ShivarWeb

Better Websites. SEO. Marketing. Business.

Choosing The Right Website: Web Hosting, Ecommerce Platform Reviews & More

Choosing the right infrastructure for your website is critical. It's the foundation you'll use to build your business - whether it's an online store or personal project.

But choosing the right option is tough.

Because there is no such thing as an overall "best" option for everyone. There is no "best web hosting" or "best ecommerce website platform" - there is only the best option for you based on your goals, expertise, resources & situation.

Here's an overview of the types of reviews I've written based on my experience as either a customer or consultant.

Web Hosting Reviews

Your website has to "live" somewhere. And that somewhere is a server that "hosts" your website. I've been able to look at a wide range of web hosts and break them down based on pros & cons, or compare them to each other based on set of criteria.

My most popular web hosting review looks at the two of the industry's top brands - Bluehost vs. GoDaddy. My post on InMotion and 1&1 Hosting are also popular.

If you're getting frustrated reading about all the options, I also have a BuzzFeed-style quiz that can help you figure out the best web hosting options for you.

Find all my web hosting reviews here.

Ecommerce Hosting Reviews

There are some types of websites that need a core set of features. For ecommerce, that means a shopping cart, payment processing and inventory management. For some, it makes sense to provide those features as part of an integrated platform. My most popular ecommerce hosting review looks at Shopify. I've also written a guide to building your own ecommerce site with WordPress.

If you're getting frustrated reading about all the options, I also have a BuzzFeed-style quiz that can help you figure out the best ecommerce hosting options for you.

Find all my ecommerce hosting reviews here.

Domain & Business Software Reviews

But your business doesn't start and end with hosting - below, you'll also find reviews of domain name registrars, website builders & more. And I have quizzes on choosing domain registrars & choosing website builders too, and a full list of my favorite resources here.

Background on Ratings

I generally hate stars. They do not provide the nuance that I like to know when choosing a service. And yet, stars are a thing. We all expect stars on reviews, so my reviews have stars.

Here's what star ratings on my site mean.

1 Star - if you need the service, stop researching this company and move on. You will certainly find someone better.

2 Star - For what it's worth, this company is fine...but you'll probably be able to find a better service provider regardless of your goals.

3 Star - if there is a specific pro or feature that speaks to you - then you should feel good about using this company. Their cons or disadvantages are not especially bad across the board.

4 Star - unless there is a specific con or disadvantage that turns you off - then they are a good choice. Their pros are great across the board, but you should still keep an eye out for disadvantages that apply to your goals.

5 Star - if you need the service, stop looking and use them. I've never given a full 5 star even though Ahrefs comes super close.

Explore onwards - you'll find all my reviews listed below!

Shopify vs. Squarespace: Online Store Options Compared

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Shopify vs. Squarespace – they are two of the most well-known brands in the online store / website builder industry. I’ve written a Shopify review here and Squarespace review here. But how do they compare directly to each other?

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

First, a bit of background. Over the past few years, online store software costs have plummeted, and the technology to get a website from idea to reality has blossomed.

Whether you’re using a text editor and uploading to the Amazon cloud, hosting your own site powered by WordPress + WooCommerce or using a drag and drop website builder, there’s never been an easier time to create an online store. It’s no longer 2002 where every store owner had to know PHP, HTML, CSS and a bit of Javascript.

All-inclusive eCommerce builders have been particularly interesting. Companies like Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, Shopify, and BigCommerce – not to mention platforms like Etsy, eBay, and Amazon – have brought eCommerce to everyone regardless of their coding skills.

On the wide spectrum of eCommerce store building solutions, they all live on the end that is all-inclusive and provides everything you need to get started and grow your website. [Read more…] about Shopify vs. Squarespace: Online Store Options Compared

Shopify vs. Volusion Ecommerce Platform Comparison

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Shopify and Volusion are two of the most well-known “hosted” eCommerce platforms on the Internet.

Ecommerce options exist on a spectrum of convenience and control. Both Shopify and Volusion are right in the middle of the spectrum because they bundle all the technical parts of an online store – hosting, speed, security, inventory, shopping cart and payment processing – and bundle it into a single monthly price. This contrasts with solutions like WordPress + Woocommerce where you buy, operate, and maintain each piece of the store but also have true 100% control over your website.

