We were all newbies at one time or another. Today, I’m going to tell you something kind of embarrassing about a mistake I made as a new blogger. It was an honest mistake and totally understandable as a newbie. . . but I still cringe when I see others doing the same thing.
Hopefully, if you’re a new blogger reading this, I got to you before you made the same embarrassing mistake that I did. Before we get into the details, let’s chat on how this mistake came about.
The Backstory:
See, I had been blogging for years in the late 90s/early 2000s. Unfortunately, I had to put it all aside and hustle, hard, to make a living. Working 65-75 hours per week at my career didn’t allow much time for blogging. When I decided to jump back into writing and site design nearly 15 years later, it was a whole new ballgame. So, I poured over every article out there on how to start a blog, platforms, how to promote it, the ins and outs of post lengths. . . everything I could get my hands on. Pinterest became my go-to source of an amazing, never-ending well of information.
As a newbie, you’re probably reading up on everything you can and totally overwhelmed at all of the information out there. You’re reading dozens of blog posts like “Start Your Blog in 4 Easy Steps” and “The Total Newb’s Guide to Starting a Blog.” I know I did.
Wow. Everyone is soo helpful, right?
Well, what I didn’t realize when I was a second-time new blogger, and maybe you don’t realize either, is that those guides are major money-makers. True story.
Don’t get me wrong; there is absolutely nothing wrong with making a living blogging. In fact, I make a decent income from both my blogs. I wouldn’t be able to do as much as I do if I didn’t.
What is wrong, however, is that many bloggers seem to have sold their soul to the highest bidder. They recommend certain hosting companies (*cough* Bluehost, HostGator *cough*) and other products not because they are the best tools out there, but because they pay the highest affiliate rates.
What that means is that they use a special link to send you to a certain company’s product, and the company gives them a cut of the money when you make a purchase. I’m totally fine with affiliate links, in fact, I use them a lot. It helps me to afford now to do what I love as a career which is writing and blogging. But I have integrity and only ever promote things I use and think are the bomb dot com. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case for everyone out there. I may be a little naive sometimes I guess, expecting everyone else to have firm values as I do.
So, anyway, here I am reading all these awesome, simplified guides and instructionals, complete with screenshots, thinking how helpful they all are. “Wow,” I thought, “All I’m seeing are recommendations on two different hosting companies: Bluehost and Hostgator. They must be the best out there to get such rave reviews. Plus everyone’s offering discount links, so that’s pretty awesome.” See? Naive.
Don’t take my word for it. Do a search for something simple like “how to start a blog” and I bet that at least 7 out of 10 will recommend Bluehost and the others will recommend HostGator. I’ll wait.
Crazy stuff, right? The reason for this is that Bluehost, and HostGator to a slightly lesser degree, pay out ridiculously high affiliate commissions on every affiliate sale. There are bloggers making TENS of thousands of dollars every month from the Bluehost and HostGator affiliate programs at the expense of their readers. That is wrong. It’s wrong because neither of those hosts are very high quality and are actually owned by the same huge company, EIG.
It's WRONG that so many bloggers have sold their soul to the highest bidder. Click To TweetHere comes the embarrassing part… I fell for it and signed up for HostGator to host my brand new blog, The Art of Better. It took me about a year to realize something wasn’t right with the speed of my site and many more months to troubleshoot and optimize as much as I could on my end, thinking that might help. No luck. I had a ton of downtime and finally just turned off my downtime monitor because I didn’t know what else to do.
HostGator wasn’t any help. Their support was always awful. They promised to fix the issue, failed to open support tickets or lost them, hung up on me [seriously], kept me on hold for hours, you name it. Basically, they did everything you should do if you hate your customers.
Woah.
I started asking around in the various blog groups I was a part of to see if anyone else had the same issues. Holy cow. It was like opening the floodgates. After doing more research, it seems like most people hosted with any EIG owned company were pretty damn disgruntled.
Now, before I get crucified in the comments or on social media for this post, I need to remind you that every company has good reviews and bad reviews. Of course, experiences vary. However, when 70-75% of non-affiliate articles and reviews share the same troubles with a particular service, that’s indicative of a problem.
