You need a real website to make you look professional, sell your service and help in Google’s local search results. It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be nice, inexpensive and easy to build and update. That’s why I am suggesting a web host service. It’s the cheapest way to build a website and it’s not hard to do.

What is a Web Host?

A web host provides storage space and the technologies for a website or web pages to be viewed on the Internet. The web host services I recommend in this article provide free website builders.

Wait! How about just using a website builders like Wix and Weebly? Both are good options to create a website. But if you want to save money, have more control over your website and have additional websites at no extra charge, then go with one of the affordable web hosting services in this article.

Affiliate Partners

Before we get started, know that the links in this article are affiliate links. So, if you buy through a link, I get one-time commission, but you won’t get charged more if you do. And if you do, thanks for supporting my work! Your support (through affiliate sales) is how I keep this blog running. By the way, if you need help with anything I recommend, please reach out to me at mark@makethemostofmassage.com. I am here to help all the time!

Bluehost vs DreamHost vs WP Engine

Below I compared three web host providers, Bluehost, Dream Host and WP Engine, in areas that are most important to me (and most small business owners I know who are non-techie): affordable web hosting/builder, support (phone, email, chatbox), domain name option, and free website builder.

The results are below. At the end of this article you can see who I use and recommend.

Bluehost

Basic Hosting Package

• Price: $2.95/month (promotional rate for the first term), $8.99/month upon renewal.
• Email: Included with the hosting plan.
• Domain Name Purchase: Yes, includes a free domain for the first year.
• Customer Support:
  • Phone: Yes.
  • Chatbox: Yes.
  • Email: Yes.
• Free Website Builder: Yes, includes the Bluehost Website Builder.

DreamHost

Shared Starter Plan

• Price: $2.59/month (if paid annually), $4.95/month if paid monthly.
• Email: Not included by default (email is an additional $1.67/month per mailbox).
• Domain Name Purchase: Yes, includes a free domain for the first year.
• Customer Support:
  • Phone: No (Phone support is available for an additional fee).
  • Chatbox: Yes.
  • Email: Yes.
• Free Website Builder: Yes, includes the Remixer Website Builder.

WP Engine

Managed WordPress Hosting – Startup Plan

• Price: $20/month (promotional rate for the first 3 months), $30/month upon renewal.
• Email: Not included (WP Engine does not provide email hosting services).
• Domain Name Purchase: No, domain names need to be purchased separately through a domain registrar.
• Customer Support:
  • Phone: Yes, available 24/7 for Startup plan and higher.
  • Chatbox: Yes.
  • Email: Yes.
• Free Website Builder: No, but includes premium themes from StudioPress.

Summary of Features

Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluehost

• Advantages: Affordable promotional pricing, includes email, free domain for the first year, comprehensive customer support options, and a free website builder.
• Disadvantages: Higher renewal rate the second year.

DreamHost

• Advantages: Low initial cost, includes a free domain for the first year, and has a free website builder.
• Disadvantages: Email is not included in the basic plan, phone support is not included by default.

WP Engine

• Advantages: Premium managed WordPress hosting, includes 24/7 phone support, high-quality support, and premium StudioPress themes.
• Disadvantages: Higher cost, does not include email services, and no free domain name.

My Pick(s): Best Web Host for Small Businesses

If I were starting up and/or trying to run on a shoestring budget, I would go with DreamHost. It is the cheapest hands down both initially and over the long haul. The Live Chat support should be adequate to handle any questions.

That said, most of my websites are on Bluehost, and I would recommend this service, too. They check all the boxes, and I have been satisfied with them for the past 10 years. I’m not sure if DreamHost had a comparable hosting service to Bluehost 10 years ago. If they did and were cheaper than Bluehost, I probably would have gone with them for my small business because every penny counts when you are starting out. Ultimately, I don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

Once you pick your web host, you may want to read How to Craft the Perfect” About Page” for Your Website, an article I wrote for Massage Magazine. Two professional business writers gave me their expert advice on creating an About Page that is engaging, informative with a clear call to action. Their insights have helped me create About pages that have gotten positive feedback from customers.

Final Thoughts on Websites and Saving Money

The mindset of a small business person early on has to be about saving money whenever possible. Sometimes that means more work is involved because you’ll have to do things yourself, like building a website.

That said, you can say thousands of dollars over time–and you can also learn tangential things along the way, like how to optimize your website (also saving you a lot of money). So, investigate all ways you can save money. Finding cheap massage insurance, and renting a room are good places to start.