Ecommerce Real Estate Tradeoffs

But like a self-hosted eCommerce website, Shopify and Volusion also bundle as part of your website on your domain where you have full control of products, pricing, and customer experience. So unlike running a store on Etsy, eBay or Amazon – you control the build, design, and content of your store.

Even though this part of the spectrum has plenty of tradeoffs – services like Shopify and Volusion are an excellent option for many store owners. So the question becomes – Shopify vs. Volusion?

I’ve reviewed Shopify here and Volusion here. I’ve used both as a customer and as a consultant to customers of both.

They are both excellent companies with an excellent product. And like all my other eCommerce and hosting reviews, there is no such thing as an absolute “best” – there’s only the best option for you based on your situation, goals, and resources.

Here’s how Shopify compares to Volusion across 6 different variables that most customers look at – and what you should consider with Shopify vs. Volusion.

Skip to the conclusion here.

Aside – I built a Buzzfeed style quiz for eCommerce platforms that grades the factors with your goals. You can check out the quiz here. [Read more…] about Shopify vs. Volusion Ecommerce Platform Comparison

Wix vs. WordPress (Self-hosted .org & WordPress.com)

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Wix and WordPress are two of the most well-known brands (and oldest) in the website building industry. They are both useful in their own ways. But if you are comparing Wix vs. WordPress – which is the best fit for your project?

Before we look at different tradeoffs between Wix and WordPress, we have to define exactly what Wix and WordPress are.

Already got the background? Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps.

Wix is an all-in-one “hosted website platform.” A hosted website platform is where all the components needed for a website come in a single bundle with a single monthly price.

Wix provides the software to manage your website content; they provide the designs and functionality. They are most well-known for their drag and drop builder. They provide add-ons & extensions for unique functionality. And most importantly, they also provide the hosting (aka the server where your website files live) & security all in one price. See Wix plans here.

WordPress is technically free website software that you manage your website content, designs and functionality. But it’s used in two different ways.

First, there’s self-hosted WordPress (aka “WordPress.org). It’s free, open-source, community-supported software that anyone can install on any server that meets minimum requirements. You pay for hosting, install WordPress and run your website how you like. I wrote a setup guide here.

Second, there’s WordPress.com. It’s a hosted platform service sold by the main corporate supporter of WordPress. With WordPress.com, you can get any website running a hosted version of WordPress for free. You then pay for upgrades. See WordPress.com’s plans here.

Yes – it’s confusing. I wrote a bit more about the difference between WordPress.com and WordPress.org here if you want to dig deeper.

But here’s an analogy that works –

Imagine you are looking for a place to live.

Wix and WordPress.com are both like buying a condominium. You own everything inside your condo. You can do whatever you want inside. The condo association takes care of the water, electricity, security and structural issues. They even have furnished unit options. However, you also have to abide by condo association rules. You are limited by their structure and you have to pay extra HOA fees.

Self-hosted WordPress is like buying a house. You can do anything you want. There’s no rules or limitations. But you have to take care of everything (or hire someone to take care of it). It’s also as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be.

And FYI – this basic explanation is very similar to Squarespace vs. WordPress, Weebly vs. WordPress – or even hosted eCommerce platforms like Shopify.
[Read more…] about Wix vs. WordPress (Self-hosted .org & WordPress.com)

InMotion Hosting vs. SiteGround vs. Bluehost Web Hosting Comparison

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“InMotion Hosting vs. SiteGround vs. Bluehost?” is a common question for anyone shopping for web hosting, especially for anyone planning on using WordPress.

InMotion, SiteGround, and Bluehost are all –

  • Established, well-known brands in the hosting industry, particularly in the WordPress hosting industry
  • Provide a similar menu of products that revolve around shared Linux hosting
  • Provide a full spectrum of hosting needs with advanced features
  • Provide pricing & hosting products that focus on small to midsize companies
  • Are either endorsed by the WordPress Foundation or are ever-present at WordCamps
  • Have marquee clients with plenty of endorsements or testimonials

And yet – they are very different companies with different brands and different focuses.