When I finally made the move away from HostGator and EIG, I was shocked at the difference it made. Believe me when I say that I did a crap-ton of research when choosing my new host. I spoke with bloggers one-on-one and relied on those with whom I had an established, long-term relationship… people I trusted.
Who’d I end up going with for hosting? Before I tell you, just know that I do earn a commission if you choose to use them for your site too. That’s what enables me to run my blogs, including this one, and be able to help so many people. I love my current host and want to shout it from the rooftops. Or something. You know what I mean.
I went with SiteGround. SiteGround all the way. Siteground every day. It’s been some months now since I completed the migration process and I couldn’t be happier. Why? Well, let me list all the reasons:
1. SiteGround’s tech support people handled my migration FREE. There are two small things that I had to do as the domain owner but they did the rest.
2. My site is faster, noticeably so.
3. They offer free daily automatic backup service. I like having a backup plan!
4. Tech Support has been amazing. They’ve really knocked my socks off. I’m not so swift at the back end technical stuff, and they held my hand via phone when I had to do my domain owner part of the migration. They were gracious and patient every single time, and they didn’t make me feel like an idiot for asking stupid questions.
5. Their support team is available, quickly, 24 hours a day via phone, chat, and helpdesk. I like talking to a live person. I have never had to wait longer than 60 seconds for a live chat support person to appear on the line!
6. The SiteGround dashboard is so easy to use. Everything is organized in a way that actually makes sense.
7. I’m only paying half of what I paid for HostGator. I repeat: I’m getting so much more for much less money! That’s probably my favorite part.
So, I’ve been exceptionally pleased, and I know you would be also. If you’ve found this or any of my other pieces helpful and you decide to go with SiteGround for your hosting, please consider using my affiliate link by clicking HERE or on the SiteGround image on the sidebar if you’re on desktop or lower on your screen if you’re on mobile. When you use my link, you get the best possible deal on your hosting plan, up to 60% off regular prices, and I get to be able to afford to keep helping people and doing what I love. It’s a win-win at no cost to you.
If you choose not to go with SiteGround for your new blog, that’s cool too. I would just suggest that as a new blogger you do as much research as possible and stay away from companies owned by EIG. They all seem to be a mess.
Thank you for a great post and good information! You put into words what I have been noticing lately – the constant plugs for BlueHost and HostGator. I also use SiteGround as my site host and it has been a great experience so far. Thank you for your helpful info!
Terra
I am so stinkin’ glad you wrote this post. I have seen a tiny ton of posts recommending BH, which I’ve personally found to be less than stellar. I also switched from them to SiteGround. Even though I’m still in the pre-launch stages of my blog… I notice a difference.
It’s hard to figure out who to trust as a new blogger. Thank you so much for posting an honest observation of the posts out there that aren’t necessarily recommending products and services because that blogger uses and trusts them. Instead, many of them do seem to recommend higher-paying affiliates.
I’m also an affiliate with BH. I signed up when I first signed on with their hosting. Rest assured I will not be recommending them because I can’t do that in good conscience.
I should say BH is definitely not the only hosting company, plug in, etc. that I won’t recommend after using. I don’t mean to bash BH!
Thanks again. Great post.
Ali
So when you do a switch like you mentioned, they brought over all your content? I am curious if I have the desire to change that I won’t have to redo posts and whatnot.
Oh no, I wish I’d read this article two months ago before signing up for WordPress.com for 2 years?!?!
Hi Katie! Ahh. Well, some providers will let you out of your contract if you call them. Some won’t. It may be worth a try.
My first site was hosted by Netrillium some 10 years ago with my first domain name. Back then, the whole affiliate link thing wasn’t a thing, so I went by word of mouth…of teenagers who at the time didn’t know better. Netrillium was okay for a while, then it had major problems. I eventually switched for two reasons: because of these problems and because I had several projects and needed more space.
