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Bluehost vs GoDaddy Hosting (Honest Comparison)

Published

1 year ago

August 16, 2023

Bluehost vs GoDaddy Hosting (Honest Comparison)

Are you looking for an honest web hosting comparison of Bluehost vs GoDaddy?

These are two of the most popular affordable hosting companies on the market. However, for beginners, it’s often not clear which one is better for their website.

In this guide, we will compare Bluehost vs GoDaddy with their pros and cons so that you can make the right decision.

Comparison of Bluehost vs GoDaddy

Bluehost and GoDaddy are two of the most affordable hosting companies for people looking for a low-price hosting option to control their website costs.

Both are very popular. GoDaddy has a large market share and hosts over 40 million websites, while Bluehost is an official WordPress.org recommended hosting provider.

But which is the best platform for your new WordPress website?

In this comparison, we will take a closer look into the pros and cons of Bluehost vs GoDaddy in detail. However, if you don’t want to go through the full comparison, here is a quick summary:

That being said, let’s compare each one of them and see how they stack up.

Bluehost Comparison

Bluehost is one of the biggest web hosting companies in the world and an officially recommended WordPress host. They offer WordPress-optimized hosting plans with faster servers and reliable performance.

Their shared hosting prices are lower priced when compared to other hosting companies. This makes them a good choice for beginners and small businesses on a limited budget.

Pros of Bluehost

Bluehost offers great value at a low cost, but what are some of their pros and cons? Let’s start with some of the benefits of using Bluehost as your hosting service:

Lower Costs – Bluehost’s entry-level plan allows you to get started with your website for a lower price, which is great value for new small businesses, bloggers, portfolios, and other types of websites.
Ease of Use – Bluehost has one of the most beginner-friendly hosting control panels that makes it super easy to install WordPress (one click) and manage your website.
Free Domain – They offer a free domain name, which saves you additional money on your start-up costs.
Free CDN + Free SSL – Bluehost offers a free CDN to speed up your website, and all plans come with a free SSL certificate to improve website security.
Website Speed – In our tests, we found that Bluehost performs well, with no performance optimization done on our test sites. You can also add WordPress caching plugins to unlock further speed improvements.
Staging Sites + Dev Tools – Bluehost plans come with staging site setup, automatic WordPress updates, the ability to change PHP versions, SFTP access, and more.

Cons of Bluehost

Obviously, there are some downsides to using Bluehost as well. Here are some of the disadvantages that you may want to know:

Higher Domain Renewal Price – Their free domain renewal price is higher than average. This does not have an immediate impact on most businesses, but it is something you may need to keep in mind.
Upselling Addons – You will see a lot of upselling during signup. Most beginners usually don’t need these products right away, so you can skip them.

Bluehost Review

Bluehost has a 5-star rating on WPBeginner based on over 300 user reviews and the high value they offer at low prices. We also ran our own performance and stress tests on their servers, which you can read all about in our detailed Bluehost review.

The best thing about Bluehost is that you get a free domain with all plans, unlimited bandwidth and SSD storage on their Plus plan, and great overall value for what you pay.

Plus, their eCommerce hosting plan for WooCommerce comes with over $1000+ in premium WooCommerce and WordPress extensions, which is a huge cost saving for online store owners.

GoDaddy Comparison

GoDaddy is a famous web hosting company and the world’s biggest domain registrar. They offer a huge variety of hosting plans for individuals and businesses of every size.

GoDaddy has a large market share in the website hosting space, and many popular websites use them. However, they are not always the best option when you are building a website, creating a blog, or starting a new business.

Pros of GoDaddy

GoDaddy is a popular low-cost hosting provider, but what are some of their pros and cons? Let’s start with some of the benefits of using GoDaddy as your hosting service:

WordPress-Optimized Hosting – GoDaddy’s managed WordPress hosting plans are run on servers optimized for WordPress for faster and more secure hosting.
Managed Hosting – GoDaddy handles some basic administrative tasks for you, such as installing WordPress, automated daily backups, WordPress core updates, and server-level caching. Bluehost shared hosting plans also include some of these tasks.
Free Domain – They offer a free domain name, which helps you save money on your start-up costs.
Free CDN + Free SSL – GoDaddy plans come with the Cloudflare CDN to speed up your website, and all plans come with a free SSL certificate to improve website security.
Affordable – GoDaddy has very reasonable prices for all the features they offer.
24/7 Support – No matter when you need help, GoDaddy support is available any time of day or night.
Monthly Billing Option – For those who prefer to pay month to month, there is a monthly billing option. However, you get a bigger discount if you pay for at least a year in advance.

