Several months ago I decided it was time to make a hosting switch. A daunting task, mind you, so I've kept busy with other projects knowing I would get to that eventually.
Eventually is here. 😯
I have quite a few exciting changes, updates & additions to roll out in September. I have eluded to some of those including Web 2.0 Niche Affiliate Sites (which are taking the place of my static affiliate sites), the launch of my Affiliate Program, free weekly Webinars, etc.
The preparation for each of these projects includes installations and such. And of course there's the matter of getting organized to easily manage it all. Obviously it is better to do my web hosting switchover now, versus waiting until everything is installed and 'live' and then trying to move it all over.
I hate to admit it, but somehow over the years it has all become a bit of a mess. 31 domain names, 23 subdomains, 19 email addresses, multiple databases and scripts running across several sites - you get the picture.
Fortunately it's that small. At one time I had well over 100 domain names!
Its not that big a deal, really. Its just a matter of wrapping your mind around the details, organizing it the way you want it, creating an action plan that avoids any downtime, and then digging in (back-ups first, of course 😉 ).
For quite a few years now I have been hosting several of my sites at ThirdSphere. They have been a great web host, and I honestly have no complaints with them.
I signed on with them initially because they offer an all-in-one ecommerce package. There are built-in affiliate program managers, autoresponders, their "automation station", etc. I had originally intended to use the affiliate program manager, which made the $24.95/month price well worth it for unlimited sites/domains & affiliate programs.
I have since decided to go with ClickBank + EasyClickmate to manage my affiliate programs. The primary selling point being that I want all of my products grouped together for my affiliates - including one log-in for stats and links, and one main location for affiliate management (VS managing each products program individually).
Another group of my sites are hosted on HostGator... and over the past year or two, I have really come to like them - A LOT. They offer a toll free number and Live Support (chat), which is something that ThirdSphere does not offer. They are also under $10/month, and that includes unlimited domains/sites per account.
And somehow I'm paying $50/month for my ThirdSphere account now. I believe its an add-on package for additional bandwidth or disk space that they are charging me for - but I havent been able to figure out exactly what it is. My assumption is a default email account somewhere is filling up or something - I'm honestly not sure.
Price is really the least of my worries. I just keep paying it every month and as long as my sites are up and running, it's all good.
ThirdSphere has a unique control panel interface though, and while I have never had any problems finding my way around in there... it's not "cpanel". The more work I outsource, the more I find/hear that cpanel makes their lives much easier. And I agree - cpanel is definitely my preference too.
So I'm moving some sites around, from ThirdSphere to HostGator. I already have one account with them, and I am tempted to leave it as-is and open a couple of new accounts. I'm undecided on that point. I think I want to separate my two primary sites (which are both resource hogs) and then put my niche affiliate sites together on their own account.
But I'm undecided because it may just be beneficial to lump them all together, and then upgrade to a dedicated server at some point (probably sooner than later). HostGator offers reseller accounts and dedicated servers, so that's definitely an option...
I better quit blogging and get busy 😉
Best,
Technorati Tags: thirdsphere, hostgator, cpanel, web hosting, web host, website hosting
About Lynn Terry
I switched over to HostGator about 8 months ago from Modwest.com and have really been impressed with the service. At the time of the move, I had about 30 sites to move - all with their own databases, but HostGator made it pretty painless.
The only issue I had was a PHP compatibility issue, but LiveChat solved that problem in about 10 minutes.
The hosting tools are a dream and I cut my hosting cost in half for about 5 hours of work.
Thanks Lynn for recommending HostGator in the first place - it has paid for my Elite Forum subscription many times over... 😉
Excellent! 😀
Glad to hear about the Third Sphere move. One of my domains is with them and have had several email(spelled Spam) problems with them. Feel that the 25 a month price should come with better web mail solutions. Likewise I feel there control panel is a bit funky.
I have had considerably less problems with Bluehost.com,less cost too. If I had it to do over again all mine would be with Bluehost.com
I've had far too many hosts to name :), but now I'm just with two: HostGator and Media Temple.
Funny thing I've learned with hosting is that sometimes, even with the great companies, it can be hit or miss.
That said, I've had fewer problems with HostGator than I've had with Media Temple. I do, however, like some features and the stability that Media Temple has. (Don't worry, definitely not saying HG is unstable. In fact, I plan to open up either a new small account or spring for a dedicated at HG to combine all my accounts.)
Now, as for the move, Lynn, I've been there a time or two. The best thing I've found is to balance everything. If it's avoidable, don't have two highly intensive sites on the same account b/c it could mean some extra cost down the line. Found that out the hard way when I put three of my main business sites on a single (non-dedicated) server.
Also, for organizational purposes, it's a good idea to combine all the various categories on their own account. For instance, affiliate sites on one, content sites on another, business sites on another, and so forth. That's what has worked for me and may possibly work for you, too. Hope that makes sense. 🙂
~ Teli
Great advice, Teli!
That was the thought I had also, so I am in the process of moving things around a bit.
Oh my Lynn, I feel your pain! I've been slowly moving sites from GoDaddy over to my new host, since of course GoDaddy doesn't allow you to host multiple websites. I've left a few over there only because I don't want to move message boards and forms. SOMEDAY I'll get it done I'm sure lol.
You have an affiliate program?!?
Yes - I will be announcing it to Elite Members first, and then going public shortly after. I'll keep you posted on the details 😉
I've just moved hosts too and being Piggy in the middle between 2 teams of support techies is no joke!
Very happy now with my new host - kiosk.
BTW someone above mentions godaddy - I've had multiple sites and blogs at godaddy for years no problem, kiosk is for a product launch I'm doing soon
Fingers crossed!
Alex