost’s uptime is around 99.98%. You can cancel your hosting agreements if you experience downtime. In this case, you don’t have to pay any cancellation fees. It can be considered the best among others in terms of uptime.
On the other hand, Bluehost is superior to many in terms of speed. For instance, recently, from, February 2020- January 2021, the speed was around 641 ms. This score is relatively good.
Enjoy Free domain registration
Bluehost provides a free domain for a year. You can use the domain name for free when you start working with Bluehost in the initial year. There are 15 different domain extensions, for instance, COM, ORG and NET etc. I am glad to tell you that there are no hidden charges when signing up with Bluehost. You get the feature of Domain Forwarding as well. Domain Forwarding mans the visitors will automatically be redirected to other desired locations.
Get Unlimited Storage
Bluehost offers 50GB storage space in its Basic Plan. In other plans of Bluehost the storage space is unlimited for your site files. Getting unlimited storage means there will be no headache with storage while creating your website.
Use Website Builder
By using the Website Builder particularly, its drag and drop option, anyone can build a website. Knowledge about HTML and CSS is not required at all. Even designing your website becomes an easy task because the dashboard is very user friendly.
Unmetered Bandwidth
Bluehost’s every deal offers unmetered bandwidth. Consequently, there will be no restraint on the traffic your site can get when you are using it.
cPanel use
The users of Bluehost can enjoy the cPanel-based interface. The management of your websites, domains, emails, resources, etc. can be done from one location. Moreover, Bluehost allows you to access Secure Shell or SSH.
Multi-Server Management System
Sometimes you might need more than one hosting service. In this scenario with Bluehost you can also easily try Shared hosting, VPS hosting or even additional dedicated hosting services.
Highly User Friendly
When you have signed up in Bluehost, it will ask you a few questions to learn about your requirements for the website. For instance, it will ask what kind of site you will be creating, whether it is a blog, e-Commerce site, or a niche website. After having selected the category, you need to choose your desired theme as well. You will see changes are taking place automatically. You will be amazed because it works like magic.
Different Hosting Plans and their Prices
Bluehost is the best in this field because it offers a variety of hosting plans. The deals can go with all budgets and sizes. The packages include Shared Hosting, VPS Hosting, Dedicated Hosting, WooCommerce Hosting, WordPress hosting, to name a few.
Shared Hosting
Many liked their Shared hosting service because of low traffic volume. You also get the chance to share server resources with other websites from yours. The starting price starting is low. You can purchase the deal at $2.95 and use the plan for a year. Bluehost charges $7.99 per month afterwards.
Bluehost offers Shared Hosting packages which are suitable for starter websites. They have four different packages. The packages are different based on the number of unique websites a user can host on them. They currently have 4 shared hosting plans.
Basic Plan
The basic plan allows a user to host one website. If you do not want to host multiple websites, you can start with this one. If you buy the Basic plan, you will get one domain and 25 subdomains. It comes with 50GB SSD storage. Besides, Bluehost offers 5 email accounts of 100 MB storage for each account. For the first term, you will have to pay $3.95 per month. However, the renewal price is only $8.99 per month.
Plus Plan
The next deal is the Plus, where you can get unlimited service at a reasonable price. It includes unlimited websites with unlimited web space and bandwidth. In the Basic Plan there are only 5 emails, whereas in the Plus Plan there is no restrictions. You can explore the option of unlimited email accounts and expand your business. The fee for the first term begins at $5.45 per month. On the contrary, the renewal fee is as high as $11.99 per month.
Choice Plus:
The Prime plan includes all features of the Plus plan. You will also get domain privacy and SiteBackup Pro as extras. SiteBackup Pro is worth over $80/year. Plus and Choice Plus have the same first term price of $6.95 per month. The renewal price is as high as $16.99 per month.
Pro Plan:
In the first term, you can get the Pro plan which starts from $13.95 per month. Then you will pay $26.99 per month. This bundle includes all the advanced features of dedicated IP, an SSL certificate bundled-in, A complimentary subscription to their optional SiteBackupPro service is also an added bonus. It also offers more server resources than the other plans and you can work with this plan on a long-term basis.
Check the plans yourself by clicking the below button:
| Basic | Plus | Choice Plus | Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Websites | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Disk Space | 50 GB | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Bandwith | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered | Unmetered |
| Free Domain | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Domains | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Email accounts | 5 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Email storage | 100MB/ per account | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Free CDN | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extras | No | Spam Experts | Spam Experts Domain Privacy and Protection Codeguard Basic | 2 Spam Experts Domain Privacy and Protection Codeguard Basic Dedicated IP |
| Regular Price (12 Months) | $3.95 per month | $ 5.45 per month | $ 6.45 per month | $13.95 per month |
BlueHost Plans
In the table, you can see many of the features are unlimited. What it means is that you can use these features the way you wanted. However, you have to accept the Terms of Service. The terms may limit your usage to some extent. Please see user agreement Clause 7.