Cons of Bluehost

Are there any downsides to using GoDaddy? Here are some of the disadvantages that you may want to know:

Addons – GoDaddy offers a huge variety of services. During the checkout process, many of these tools and features will be offered to you as addons. These are completely optional, but some users may find all the upsell offers to be too aggressive.
Controversial Ads – GoDaddy has come under fire several times over the years due to its controversial advertising. While this does not affect their hosting services, some users have moved away from GoDaddy in protest against their ads.
No Email Support – While still offering 24/7 support by live chat and phone, GoDaddy has discontinued email support.

GoDaddy Review

GoDaddy has a 5-star rating on WPBeginner, but this is based on 16 reviews compared to over 300 for Bluehost. You will find detailed information about their hosting in our GoDaddy review.

Like Bluehost, GoDaddy’s plans offer excellent value. You get one year of free domain registration, a free SSL certificate, SSD storage, and unlimited bandwidth with all plans. Plus, their hosting plans are managed, saving you some ongoing maintenance work.

However, GoDaddy’s overall onboarding experience is not as beginner friendly. And while they offer 24/7 support via live chat and phone, they no longer offer email support.

Bluehost vs GoDaddy – Which Is Better?

Now that we have compared different features of Bluehost vs GoDaddy, you may still be wondering which one of these hosting providers is better.

If you are looking for the most affordable hosting, then the best choice is Bluehost. They offer better pricing for small businesses. They also have better support, and their My Sites dashboard and overall onboarding experience is a lot more beginner-friendly.

But maybe you would prefer the convenience of managed hosting, where the routine maintenance work such as updates, backups, and more is done for you.

In that case, GoDaddy offers basic managed hosting plans at a very affordable rate. In fact, they are much cheaper than Bluehost’s managed hosting. However, GoDaddy’s managed hosting plans offer fewer features when compared with the best managed hosting providers.

Although it will cost you more, we recommend WP Engine for managed WordPress hosting. They are the best for scaling your website, and they can even offer custom cloud hosting using Amazon’s infrastructure and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bluehost vs GoDaddy

Having helped thousands of users choose the best web host for their needs, we have answered quite a few questions. Here are some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Bluehost vs GoDaddy.

Which is better for beginners, Bluehost or GoDaddy?

Bluehost is the most beginner-friendly WordPress hosting company on the market. They automatically install WordPress for you when you sign up. They also have an easy-to-use control panel that allows you to manage your hosting account by yourself.

There is plenty of help available with detailed guides, video tutorials, and articles. You also have 24/7 access to their expert support via live chat and phone.

GoDaddy is also a good option for beginners, but their hosting can be more complex to use.

Does Bluehost or GoDaddy have the greater market share?

Over 4 million websites are hosted on Bluehost. Out of the top 1 million websites based on traffic, just 0.37% use Bluehost.

GoDaddy has a much bigger market share, hosting over 40 million websites. And when we look at the top 1 million websites based on traffic, 2.06% host their sites with GoDaddy.

Where are Bluehost and GoDaddy servers located?

Bluehost operates their own in-house data center located in Utah, US. It is a massive 50,000 square feet facility that serves as its primary data center.

GoDaddy has nine server facilities around the world, located in North America, Europe, and Asia. These facilities house over 37,000 servers in total.

Can I use subdomains for my site?

Yes, you can use subdomains on either Bluehost or GoDaddy.

Are there other hosting providers that you haven’t covered in this comparison?

Yes, there are literally thousands of web hosting companies on the market, including SiteGround, WP Engine, Hostinger, HostGator, DreamHost, GreenGeeks, Kinsta, A2 Hosting, and more.

We only compared Bluehost vs GoDaddy in this article because they are the most popular affordable WordPress hosting companies.

Do you have any special discounts for Bluehost or GoDaddy?

Yes, because WPBeginner is the largest WordPress resource site, our users can get special discounts on popular hosting providers as well as other WordPress plugins. You can see all 100+ WordPress deals here.

You can use our Bluehost coupon to get over 60% off + a free domain.

Our GoDaddy coupon gets you 70% off on web hosting.

We hope this comparison of Bluehost vs GoDaddy helped you decide which hosting platform is better for your new website. You may also want to see our guide on how to choose the best domain registrar or our expert picks of the best monthly web hosting plans.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Automattic’s Contribution to the New Social Web Foundation

Published

12 hours ago

October 1, 2024

Max

Automattic's Contribution to the New Social Web Foundation

The Social Web Foundation is aiming to grow the fediverse and make the social web a better place for everyone.