Unlike most reviews, I do not think there is such a thing as a “best” host. There is only the best fit for you based on your goals, expertise, resources, and preferences.

I have current clients who use (and love) Bluehost. Although this specific site runs on InMotion Hosting – I also have several projects that have run on SiteGround for years. I’ve been happy with them.

In this comparison between InMotion, SiteGround, and Bluehost, I’ll try to break down the differences that I’ve found in several different areas ranging from pricing structure to customer service and market focus so that you can decide which is the best fit for your project.

Also – you can skip to the short version in the conclusion here (or take my Buzzfeed-style shared hosting quiz here).

Let’s dive into InMotion Hosting vs. SiteGround vs. Bluehost… [Read more…] about InMotion Hosting vs. SiteGround vs. Bluehost Web Hosting Comparison

InMotion Hosting vs. HostGator: InMotion Hosting Compared Part 2

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I did a full review of InMotion Hosting, which you can read here. However, I wanted to specifically look at InMotion Hosting vs. HostGator. I use an InMotion VPS server to host this website, which used to be hosted on a HostGator server. I also use HostGator as my primary side-project company due to their pricing.  In other words, I use both and want to compare them head to head to highlight the best fit for new customers.

HostGator has been one of the fastest growing web hosts since 2002. They’ve built their reputation on good pricing, fast servers, and great service. They were acquired by Endurance International (a holding company for several other popular hosting brands including Bluehost & Just Host) in 2012. I’ve been a HostGator customer for quite a while, and I currently run most of my development and personal projects on a HostGator shared hosting plan.

And InMotion is a rapidly growing, but still independent hosting company out of Los Angeles that has recently generated a good bit of press and won several awards for their hosting services. ShivarWeb.com currently lives on an InMotion VPS server.

Like I’ve said in all my hosting reviews and hosting quizzes – there is no such thing as a “best overall host” – there’s only the right host for you given your priorities, resources, and expertise. I’m a long time customer of both companies – and I even use each depending on the demands of each project. I’ve decided to compare InMotion with HostGator across 6+ considerations that hopefully will help you find the right fit for you.

Skip to the conclusion here.

That said – let’s dive in and look at InMotion Hosting vs. HostGator Web Hosting. [Read more…] about InMotion Hosting vs. HostGator: InMotion Hosting Compared Part 2

Web Hosting Hub Review: The Good, Bad & My Experience

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Web Hosting Hub is a hosting company founded in 2010 by InMotion Hosting – it’s older, more well-known parent company.

According to InMotion’s comparison page, Web Hosting Hub was founded to attract “more of the start-up, and professional blogger market.” In practical language, that means Web Hosting Hub offers one product – shared linux hosting (ie, hosting that can run the most common types of websites and apps, such as WordPress without having to sustain large amounts of sustained traffic).

Check out Web Hosting Hub’s current plans & pricing here.

As many more well-known brands change pricing and get bought up by large corporations (ie, Bluehost, 1&1 and GoDaddy), there’s been an increased interest in independent companies with clear features, simple setups, and affordable pricing.

Web Hosting Hub claims to be that provider. Some of my personal projects run on HostGator right now. But since this site runs on a VPS server with InMotion, I thought I’d try Web Hosting Hub with a hobby site that needed its own shared space. Since I’ve had that site there for more than a year – I decided to update this Web Hosting Hub review. [Read more…] about Web Hosting Hub Review: The Good, Bad & My Experience

Shopify vs. WooCommerce & WordPress: Differences & Using Them Together

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Shopify and WooCommerce + WordPress are two of the most well-known online store platforms. But if you’re considering Shopify vs. WooCommerce + WordPress, how do you decide which one is the best fit for you and your project?

I’ve been able to consult with clients who use both Shopify and WooCommerce as well as running my own stores with both Shopify and WooCommerce. They are both excellent platforms with a full suite of options to run a successful store.

However, they are both very different, and different businesses will certainly do better with one or the other.