You can purchase Bluehost packages in the following terms:
- 12 months
- 24 months
- 36 months
- 60 months
In the table above, I have pointed out the features. Learn more from the button given below.
Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated Hosting ensures the highest level of resource allocation, privacy and control. Many prefer Dedicated Hosting because the servers are completely isolated from one another.
Therefore, users get the chance to configure their server in any way they wish. The process does not affect another user. In the same manner, you are also safe from the actions of other users. Bluehost offers three plans for its users, namely Standard, Enhanced, or Premium Dedicated hosting packages.
Choose any package and sign up.
VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting
VPS hosting is another option if you want to expand your business. In VPS hosting, users are guaranteed regarding the resources on their VPS web hosting account. You will get a set amount of RAM, CPU, and Disk Space. You do not need to be apprehensive about what other users on the server are doing. This makes your performance better. In this kind of hosting, better security for your website files is ensured. The reason is you do not share the Operating System with anyone else. You can control over your hosting environment by using VPS.
Reseller Hosting
Not every web hosting service provider offers Reseller Hosting. But Bluehost has got this service too in its bundle. Bluehost is a part of Reseller Club. It provides 800 products. These can be configured as well as resold directly to your clients. Moreover, you can create multiple packages according to your need and sell them under your brand.
WordPress hosting
I heard the name of Bluehost when I started working with WordPress. Bluehost is working with WordPress for over 10 years. Bluehost was recommended in 2005.
With Bluehost it takes just a click to install WordPress. Anyone can create an account easily within just a few minutes. You can create your unique account and edit the existing ones according to your necessities.
Bluehost is reliable because you can run the latest versions of PHP and MYSQL. These servers are usually configured to handle the extra load.
There are two packages. They are WordPress Hosting and WP Pro. These packages are optimized to run WordPress and can even protect your WordPress site against common threats.
Managed WordPress Hosting
Managed WordPress Hosting is a new addition. Bluehost’s Shared Plans sometimes are not suitable for websites with high traffic. As a result, Bluehost has started its new deals to work with WordPress. Bluehost also wanted to compete with companies like Pagely, Kinsta and WP Engine. It comes with exciting features like advanced analytics and centralized social media control. It is interesting to note that your first payment can cover up to 36 months of hosting. There are 3 packages under this category. They are:
- WP Pro Build at $ 19.95
- WP Pro Grow at $ 29.95
- WP Pro Scale at $ 49.95
Cloudflare / CDN integration
Bluehost provides Cloudflare integration as well. Cloudflare is a network of servers or content delivery network that can store cached versions of your website. If you are planning to start and run an ecommerce business efficiently Cloudflare is really useful. It deceases the load time of pages.
WooCommerce
You will get the chance to integrate WooCommerce instantly.
There are hundreds of free storefront designs to choose from.
Moreover, you will have control to add and remove products. Customize your shopping cart with payment and tax options. To give your business an edge, you can create coupon codes for sales and promotions in a blink of an eye. A user will get all the updates automatically and monitor his or her performance from a centralized dashboard.
Exciting E-Commerce Plugins
WooCommerce hosting provides all the essential tools to kick start your eCommerce store. I will recommend Bluehost if you are running an online store. As a matter of fact, Bluehost offers exciting plugins and many more.
Product Add-Ons
Sometimes, visitors are unable to add products to their cart. However, with the Product Add-Ons plugin, the visitors get the chance to add more products to their checkout without leaving the cart.
USPS Shipping
This plugin makes shipping methods and rates easily visible to your customers by state.
UPS Shipping
You can easily calculate domestic and international shipping quotes with a range of delivery options from Standard to Next Day Air.
FedEx Shipping:
FedEx Shipping plugin helps to calculate quotes worldwide and offer express distribution. It ensures reliable delivery in more than 220 countries and territories.
Pay Pal Pro
By using PayPal Pro; you get the freedom to use your credit card payments via PayPal directly on your site.
Product Vendor
As the name suggests, by using this feature you can convert your Woo Commerce store into an e-commerce marketplace. On the other hand, your social media community can turn into a commission-based revenue stream.
Software Add-on
Software Add-on gives you the flexibility to manage license keys and activations for your software offerings via your store.
Xero
Xero is a plugin that keeps you updated with all the accounting functions up to date, from bank reconciliation and financial reporting to inventory tracking and payroll.
WooSlider
WooSlider controls slideshows directions, sliding speeds, transitions and pagination.
Sensei
Have you ever imagined to launch online courses? Well, with Sensei, you can do it now with registration and payment right on your site. The best part it is going to provide you is that you don’t have to use coding for this process.
Table Rate Shipping
Table Rate Shipping is a plugin a user can utilize to define multiple rates based on price, weight, item count or location etc.
Product CSV Import Suite
A user can import thousands of products and support complex products and custom data from Bookings, Product Vendors, Brands, Google Product Feed by using Product CSV Import Suite.