I’m currently with A Small Orange, and I think they were also taken over by EIG, but so far I’ve had only one hiccup since I’ve been with them.
Hi Nat Marie. Wow, it’s amazing how drastically the online world has changed in the last decade, isn’t it? 🙂 I believe you’re right about A Small Orange being bought out by EIG. It’s a shame too, they’ve historically been wonderful. You should be safe for the next year or so though. Typically it takes 9-18 mos until the quality deterioration starts to cause issues. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Than you for this post, Jenn! I’m re-launching my blog in the next few months and am sticking a link to this post in my resources file so when the matter of hosting comes up, I can use your affiliate link 🙂 Win-win all around.
Thanks so much CoCo, I truly appreciate that. I’d love to check out your blog when you relaunch! Tweet me when you do!
I appreciate this post- you have no idea how much! I have a launch date later this month for my blog and I did sign up for blue host. I will be looking into switching before my 60 days is up! Thanks for the great article. I found it browsing the endless stacks of advice on Pinterest. 🙂
That’s awesome, Dereth! Let’s hear it for a 60-day intro period! LOL
I got drawn into this too thinking it was best for me. I cancelled in the end and went and found my own one. Wish I’d have known this before! Thanks for sharing ☺
Hey Jess. Well, we can all be embarrassed we got duped or be a guiding light for newbies. 🙂 I’m picking the latter from here on out!
Thank you so much for sharing this post! I currently use Bluehost (after reading a post like the one you mentioned) and even though I’ve only been blogging for a little over a month, I already want to change hosting after reading many reviews in Facebook groups! I’ve been looking into SiteGround for about a week or so and you’ve definitely convinced me to switch! Thanks again for your post 🙂
That’s why I wrote it Aubre, I’ve heard the same story so many times. 🙁 I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful though. Please feel free to reach out if you get stuck or need a hand!
There is so much to learn in the beginning! But I guess you can’t blame them for trying, every little bit of referral money does help!
I blame those who knowingly refer their readers to something they know is not a good product. I have no issue with anyone referring people to products and services that they use and love themselves. That’s a lovely way to make a few dollars! Thanks for popping over Shannon!
OMG! Hostgator… Tell me about it…
I signed with them because my webdesigner had an affiliate with them and I thought, “why not?”… Well, if only I knew…
People are here for the money and yeah, sometimes we learn it the hard way.
Great advice!
Interesting. I’m on HG currently and things have been fine for where I am at, but if I end up growing a lot in my blog and need something bigger, then I’ll consider a move. I’ve heard a lot of blogger say they start out somewhere like HG or BH but then move to something bigger, but with a higher monthly cost. I’m interested in looking into Site Ground since you’re paying less than on HG. Guess we’ll see when my 3 years are up heh.
I fell for the cheap promises of one of the EIG companies. It was a NIGHTMARE! I left long before my 60 day money back guarantee was up. I have just recently read about EIG and their penchant for buying smaller hosts and dragging service down. So glad I went with a company that is big enough not to be gobbled up by them.
Oh man. I was reading through my first ever blog posts the other day… and I have no words other than cringe aha. I made so many mistakes and was oblivious to how the blogging world really works.
I’m glad I’ve learned the ropes AND improved my writing skills along the way. 🙂
Christie’s Take on Life. x
I use fasthosts, have done for a while and I’ve had very few problems. It’s such a shame that people would rather make money than make good content.
I’ve been using Bluehost for about 5 years now and I actually really love them. They have had great customer service for me several times and walked me through any problems. I’ve only had to call them 2 times in the 5 years I’ve had them I’d say that’s pretty good. Do I recommend them to other bloggers through their affiliate program? You bet! But it’s because I actually love using them and have never had a problem. I have heard that other bloggers have had problems with Bluehost, but since I haven’t I feel like I can recommend them.
That’s fantastic that they’ve worked out well for you, Kathryn. Absolutely, my issue is more with those that recommend someone that they don’t use or don’t believe is THE best out there. Thanks for taking the time to share!
I like the core nugget of your post – don’t just go with the best affiliate rates! Thanks for the reminder – it’s timely!