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

I’ve written extensively on both, including a Shopify review, a WooCommerce setup guide, and a roundup of WooCommerce themes. But in this comparison, I’ll look at the core definitions of WooCommerce and Shopify, some of the differences in the areas of largest consideration for ecommerce owners, and how to use them together.

And lastly, in Next Steps, I’ll outline which one is likely a better fit for different types of eCommerce store owners.

Try Shopify for Free for 14 Days

See my WooCommerce Setup Tutorial

Let’s dive into this comparison of Shopify vs. WooCommerce & WordPress. [Read more…] about Shopify vs. WooCommerce & WordPress: Differences & Using Them Together

Bluehost vs. HostGator Web Hosting Comparison

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“Bluehost vs Hostgator?” – it’s a question that’s a bit like asking “Coke or Sprite?” It’s somewhat slicing details, but it’s a choice nonetheless for something that you’ll likely be using for years.

Bluehost and HostGator are both –

  • Owned by Endurance International Group (EIG) – a large technology corporation
  • Established, well-known brands in the hosting industry
  • Provide a similar menu of products that revolve around shared Linux hosting
  • Provide pricing & hosting products that focus on small to midsize companies

And yet – they are different companies with different brands. When you are choosing a website host – you still have to end up choosing.

I have current clients who use (and like) Bluehost. Although this site runs on InMotion Hosting (which I’ll mention later) – I also have several projects that have run on HostGator for years. I’ve been happy with them.

In this comparison between Bluehost and HostGator, I’ll try to break down the differences that I’ve found in seven different areas ranging from pricing structure to customer service and market focus so that you can decide which is the best fit for your project.

Also – you can skip to the short version in the conclusion here (or take my Buzzfeed-style shared hosting quiz here).

Let’s dive into Bluehost vs. HostGator… [Read more…] about Bluehost vs. HostGator Web Hosting Comparison

BigCommerce Review: Pros & Cons of Using BigCommerce For Online Stores

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There are a lot of options for running an online store – BigCommerce is an all-in-one ecommerce solution that I’ve worked on for several clients’ online stores since 2012. Here’s my BigCommerce review – with 6 pros and 6 cons of using BigCommerce for your online store.

Check out BigCommerce’s current Plans & Pricing here.

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

But first, a bit of an overview.

There are a lot of considerations that go into an choosing the best online store platform. There are also a ton of options, and your choice of platform can have just as big of an impact on your online business as choosing a physical location for your physical business.

It can greatly expand or hurt your business long-term and in the short term it can certainly add/take away a lot of headaches.

That said, just like choosing a physical location, there is no such thing as an absolute “best” or “top” choice. There’s only the right choice relative to your goals, experience, and circumstances.

There are a lot of BigCommerce reviews online – usually with user-generated reviews based on anecdotes and personal experience. That’s fine but I take a different approach – looking at not only pros & cons but also it’s place in the overall marketplace.

On the wide spectrum of eCommerce solutions, BigCommerce lives on the end that is all-inclusive and provides everything you need to get started and grow your online store. It stands in contrast to solutions where you buy, install, and manage all the “pieces” of your store separately.

Using BigCommerce is sort of like leasing and customizing a storefront in a development instead of building your own store. You’re still in control of design, merchandising, and everything business-wise – but you leave the store construction, plumbing, security, and infrastructure to the property owner.

Again, there are pros and cons to this, but know that BigCommerce competes as a “hosted platform” directly with Shopify (see their site here and my Shopify review here) and Volusion (see their site here and my Volusion review here) as all-inclusive options.

Those options as a group compete with non-turn-key options like WordPress + WooCommerce, Magento, and others. Make sense?

Awesome, let’s actually dive into this BigCommerce review.
[Read more…] about BigCommerce Review: Pros & Cons of Using BigCommerce For Online Stores

12 WordPress Themes for Hospitals, Healthcare & Medical Firms

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Technology in the healthcare industry is better now than ever…and only getting better. What about your public relations and marketing department? Does your website reflect what your healthcare or medical facility can do for patients?

