Getting Started with HostGator :: From the Desk of Janet BarclayFrom the Desk of Janet Barclay

It seems that a lot of people are taking advantage of a slower summer schedule to plan a new website. One factor to be considered while making those plans is where your site will be hosted.

For several years, I’ve been hosting my sites with HostGator (affiliate link), one of the world’s largest web hosting companies. It offers unlimited domains on a single account with most plans, reliable servers and more. Their service is easy to use, and their tech support is great, whether you’re in a jam or just have a simple question.

Simply follow these instructions to create your account in a few minutes.

Step 1: Decide which type of hosting you need

HostGator offers four types of hosting, including:

Shared Web Hosting:

This is the type of hosting most people purchase. It gives you everything you need to get your online presence set up and going.

Reseller Hosting:

If you want to sell hosting services through your own hosting company, this is the option you would choose. It’s also a good choice if you need more than one SSL certificate and cPanel.

VPS Hosting:

VPS allows for more flexibility in software, installations and configurations. It is a good choice if you have resource-intensive needs such as streaming large media files, sending large amounts of email and so forth.

Dedicated Hosting:

This type of hosting is typically used by big businesses. Not only can you sell hosting, but you also have the ability to customize their server settings and environment. Like VPS, it’s also a good option if you have a high-traffic site, large customer database, large amounts of streaming media and so forth.

Choose the plan that best suits your needs at present and in the near future. You can always upgrade or downgrade your plan if your needs change down the road. Most individuals and small businesses use the Shared Web Hosting .

Step 2: Choose a hosting plan

Once you know which type of hosting you need, it’s time to pick your plan. HostGator offers three levels for their Shared Web Hosting.

Hatchling Plan:

Hatchling is the smallest plan HostGator offers. It allows you to host one domain with unlimited disk space and bandwidth. Depending on how often you want to pay, you can get this plan for under $4 per month.

Baby Plan:

The Baby Plan includes everything the Hatchling plan has, but with no limits as to how many domains you can have. Prices start at just over $6 per month.

Business Plan:

Selecting the Business Plan gives you everything in the Baby Plan plus a free toll-free number, free dedicated IP and free private SSL. You can also choose to use anonymous FTPs. This plan starts at just over $10 per month.

View a full comparison chart here.

Step 3: Start the order process

Now that you know what type of hosting you need and which plan will work best for you, it’s time to place your order. Select the plan you wish to purchase.

Step 4: Enter your domain

Enter the name of the domain that you’ll be using with this account. If you need to register the domain first, enter it into the first box. If you already own the domain, enter it into the second box. Enter coupon code JB03312011 to receive a 25% discount, then click Continue to Step 2.

Step 5: Enter your billing information

Double check that the right plan has been selected.
Using the drop-down, select how often you want to pay
Choose a username and security pin for your account. This will be your login information.