As I have blogged about before, you need two things to create a pro blog: webhosting and a domain name. Today, I want to discuss buying web hosting for your blog. There are many web hosts that will work just fine for your blog. When searching for a web host for your blog or website, look for one that has live technical support and 247 chat along with a reputation for providing excellent customer service.
Most, if not all, of the mainstream web hosts will have the WordPress blogging platform software that you need to create a professional blog. WordPress software comes free as a feature with any good web hosting so make sure WP is being offered at your host.
Paid hosts I have heard good reviews about include: Fatcow (cheapest), Hostgator, Justhost, and iPage.
How much does web hosting for a blog cost?
Blog costs depend on which host you get but right now you can get really good discounts at Fatcow and iPage. See my updated 2011 web host discount coupons links below.
Edit: The Justhost coupon has expired but you can get the $56 FatCow Plan for 1 year (best 1 year web hosting deal) or iPage Web Hosting with Free Domain
at about the same rate but for multiple years but you get a free domain name.
I recommend you buy for multiple years if you can afford it since you save money by buying more years of web hosting up front.
I have used JustHost and have had no problems with it. It’s the cheapest of the above at $3.45 per month (get this by clicking coupon code JHSL20 or discount) and has great sales and coupon codes for nice sized discounts. Most blog hosts usually cost anywhere from $5 to $9 a month. Also note that you pay less per month on a web host when you buy for a longer period of time.
Answer to the question: What web hosting should I get for my blog?
Over my 4 years on the web, I have poured in countless hours over the best type of webhosting for my blog and I’ve come to the conclusion that shared webhosting or economy web hosting from one of these mainstream sites works just fine. All shared means is that other people share the host’s server with you. This is what makes the prices so low and not $10/month or more. I recommend JustHost webhosting for your blog because it’s super cheap (probably the cheapest hoster on the web), they have great customer service, and it works. Simple as that.
For information on how to set up a blog once you buy blog web hosting and a domain name, read my post on how to start a blog in 10 minutes or less.