We know how many disappointing providers there are out there, and filtering a decent result for your web hosting search is our goal, challenge and skill. In this article however we have decided to take this task directly to the consumer. Here are the opinions and web hosting tips from three web designers - Chan @ Kailoon.com, Jill @ AldebraranWebDesign.com and Rolf @ RolfJohansson.com.
Jill Olkoski - AldebaranWebDesign.com
Jill is the west coast based web design veteran and wonder woman behind Aldebaran Web Design. With long experience in the industry, Jill has created some impressive work and a highly satisfied customer base.
With three words, name the most important qualities in a good hosting provider
- Reliability, Customer-Focused, Current (have latest versions)
Which is your current hosting provider?
- DreamHost.com
How would you describe your current hosting provider?
- I love DreamHost for several reasons, been using them since 2005. They are honest, they are customer-focused, and they are always improving their products and services. They answer all questions quickly and without first blaming the customer, no matter how technical or how stupid. They have unlimited patience. They offer free 5013c hosting. They are a certified "green" company. They don't outsource their customer service overseas - you're always interacting with someone in California. One click installations and upgrades for WordPress.
What hosting plan is your site on?
- For three years I was on basic shared hosting, now I'm on a virtual machine. All of my clients are on shared hosting.
Are you satisfied with your host and/or is there anything that you'd have improved?
- I really love them. They recently are working on activating a live chat, which is a great improvement I think. Their control panel is easy to use. They answer support requests quickly and coherently. And they are really, really honest. If it's their fault, they say "sorry" and if it's my fault they are very gracious. :-)
Name three things that any newbie should consider when looking for his or her first hosting solution
1. Recommendation from someone who has used the hosting company for several years and is still happy. 2. Versions of any applications (like WordPress) or PHP or MySQL. Find out how much the hosting company cares about providing its customers with up-to-date software, or if they are 5 years behind. 3. Hosting should not have a contract, go month to month until you're satisfied. Shared hosting should be around $10 a month, which for most small business websites, is just fine. Don't get locked into anyone and never use a website builder tool that will make you become trapped into a specific hosting company.
Rolf Johansson – RolfJohansson.com
Rolf Johansson is a web designer from Burlington, Ontario in Canada. His interest and work in web design started at the University but it was only after working for KPMG for a while that Rolf decided to take on the challenges as a freelance web designer.
With three words, name the most important qualities in a good hosting provider
- Value, security, responsive
Which is your current hosting provider?
- BlueHost.com
How would you describe your current hosting provider?
- Very good. They meet the 3 qualities I described above.
What hosting plan is your site on?
- Shared hosting plan.
Are you satisfied with your host and/or is there anything that you'd have improved?
- Very satisfied with my host.
Name three things that any newbie should consider when looking for his or her first hosting solution
- Platform should be current (i.e. php5). Price should be comparable to other hosting plans. Should have roption for both unix/linux or Windows.
Chan Kai Loon – Kailoon.com
Better known as Kailoon, Chan is a web designer from Malaysia who runs LoonDesign, Themetation and Kailoon.com. He is devoted to table-less CSS websites with WordPress, XHTML, php and Jquery, and works as part-time freelancer for Envato.
With three words, name the most important qualities in a good hosting provider.
- Fast, Reliable and Quality Support.
How would you describe your current hosting provider?
- Consistent
Which is your current hosting provider?
- ipserverone.com.my
What hosting plan is your site on?
- Shared and dedicated
Are you satisfied with your host and/or is there anything that you'd have improved?
- The price is a little too high, but still acceptable
Name three things that any newbie should consider when looking for his or her first hosting solution.
- Shared hosting is the easiest way to start with, popular hosting company, quick support.
Commented by: jenna, 13 October, 2009
i agree with Jill, dreamhost really delivers and puts the customer first :-)