Hey Rebecca. Ya, if you want your readers to trust you, only ever recommend the best of the best. Doing anything less is doing them a serious disservice. Thanks for popping over!
oohh… I have bluehost. been having issues. This article is helpful. Since i paid them for a year, I’ll stick it out unless things get worse and then i’ll probably switch, thank you!
Oh man, Vanessa. I really hope you’re able to get some kind of resolution. From what I’ve seen, once it starts going south it gets bad real quick. If you need to get out, they will give you a refund on the unused portion if you push hard enough. Best of luck!
What a great post! I saw myself in every part of your post! I have been quite unhappy with my host so far (Bluehost) and have been considering changing but am a little intimidated! Am going to check out Siteground. Thanks for the info.
Hey Carrie! I had zero downtime when I migrated and had to do very little on my end. Feel free to email me if you have any questions before taking the plunge! Jenn@theartofbetter.com
I’ve been researching new hosts of late and keep coming back to SiteGround. I think I will be making the switch very soon as my current host contract is nearly up. Thanks for the info!
That’s great news, Bree. I am so glad to have been able to help you in the right direction!
Great post! I can tell this was written from the heart. I ended up signing up with ipage. I hope I didn’t make a mistake. So far I have had excellent customer service and a great experience.
Hi Melissa! Ha, can you tell? I tend to ramble when I’m passionate about a particular topic. 🙂 I haven’t heard of ipage before, I’ll have to go check them out. So glad you’ve had a great experience so far! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for the help and suggestions.
I made this mistake too but jumped ship very quickly thank goodness!
I picked Siteground too, I thnk I got really lucky. I had seen a friends blog and when she recommended it, I knew it must be good. That is another thing I think new bloggers should make sure they are doing, surround yourself with people that have the same values as you do. If you want to make a ton of money, go for it. I just wanted to share what I had to share. I am not in this to make money. One friend actually became an unfriend because she couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to squeeze every penny I could out of blogging.
Anyway, I got lucky and can definitely recommend Siteground also. I think it is very important to share what works for you and what doesn’t, so like your article.
Hey Lynn Marie! Yep, surrounding yourself with people with similar values is key, especially online! Thanks so much for taking the time to share.
I just started blogging on the free blogspot while I do my research before I pay for one. I had never heard of Site Ground but now that I have I will be checking them out! Thanks so much!
Congrats on getting ready to take the plunge, Marci! That’s awesome. Reach out if you need any help!
Very interesting. Just today, I saw a ton of posts recommending Bluehost. In fact, I know several bloggers who recently decided to go for Bluehost. I have no idea how they’re doing, but I’m definitely going to ask. Thanks for sharing this. Most of us newbies certainly fall for mistakes such as this.
Hi Fabiola, it really is pervasive in the blogging community. It seems that new bloggers do ok for like the first few months and then the issues start slowly popping up. Or maybe that’s just my story. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
I didn’t even know about any of these actually!
Hey Shannon! Glad to be helpful. 🙂
I too started out with HostGator for all of my sites and quickly outgrew them. I think the disservice of a lot of those “How to Start a Blog” guides do is that they don’t mention you may start with a Bluehost, but you will outgrow them and need to look for other options. I am in the process of writing my “How to Start a Blog” and am going to include an inexpensive option but will also include the host that I actually use.
Also, can we all agree to just stay far, far away from the ick that is GoDaddy?!
HA! I so agree Jen, it seems like GoDaddy is pretty icky. The crazy part is that I’m now paying half of what I was paying Hostgator and I’m running two sites with more features. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!
I use SiteGround, too! Only because it was cheaper than BlueHost. Haha. I often wondered if I should have gone with them because it seems like EVERYone uses BlueHost. But then I started seeing a ton of bloggers have issues with BlueHost which makes me so happy I went with SiteGround. I totally agree, their customer service is awesome! It rarely see bloggers pushing SiteGround. Now I know why.
That’s awesome Inez! You’re way ahead of the ball. Thanks for popping over!