Social media, in its current form, is broken and chaotic. A new organization, the Social Web Foundation, aims to change that. This initiative has launched with a clear mission: fuel the growth of the fediverse and make the social web a better place for everyone.

Automattic, WordPress.com’s parent company, is excited to be part of this movement and to support the Foundation’s vision for a healthier, more diverse social web.

What is the Social Web Foundation?

Founded by leaders in the open social networking space, including Evan Prodromou, Tom Coates, and Mallory Knodel, the Social Web Foundation is focused on fostering a financially sustainable, decentralized social web. It will empower users and creators by enhancing platform diversity, encouraging innovation, and promoting user safety across the fediverse.

The Social Web Foundation’s immediate focus is on building the infrastructure needed to connect users and developers across platforms. The Foundation will also work to educate the public, policymakers, and developers about the benefits of the fediverse while continuing to improve the ActivityPub protocol and the tools that power it.

Automattic’s role in supporting the Social Web Foundation

Automattic has a long history of championing open source software and open standards, and we believe the fediverse plays a critical role in shaping the future of the web. That’s why Automattic is eager to collaborate with the Social Web Foundation to ensure a stronger, more open ecosystem for all users.

Matthias Pfefferle, Open Web Lead at Automattic, said, “We’re excited about the launch of the Social Web Foundation and its mission. We’re eager to collaborate with the Foundation to expand platform diversity and enhance the support for various content types—especially long-form content—within the fediverse, fostering greater interoperability across the ecosystem.”

Alongside Automattic, companies like Mastodon, Flipboard, Ghost, and Meta have expressed their support for the Foundation’s mission. As Eugen Rochko, Founder and CEO of Mastodon, states, “Mastodon is committed to the fediverse and proud to back the Social Web Foundation’s efforts to build a stronger, more open, and dynamic social web for all.”

Federating WordPress.com with ActivityPub

For creators using WordPress.com, there’s already an easy way to join the fediverse. The ActivityPub plugin federates your WordPress.com site, allowing readers on other fediverse platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed to follow your site directly. This integration gives creators even more control and reach, offering a seamless way to distribute content across multiple networks while maintaining ownership of what you publish.

Why this matters

As the Social Web Foundation builds out its program, Automattic and WordPress.com are proud to be part of the next wave of social networking. The ability to control your own data, interact across platforms, and have a say in the future of the social web aligns perfectly with our own values as an organization dedicated to empowering creators and users worldwide. And with the ActivityPub plugin, WordPress.com users can easily join in, helping to build a more open and federated web.

To learn more about the Social Web Foundation, visit their website, or follow them at @swf on the fediverse.

Also be sure to catch up on all things fediverse with our five-part YouTube series, The Fediverse Files.

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Choosing The Right E-Commerce Platform

Published

4 days ago

September 27, 2024

Max

Robert Giovannini, CEO, IronPlane.

getty

As the CEO of an e-commerce development agency, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of selecting the right e-commerce platform—and the issues that can bring a company down if they select the wrong one.

With so many options available, understanding the key differences and factors to consider is crucial for any business. This article will explore these aspects in detail and provide the tools needed to help you make an informed decision.

E-Commerce Platform Options

The e-commerce landscape is rich with diverse platforms, each designed to cater to different business needs. Among the most popular are Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce and BigCommerce—though there are many others that I won’t cover here. (Full disclosure: My company is a provider of development services for companies like Magento, BigCommerce and Adobe/Magento.)

With about 32% e-commerce platform market share in the U.S., Shopify is renowned for its ease of use, scalability and robust app ecosystem, making it a favorite among small to medium-sized businesses and those new to e-commerce. Magento, on the other hand, is celebrated for its flexibility and extensive customization capabilities, which appeal to larger businesses with specific requirements and technical resources.

I think WooCommerce, one of the largest e-commerce platforms worldwide, stands out for its seamless integration with WordPress, offering a highly customizable and cost-effective solution; this is particularly attractive to content-driven sites. BigCommerce is appreciated by many users for its comprehensive built-in features and scalability, suitable for businesses with ambitious growth plans.

Understanding the key differentiators among these platforms is essential. Platforms like Squarespace, Wix, Shopify and BigCommerce are particularly user-friendly, which can be ideal for businesses that lack extensive technical expertise. These platforms provide a straightforward, intuitive interface that allows users to set up and manage their stores with ease.

Magento, while offering extensive customization, requires a higher degree of technical know-how, often necessitating a dedicated development team. I find it well-suited for businesses that need a tailored solution and have the resources to support ongoing development and maintenance. WooCommerce offers a middle ground in many respects, providing significant customization options through plug-ins and themes but requiring additional management for hosting and security.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An E-Commerce Platform

Several key factors should be considered when choosing an e-commerce platform.