WordPress Themes are an alternative (or complement) to creating room in your budget for expensive web design firms. They give you versatility in terms of design and functionality – there are even plugins and design features tailored specifically to hospitals, medical facilities and healthcare organizations. Plus WordPress has amazing SEO potential and allows your team to make edits directly to the site.

On top of that, you can the support of a huge open-source community with tons of help and resources to build a stunning website through the simple installation and beautiful design features of WordPress Themes.

Here are 12 of the best WordPress Themes for Hospitals, Healthcare & Medical Firms that we curated around the Internet. [Read more…] about 12 WordPress Themes for Hospitals, Healthcare & Medical Firms

Shopify vs. Etsy: How To Choose, Differences & Using Them Together

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If you are building an online store, Shopify and Etsy are two of the biggest brands that you’ll encounter. But a frequent question that I get is – Shopify or Etsy? What’s the difference and how do I choose what to start with?

The core difference is fairly straightforward.

Etsy is a marketplace for handmade, vintage and artisanal products (here’s my guide to setting up Etsy).

Shopify is a hosted ecommerce platform. An ecommerce platform allows you to set up and run an online store on your own domain while they take care of the technical parts & customer support (here’s my Shopify review).

In other words, Etsy is a marketplace where you can have an account. Shopify is software that sets up a storefront for you.

If they had physical world equivalents, Etsy would be a local farmer’s market where you could set up a stall.

Shopify would be a shopping center owner letting you build out your own store at your own address.

But that still doesn’t tackle the question behind the question – so let’s look at the biggest differences & considerations so you can decide between Shopify or Etsy (or both!).

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

These differences will highlight Shopify vs. Etsy specifically – but they can also be applied to any alternative to Shopify, whether it’s WooCommerce, BigCommerce or others.

Keep in mind that these are all differences/considerations – they are not pros & cons. Everything has a tradeoff that might be a good or bad thing for you depending on your goals, resources and priorities. [Read more…] about Shopify vs. Etsy: How To Choose, Differences & Using Them Together

Shopify Plus: An Enterprise Ecommerce Platform Review

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Shopify Plus is Shopify’s enterprise eCommerce platform for large and growing online stores and brands. It’s a hosted platform customized, staffed, and priced for big brands. This Shopify Plus review is based on my experience doing SEO consulting with marketing directors using the platform.

Most of my incredible audience are DIYers or small business owners just starting out or working to grow their websites. But I also have a lot of readers in charge of marketing or platform development at large organizations who are looking to apply innovative marketing strategies to their rapidly growing brands.

Both groups of readers have asked the same question: what do you do when your eCommerce store is big? How do you keep the same agile marketing infrastructure when you’re at the enterprise-level?

I’ve been able to consult with several enterprise level eCommerce brands using platforms ranging from Magento, proprietary platforms, a .NET based eCommerce solution, and Shopify Plus.

Check out Shopify Plus’ current features page here.

This review will look at my experience with Shopify Plus specifically and hosted (SaaS in the jargon) platforms more broadly for the advantages and disadvantages of enterprise eCommerce solutions. [Read more…] about Shopify Plus: An Enterprise Ecommerce Platform Review

GoDaddy vs. iPage Web Hosting Comparison

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“GoDaddy vs. iPage” is a pretty common question for anyone researching their options for web hosting.

GoDaddy and iPage are two of the best known budget hosts in the world. And they are owned respectively by the two of largest web services companies in the world (GoDaddy Group and Endurance International).

They are both “go-to” brands for business owners looking for simple, affordable hosting. And yet – they are different companies with different brands. When you are choosing a website host – you still have to end up choosing which company to go with.

I have current clients who use (and like) GoDaddy hosting. Although this site runs on InMotion Hosting (which I’ll mention later) – I also used iPage for a couple small projects. I wrote a full iPage review here.

In this comparison between GoDaddy and iPage, I’ll try to break down the differences that I’ve found in seven different areas ranging from pricing structure to customer service and market focus so that you can decide which is the best fit for your project.

Also – you can skip to the short version in the conclusion here (or take my Buzzfeed-style hosting on a budget quiz here).

Let’s dive into GoDaddy vs. iPage… [Read more…] about GoDaddy vs. iPage Web Hosting Comparison

GoDaddy vs. HostGator Web Hosting Comparison

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“GoDaddy vs. HostGator?” is a very common question for anyone researching hosting options.