Amazon Pay
Your customers have an amazon account and with the Amazon Pay plugin, they can use their existing Amazon accounts to conveniently checkout without leaving your site.
Stripe
Many face the challenge during checkout when customers are redirected to an external checkout page. To avert this, Stripe makes it easy for you to accept payments directly on your store for web and mobile. As a result, customers stay on your store during checkout.
ShipStation
ShipStation makes shipping and fulfillment faster and cheaper. It comes with exclusive branding tools.
Currency Converter Widget
Currency Converter Widget utilizes money.js and the Open-Source Exchange Rates API to pull exchange rates and substitute prices in real time.
EU VAT Number
EU VAT Number offers your checkout with a field to collect and validate a customer’s EU VAT number, if they have one.
Premium Plugin Bundle
Premium Plugin Bundle is included in Bluehost’s Premium Package. It’s free. Surprisingly, this bundle includes access to over $200 in top WooCommerce plugins.
Office 365
You can easily add Office 365 to your plan and work more efficiently. Particularly, you can write multiple professional email with Microsoft 365 anytime.
Google My Business Verification
If you are using the Premium package, you can easily list your business online. This way, customers can find and connect with customers.
Make the best use of Marketing Tools
Pay-Per-Click Services
Bluehost team will create and run various campaigns to market your website. You can select where and when your ads are displayed on your website. The arrangement is such that Bluehost instantly drives traffic to your site exposure once your ads go live.
SEO Services
Good Search Engine Optimization (SEO) will help your website rank higher in the search result. Bluehost allows you to optimize your website with the most effective keywords. Even you will get weekly reports for your keyword’s performance. The chance to review website analytics is a huge plus.
Google Ad Services
You can easily create and optimize your unique Ad campaigns through Bluehost. It is a highly effective tool to reach a good number of customers.
Migration Policy
Migration is a feature that not all web hosting sites are going to offer for free. However, Bluehost has made migration easy. Besides, its paid migration includes up to 5 websites. You do not need to panic because one-on-one consultation to review your website before and after the migration is available. However, the Terms of Bluehost clearly states that the site should be supported by WordPress and the offer is valid for 30 days from signing up.
Strong Security Options
How do you know a website is secure? A website is secure to use when it has an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. It lets you know that the information you are sharing on your site is safe. If you notice the padlock icon and the “https” at the beginning of a web address, you will consider it good and secure enough to go with it.
The security features on Bluehost are indeed excellent. More importantly, each Bluehost deal comes with a free SSL certificate. It proves that they give their clients security based on priority. However, if you want more advanced security options, you will get it from them. It is worth mentioning that the basic SSL they offer is free.
On the other hand, premium SSL starts from $49.99per year. The latter can be considered a good deal for e-commerce sites. Again, you don’t have to face any hassle to get the certificate. Furthermore, premium SSL is the best if the users are sharing sensitive information like credit card details. There are sites where a user will log in with a username and password, leading you to buy Bluehost’s Premium Plan.
Bluehost security features include Spam Assassin Protection, Hotlink Protection, and Secure Shell Access. Bluehost includes more than enough security measures to get a standard site started. You should create filters for email accounts and users, password-protect directories, IP address blacklists, and manage private keys and digital certificates. Bluehost provides Cloudflare integration as well. Cloudflare is a network of servers or content delivery network that can store cached versions of your website.
Reliable Customer Support
Every web hosting company offers help and support. However, many of them are not up to the mark. Bluehost’s customer support is solid. Their customer service team works relentlessly 24×7/365 days. They try to solve the problems of their clients through their intensive knowledge base. If you are a beginner, Bluehost’s knowledge base will be of great help.
Bluehost has a huge library of articles and step by step guides. Moreover, you can learn many different techniques from its video tutorials too. You can also check their FAQ section. Besides, Bluehost provides a 24/7 support system. You can discuss your problem with customer support representatives by using its live chat or phone.
Bluehost does not have a ticket-based support system. They believe that through live chat and phone, they can reach the customer at a personal level. However, they should have kept the ticket-based support system because there can be issues that cannot be resolved by one live chat or phone session.
If you are a novice, you can connect with them for consultation. The phone numbers (880-401-4678) are given. You can get clarification if you are interested in purchasing Bluehost’s services.
Pros And Cons of Bluehost
Pros
+ The first term is cheap: But be aware of the renewal rates, they are high.
+ Solid uptime: Generally speaking, my uptime tests with Bluehost have always been good. But unlike other providers, they don’t offer an SLA (Service Level Agreement) that guarantees a minimum uptime.
+ Generous storage: Their shared hosting plans offer loads of storage
+ Unmetered bandwidth: Bluehost won’t limit the traffic that your website(s) can get.
Cons
- shared hosting might not be good if you have high volumes of traffic.
- Pricing plan flexibility.
- Less Control over Automatic Data Backups.