Firstly, the size of your business and its growth projections are crucial. A platform should not only meet your current needs but also scale with your business as it grows. Shopify and BigCommerce excel in scalability, allowing businesses to expand without worrying about outgrowing their e-commerce solution.

Secondly, budget constraints play a significant role. While some platforms may have lower upfront costs, they might incur higher long-term expenses due to additional plug-ins, themes and hosting fees. It’s essential to evaluate both the initial investment and the ongoing costs associated with each platform.

The technical expertise within your team is another crucial consideration. As outlined earlier, some platforms are more accessible for nontechnical users, whereas others may require substantial technical skills and a development team to manage effectively—but the rewards for doing so can be high. The need for customization also influences your choice.

Certain platforms offer extensive customization options, enabling you to tailor the platform to your specific needs. In contrast, others, while customizable, have more predefined structures that can also be helpful depending on your needs.

I’ve found that integration with existing systems, such as CRM, ERP and marketing tools, is vital for streamlining operations and improving efficiency. Ensuring that your chosen platform integrates seamlessly with your current systems can save time and reduce operational headaches.

Additionally, effective SEO and marketing features are critical for driving traffic and conversions. Evaluate the SEO capabilities and available marketing plug-ins of each platform to ensure they align with your business goals.

Reliable customer support and an active community can be invaluable when issues arise. Look into the reputations of the support systems and for evidence of an active community of users who can provide a wealth of resources and assistance.

What To Do When You Make A Decision

When making a decision, it’s essential to follow a structured approach. Start with a thorough needs assessment to identify your business requirements, goals and challenges. This assessment will serve as a foundation for evaluating potential platforms. Research each platform’s features, strengths, and weaknesses, and create a shortlist based on your needs assessment and the critical factors discussed earlier.

Take advantage of demos and free trials offered by many platforms. These opportunities allow you to explore the platform’s functionality and user experience firsthand. Engage stakeholders, including your technical team, marketing department and key decision makers, to gather their input and ensure the platform meets cross-functional needs. Consider both upfront and ongoing costs and assess the potential return on investment by estimating how the platform will support your business goals and growth.

Consulting with an e-commerce development agency or industry experts can also provide additional perspectives and recommendations based on your specific needs. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, carefully select your option and create a comprehensive implementation plan that can help ensure a smooth transition.

Making The Right Choice

By understanding the key differences between popular platforms, considering essential factors and following a structured decision-making process, you can choose a platform that aligns with your business needs and goals.

I encourage all businesses I speak with to take this strategic approach and leverage expert insights and thorough research to make the best possible choice.

Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?

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Automattic’s Open Source Contributions

Published

4 days ago

September 27, 2024

Max

Whether you’re a developer at an agency or an aspiring creator, you can trust us to invest in the future of WordPress.

WordPress.com Staff

As an open source project, the WordPress software relies on contributions from individuals and businesses alike to remain a healthy and innovative ecosystem.

Individuals can contribute in a number of ways, from writing code to organizing meetups to working on WordPress’s accessibility. Companies can contribute by permitting their employees to allocate part-time or full-time hours to WordPress.

For the latest WordPress release Automattic provided over 3,500 core contributions—over half of all WordPress 6.6 contributions—at the hands of 105 individual contributors.

WordPress core contributors, by company. Image source: WordPress.org.
WordPress core contributions, by company. Image source: WordPress.org.

Given that WordPress powers over 40% of your favorite websites, it’s in the best interest of every company that benefits from WordPress to give back to the project and community.

This idea is codified in WordPress’s Five for the Future initiative. Any company that profits from the software—including every business offering hosting for WordPress—is encouraged to put 5% of its resources back into WordPress development.

At Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, we take this responsibility very seriously.

Automattic employs just under 2,000 people. Over 100 of them work on the WordPress project full-time. In terms of workforce hours, this puts the company at almost exactly 5%.

Contributor day at WordCamp Europe 2024.

Though this is not a requirement and it is not policed by the WordPress Foundation, every company that profits from WordPress should think about the long-term health and vibrancy of the WordPress ecosystem. At Automattic and WordPress.com, we’re proud to give back and to constantly be thinking about bettering WordPress as a whole when we’re working on features, squashing bugs, and generally doing our best to democratize publishing for the entire world.

As a customer—whether you’re a developer at an agency or an aspiring creator—you have a say in the future of WordPress. You have options when it comes to hosting. We recommend that the dollars you spend go towards a WordPress host that acts as a good steward of open source philosophy—like WordPress.com.