Looking at the market, there are a ton of different web hosting services and page-builders. Frankly, it may not be the easiest for you to choose which one is the best for your company.
It is a fact that in the times we are living in, all businesses, whether online or retail, do need an intuitive website. For this reason, we have decided to take a closer look at one of the most recognized web hosting services.
How you can build a website from scratch with HostGator and what the offered plans are we will discuss in this article. Let’s get right to it!
The Pros and Cons of HostGator Website Builder
Before we get into how to create your own website using HostGator, we want to discuss a couple of its traits.
When it comes to the perks that you can reap using this service, the first one is that there are a plethora of highly-modern and attractive templates. This is extremely important, especially if you are planning to create an online store.
One of the most important traits of any good website builder is a clear, simple-to-use interface, and you get that with Hostgator.
Not only that but also mobile-optimization. Not having this option can be a deal-breaker because most people rely on their smartphone and tablet devices when it comes to online shopping.
While their HostGator Website Builder doesn’t feature a free plan, it is good to see that the yearly packages do include both SSL and domain names. Also, it is incredibly simple to set up a store and digital download selling.
However, the app store is quite limited, and also, you won’t be able to integrate it with email marketing.
Lastly, we weren’t that satisfied to find out that you can’t schedule blog posts, which is something that can go a long way when it comes to promoting your website and business.
HostGator Pricing and Plans
Unlike most of its competitors, HostGator doesn’t offer a free plan. The first subscription option is the starter plan, which is set to $3.84/per month for a 2-year plan, or $4.99 if you decide to go for a single month option.
It is followed up by a $5.99/per month for two years of a premium plan, or $6.49 on a monthly basis. Lastly comes the eCommerce, which does go a long way for all of you looking to create an intuitive online store.
It is set at $9.22 if you decide to enjoy this plan for two years or $12.49 for all of you that are more comfortable with single month subscriptions.
What is so great is that the customized domain name is completely free for the first year (as long as you decided on the annual plan). Along with that, you can easily integrate this website with your Facebook and Google accounts.
How to Start a Website
The first step to building an intuitive website is choosing between 200 different themes and layouts offered by HostGator. As we have mentioned above, the interface itself is user-friendly. The building process is supported by a step-by-step guide and a builder interface (with a dummy site).
When it comes to the design itself, you will want to create several sections such as design, blog, store, stats. Keep in mind that there are 8 large icons that you can further customize with the so-called progressive-reveal strategy.
The drag and drop feature is the key advantage that HostGator offers as you can add and line up elements anywhere on your web page without sacrificing website-responsiveness.
Creating a Web Store
What is so cool is that when compared to WordPress, building an intuitive online store is nowhere as complicated. The first step is to opt for the eCommerce plan. Once you have done that, you will be introduced to a get started page where you will get to post your first product.
Describe whether it is a product or a service, listing the name, photo, as well as specifications of the item. Add other products/services by clicking the “plus sign” that is set at the relevant web store page.
Summary
While you may think that WordPress is the best service for creating intuitive websites, the truth is far from that.
In this article, we did our best to highlight how HostGator can boost your online store/business through a simple-to-use and innovative website builder. Good luck.
