The domain name ProBlogger.net is ridiculously successful due to the hard work and business intelligence of Darren Rowse. In fact, it was none less than Chris Brogan who mentioned the domain name AmateurBlogger.net in a Twitter message he sent while at BlogWorld Expo 2009. Following the lead of Darren and the Tweet of Chris I ask: How can these two heavyweights of the blogging industry be wrong?

Someobody probably has a great idea about the best way to develop AmateurBlogger.net. Why not contact me to discuss it?


Choosing a Registrar & Domain Hosting for Your New Blog

by David W. Zemens on November 3, 2009

The first time I purchased a domain name and struggled through the process of setting up my new website was both exciting and frightening at the same time.  There were so many decisions to be made and the process seemed so confusing.  Through trial and error – and learning from my mistakes – I have decided on the whom I consider to be the best registrar and hosting companies.  They suit my purposes and I have been very pleased with them.  Your mileage may vary, however, but here’s my suggestions.

Domain Registration

I use goDaddy for all of my domain registrations.  I have found them to be competitively priced and easy to use.  The web interface that goDaddy uses through which you access your account is clean, straightforward and easy to navigate.  If you need to make changes to your account it’s easy to find your way to the proper place.

In addition, goDaddy is one of the most widely used registrars and as a result transferring domain ownership is usually simple as many potential site buyers also have a goDaddy account and expect that the transfer can be accomplished directly through goDaddy.

Web Hosting Account

Through much trial and error I have finally settled on HostGator as my choice for hosting my domains.  I also own 1955 Design, a web design and consulting business and I always recommend HostGator to my clients.  I have used HostGator for several years and have never been disappointed with their service, support or pricing.

From time to time I have had to contact HostGator to resolve and issue or to ask a question.  I have always used their Live Chat customer support.  On most visits I have been answered immediately by a customer support representative.  Once in a while I have to wait a minute or two for a representative to become available.  In each instance, however, my problem has been resolved to my complete satisfaction (or my question answered in full) by their support staff.  Based on experience with other hosting providers I can say that HostGator stands out above all others that I have experience with.

In Summary

Choose your registrar and domain hosting provider carefully.  The relationship you are about to establish with them is key to the success of your new blog.  It’s also key to maintaining your sanity as you navigate into the world of domain ownership.  Good luck!

Filed in Your New Blog
11 Comments »

About the Author

Author image The Amateur Blogger is just that - new to the blogging game, but interested and willing to learn more. In reality my name is David Zemens. I own a small website development and web consulting firm called 1955 Design.

If you are so inclinded you can follow the real me on Twitter. You can also follow 1955 Design on Twitter.

11 Responses to “Choosing a Registrar & Domain Hosting for Your New Blog”

  1. Lisa Ashby   November 4th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
    {1}

    I am currently using GoDaddy and HostGator as well and love them both. You can usually find a pretty good coupon to use with them as well. :)

  2. David W. Zemens   November 4th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
    {2}

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting Lisa. I think we both did good to decide on HostGator and goDaddy!

  3. Walter   November 4th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
    {3}

    I did go for GoDaddy however I’m into hostmonster. I’m satisfied with the service. :-)

  4. David W. Zemens   November 5th, 2009 at 5:38 am
    {4}

    I am not familiar with HostMonster, but if they are as good as HostGator then I am sure you are pleased with your service. I know that my choices aren’t the only good companies out there, but I have had such good success with goDaddy and HostGator that I felt I had to recommend them.

  5. Ross   November 11th, 2009 at 10:55 am
    {5}

    GoDaddy is about the best domain company around. I do not use anyone else besides Name.com which i like because of the security and easy control panel. As far as hosting goes thats all preference but i will never have hosting with the domain company or have a domain with the hosting company.

  6. David W. Zemens   November 11th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
    {6}

    I agree with you about having a domain registrar different from the hosting company. It just makes sense to me. I swear by goDaddy for registration, as I said, but always use someone else for hosting.

    Thanks for visiting and for commenting!

  7. Debbie Ferm   November 11th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
    {7}

    It’s good to know that tidbit about having a different domain and hosting company. Why do you feel this way? I registered the domain name with the hosting company because then I could do the one click install. I didn’t know any other way! I’m learning as I go, and I’d like to know the reason.

    Thanks!

    Debbie

  8. Missy   November 11th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
    {8}

    Hey, David:

    I guess i’m the oddball out. As I use Namecheap.com for my domains and craptastic Dreamhost for my hosting. But i’m about 98% sure that I won’t be long with DH as they have seriously just about gotten on my last nerve.

    They can’t seem to keep my flagship blog up for longer than a few weeks. They have asked me to remove plugins and even my wp theme, all due to supposed memory issues.

    I will be moving as soon as I get the courage to move. Pray for me!

    p.s. Nice blog, love the design.

    Missy

  9. David W. Zemens   November 11th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
    {9}

    Thanks for stopping by and for the kind words about my blog design Missy.

    I have heard bad things about Dreamhost from a lot of different folks. I still rave about HostGator as they have terrific support and up time.

  10. Bruce   May 19th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
    {10}

    I agree with you about having a domain registrar different from the hosting company. It just makes sense to me. I swear by goDaddy for registration, as I said, but always use someone else for hosting.

    Thanks for visiting and for commenting!

  11. David W. Zemens   May 19th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
    {11}

    Thanks for stopping by and commenting Bruce. I, too, use GoDaddy for registration but HostGator for hosting. I still have been very, very pleased with HostGator.

Please Leave a Comment

This website uses Akismet to thwart any attempt at Comment Spam.