GoDaddy and HostGator are two of the largest hosting brands in the world. And they are owned respectively by the two of largest web services companies in the world (GoDaddy Group and Endurance International).

They are both “go-to” brands for business owners looking for accessible, affordable hosting. And yet – they are different companies with different brands. And when you are choosing a website host – you still have to end up choosing.

I have current clients who use (and like) GoDaddy hosting. Although this site runs on InMotion Hosting (which I’ll mention later) – I also have several projects that have run on HostGator for years. I’ve been happy with them.

In this comparison between GoDaddy and HostGator, I’ll try to break down the differences that I’ve highlighted seven different areas ranging from pricing structure to customer service and market focus so that you can decide which is the best fit for your project.

Also – you can skip to the short version in the conclusion here (or take my Buzzfeed-style shared hosting quiz here).

Let’s dive into GoDaddy vs. HostGator… [Read more…] about GoDaddy vs. HostGator Web Hosting Comparison

Bluehost vs. iPage Web Hosting Comparison

By

“Bluehost vs. iPage?” – it’s a question that’s a bit like asking “Coke or Sprite?” It’s somewhat slicing details, but it’s a choice nonetheless for something that you’ll likely be using for years.

Bluehost and iPage are both –

  • Owned by Endurance International Group (EIG) – a large technology corporation
  • Established, well-known brands in the hosting industry
  • Provide a similar menu of products that revolve around shared Linux hosting
  • Provide pricing & hosting products that focus on small to midsize companies

And yet – they are different companies with different brands. When you are choosing a website host – you still have to end up choosing.

I have current clients who use (and like) Bluehost. Although this site runs on InMotion Hosting (which I’ll mention later) – I also have several small projects on iPage. I wrote a full review of iPage here.

In this comparison between Bluehost and iPage, I’ll try to break down the differences that I’ve found in seven different areas ranging from pricing structure to customer service and market focus so that you can decide which is the best fit for your project.

Also – you can skip to the short version in the conclusion here (or take my Buzzfeed-style shared hosting quiz here).

Let’s dive into Bluehost vs. iPage… [Read more…] about Bluehost vs. iPage Web Hosting Comparison

Shopify vs. BigCommerce: Tradeoffs, Comparisons & More

By

Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the fastest growing and most well-known hosted eCommerce platforms.

Ecommerce options exist on a spectrum of convenience and control. Both Shopify and BigCommerce are right in the middle of the spectrum because they bundle all the technical parts of an online store – hosting, speed, security, inventory, shopping cart and payment processing – and bundle it into a single monthly price. This contrasts with solutions like WordPress + Woocommerce where you buy, operate and maintain each piece of the store but also have true 100% control over your website.

But like a self-hosted eCommerce website, Shopify and BigCommerce also bundle as part of your website on your domain where you have full control of product, pricing and customer experience. So unlike running a store on Etsy, eBay or Amazon – you control the build, design, and content of your store.

Even though this part of the spectrum has plenty of tradeoffs – services like Shopify and BigCommerce are an excellent option for many store owners. So the question becomes – Shopify vs. BigCommerce?

I’ve reviewed Shopify here and BigCommerce here. I’ve used both as a customer and as a consultant to customers of both.

They are both excellent companies with an excellent product. And like all my other eCommerce and hosting reviews, there is no such thing as an absolute “best” – there’s only the best option for you based on your situation, goals, and resources.

Here’s how Shopify compares to BigCommerce across 6 different variables that most customers look at – and what you should consider with Shopify vs. BigCommerce.

Skip to the conclusion here.

Aside – I built a Buzzfeed style quiz for eCommerce platforms that grades the factors with your goals. You can check out the quiz here. [Read more…] about Shopify vs. BigCommerce: Tradeoffs, Comparisons & More

GoDaddy Website Builder Review w/ Pros, Cons & Alternatives

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GoDaddy is the big brand in the website services industry. From their Super Bowl ads to TV ads to online advertising, they are by far the most well-known choice for domains, hosting, website builders, and productivity products for small businesses.

