Ok, I know this is blatant advertising, but I just had to do this after everything that has happened.

You may have noticed a while back if you visited my blog that there was this horribly ominous red warning blocking you from entering this site-and posted by no other than the all powerful OZ, uh, I mean, Google.  You were given the option to ignore this warning, at risk of harming your computer . . . but really now -  I was afraid to go into my OWN website!

Well, I won’t go into all the morbid details of what it took to dig out of that mess, but long story short – it ended up being a combination of problems, one of which was a security breach in my previous (note- previous) hosting company.

Years ago I bounced around hosting companies, finding out the hard way which ones did what better than another. Being a research maniac, I spent WAY too much time on the subject, and after seriously deliberating over my ‘top 3′  for a few years…I ended up settling for what was my previous host for reasons I refuse to tell at the risk of identifying the bad guy in this story. (I’m not writing this to sling mud, but to give flowers to the good guy )

Well, a few years down the pike I knew I had made the wrong decision but by that time I was in too deep to make a change without investing a great deal of time into transferring multiple (45-50 at one time) domains and websites and blogs, and….. Sure, a few times I said I was just going to bite the bullet and make the change, but when I actually started to make the plan…well…I chickened out because of how much time it would take.

Lesson learned!

Well, it took much more time to clean up the mess than it would have if I had just done it when I first knew I should have. I’m sure there is a Proverb in there somewhere! So, who is this wonderful hosting company that I finally switched to? Hostgator. I really don’t want to sound like a commercial, but I also want to share some of what I have learned the REALLY hard way. The main thing I love about Hostgator is their support. Sure, the mechanics AND certainly the security of a host company is critical, but the main difference I have found that makes ALL the difference in the world between all the host companies out there is their tech support. When I called my previous host about the problem I had, they (basically) said I was on my own. “What? You are kidding, right?” Well, I guess they are really big and really busy…oh-wait-Hostgator is quickly becoming one of the biggest companies, too…yet offered to help me with this HUGE problem I had.

Anyway, I have suggested them before to new bloggers because they are one of the few companies that offers a monthly fee that isn’t outrageous-while most of the more economical choices want you to pay at least 3 months at a time.  Hostgator also has an enormous selection of one click programs…like a one click WordPress installation. No more lessons on how to self install WordPress, I guess…

There are many more advantages, but you can read them in a  list on their website, Hostgator.com.  All of those perks and programs are great, and you will find that many web hosts offer much the same, not usually as inexpensive as Hostgator, but perhaps. What I am saying is what really makes HG stand out is the integrity and quality of support they offer. THAT is hard to find in a company their size. Smaller, new companies might offer great support-they have more time-for now…but I’m a little squimish about new companies after seeing so many fold after a year or two. THAT is something you don’t want either! (After all those hurricanes I would also avoid small Florida and coastal  based companies…sorry).

Well, I just had to sing my praises to Hostgator, and recommend them heartily-and maybe lend some insight into why it is SO important to choose your hosting carefully. Hopefully, you’re in it for the long haul, and your hosting company is like a close partner.

Yes, I confess, I do receive an affiliate commission if you order your hosting through one of my links, but if you send me your receipt (please don’t include any passwords or access info, please!) I’ll give you free access to my e-course, Entrepreneurship 101 as a thank you. I’m also happy to share what I have learned if you have a similar problem (God forbid!) attack you. Just email me.

Who wants a coupon code?

Check  out Hostgator.com and get your first month for just a penny with the coupon code, “1CENT” . Right now they are offering hosting for as low as $3.96/month.