1&1 (1and1.com) Shared Hosting Review
Background
1&1 Hosting was created by Ralph Dommermuth, who is the current CEO of the company. The company is expanding rapidly, and currently controls a data center holding over 15,000 Megabits in connectivity storage. The company also has well over a thousand employees, serving some three million customers. 1&1, as mentioned before, has been expanding greatly in the past few years, and is becoming known as one of the best web hosting providers available, with an annual revenue of over half a billion (this was a statistic from quite a few years back, and has likely increased to a higher figure by now).
1&1 specials
The great thing about 1&1 is that when you apply for a shared hosting plan, you will get quite a few promotional programs in order to optimize your website to the best it can possibly be. Other software that a customer of 1&1 will receive includes specialized media players and browsers. Not only does 1&1 Hosting help its customers with the look of their website, but it also helps with SEO (Search Engine Optimization). The programs will assist the webmaster in working towards the highest rank in the largest search engines out there these days (Google, Yahoo, MSN). Evidently, this will increase your websites value and revenue (if you are using your website as a business). Lastly, a program called Hello Engines is offered for free to all customers of 1&1. This program submits your site to major search engines and link directories, once again assisting you in your SEO goals.
Why 1&1
Why should one use 1&1 as their host? 1&1 offers plans for every webmaster, ranging from Linux to Windows hosting plans. The popular home package, which is Linux based, gives customers the best “bang for their buck”, allowing for the creation of an attractive website, while supporting you all the way. With this package, customers are given a free domain, abundant software, and basically any other feature a webmaster could possibly need. The package is only $2.99 a month, and for this customers have 10GB of space along with 300GB data transfer capability per month.
Next, there is the Microsoft package, which is generally more popular among those using their website for personal pleasure. The package comes with everything you need to post photos, videos and so on. Customers still receive the 10GB disk space plan, along with 300GB of data transfer per month, at the same low price of $2.99/month. With this package, the customer will also be given a free domain (of their choice) and virus protection software from Symantec.
What do people think of 1&1? It is one of the best hosts around. You cannot go wrong, especially for the price. Plans as low as $2.99, yet you are getting the same great service you would with other companies for $12.99 a month. 1&1 puts their customers before money, and their ultimate goal is to satisfy all the webmasters using 1&1 as their host.
Support
Support is an important factor for a webmaster to consider before selecting a hosting company. 1&1 offers support continuously (24/7). Once logging in, customers can visit the contact section where they can either email or call the 1&1 support team. All customers are responded to promptly, and 1&1 is well known for their outstanding support team. They also offer a very detailed FAQ guide, and many customers never end up having to call support. Almost everything you want to know can be found in the FAQ.
Money back guarantee.
Not satisfied with 1&1? No worries, as they over a 3 month money back guarantee. Though, this only applies to certain packages (Instant Mail, Instant Website, Shared Hosting Plans, Share Point, and dedicated servers). Evidently, most of the hosting plans are covered with the refund plan. You will literally receive back every last penny you paid if you are not satisfied with 1&1 anytime within the first three months.
Conclusion
1&1 is undoubtedly one of the most powerful, quickest, and safest hosting companies available to webmasters, or soon to be webmasters. Every webmaster knows the importance of reliable hosting, and 1&1 promises to offer reliable hosting plus more. There are no secret charges unlike many other hosting companies, and you will find the prices extremely affordable. 1&1 is constantly growing and more and more website owners are switching over to them to get the ultimate hosting experience!