I have written about GoDaddy’s hosting product and domains product, but I’ve never looked specifically at GoDaddy’s website builder product (aka “GoCentral”) before this post.

GoDaddy GoCentral Website Builder

My experience with GoDaddy’s website builder began back when I first started my web design business years and years ago. I never used GoDaddy’s website builder for my projects until I came across it when a client of mine was using it and needed a few tasks done.

Since then, new competition has popped up from Wix, Squarespace, Weebly, WordPress.com and other website builders. And GoDaddy has upgraded the product I originally used. They’ve streamlined it to make it supposedly the “easiest way to get online.”

See GoDaddys’ Website Builder Plans here…

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

So for a personal project of mine, I decided to try it out again and see who the product would really be a good fit for – and not just compared to other hosted website builders.

I also wanted to compare GoDaddy’s website builder to other website solutions like hosting your own website or using a hosted ecommerce platform.

Disclosure – I receive customer referral fees from companies mentioned on this website. All data & opinions are based on my professional experience as a paying customer or consultant to a paying customer. [Read more…] about GoDaddy Website Builder Review w/ Pros, Cons & Alternatives

MailChimp Email Marketing Review w/ Pros & Cons

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MailChimp has been one of the fastest growing email marketing providers for years now. They’ve built an huge base of customers ranging from tiny personal accounts to some of the most prestigious enterprise brands in the world.

I’ve been using MailChimp exclusively for more than 6 years now. I’ve explored different providers and gotten exposure to alternatives via my clients, but have never found a reason to switch.

That said – they aren’t the best fit for everyone and have some disadvantages along with strong advantages. This MailChimp review will break down what I’ve found to be pros that I especially appreciate for myself and my clients along with the cons that MailChimp hasn’t improved dramatically over the past 6 years.

Skip to the Conclusion & Next Steps

One side note – I live in Atlanta, GA. I work downtown and think of myself as an Atlantan. MailChimp is one of Atlanta’s best corporate citizens and one of (if not the) our best technology companies. I have quite a bit of hometown bias that I’ll try to set aside (but to fellow Atlantans – just go start using MailChimp – it’s pretty much your civic duty).

Let’s dive into this MailChimp review! [Read more…] about MailChimp Email Marketing Review w/ Pros & Cons

12 Impressive WordPress Themes for Events & Clubs

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Interested in expanding your marketing and advertising game for your event business or club? Want to maintain control and lower your budget? Using an off-the-shelf theme for your WordPress powered website could be the perfect fit for you.

With WordPress Themes, you can create a fully functional event website for your events business or club complete with bookings/reservations, galleries, calendar of events, and much more – and little to no coding knowledge is required. It seems unbelievable that you could manage your own website, but with a streamlined, simple setup and the open-source community full of resources, it’s a viable option that will save you money and long-term contracts with design firms.

Here’s a list of the best WordPress themes for Events and Clubs + 2 theme frameworks curated from our favorite theme marketplaces to jumpstart your website’s design. [Read more…] about 12 Impressive WordPress Themes for Events & Clubs

InMotion Hosting vs. GoDaddy Web Hosting: InMotion Compared Part 1

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I did a full review of InMotion Hosting based on the broad advantages & disadvantages of the company. However, I wanted to specifically look at InMotion Hosting vs. GoDaddy Web Hosting, simply because GoDaddy is the consumer brand among most people who are looking to start their own website.

GoDaddy is a global brand that does a lot of advertising (that’s an understatement). I’ve maintained an account there, and a couple of my clients use it, so I’ve had a a good bit of experience with them since 2009.

And InMotion is a rapidly growing hosting company out of Los Angeles that has recently generated a good bit of press and won several awards for their hosting services.

For quite a while now, I have been receiving reader questions about InMotion. I have client websites on GoDaddy, but currently use an InMotion VPS server for shivarweb.com. So I thought I’d compare them head to head. Let’s dive in and look at InMotion Hosting vs. GoDaddy Web Hosting. [Read more…] about InMotion Hosting vs. GoDaddy Web Hosting: InMotion Compared Part 1