E-commerce site web hosting - Best vs worst locally

[aidenmark]

Hi Ya'all

As you might have seen in one of my previous posts, im starting up a new e-commerce shop, and after registering the domain name, i need to find a host.

Now, from what i can tell online, it seems that most ISPs are terrible hosts. Some of the start ive found, in order of compliments, complaints are 1. hetzner/elitehost, 2. domains.co.za and last but not least 3. hostking.

now i know there are a multitude of hosting sites in SA, making it virtually impossible to just pick one.

So, any experience out here on fast, always up, hosting thats reliable for e-commerce?

Cheers
Aiden

[Dave A]

I'm a little curious that you lump Hetzner & Elitehost together as one option
Are they the same ISP?

[aidenmark]

I'm a little curious that you lump Hetzner & Elitehost together as one option
Are they the same ISP?

Haha no, they are just tied in first place, from what i can tell these are two of the most recommended hosts out there in the tech world.

[IanF]

I am currently using domains.co.za. I moved from elitehost as I found there helpdesk unhelpful to me, as I am not a techie.
Domains do have nicer tools than elitehost that I can use. These are spam filter for emails and patchman for viruses on the website. Please note I am a semi informed user and not a techie.
Check out our site at paperkutz.co.za.

[aidenmark]

I am currently using domains.co.za. I moved from elitehost as I found there helpdesk unhelpful to me, as I am not a techie.
Domains do have nicer tools than elitehost that I can use. These are spam filter for emails and patchman for viruses on the website. Please note I am a semi informed user and not a techie.
Check out our site at paperkutz.co.za.

Thanks Ian, Thats exactly what i want to hear. I need a place that will be up, but also be helpful. I spoke to Wayne from Domains.co.za and he told me about their anti spam and their vulnerability tracker. Very cool little add ons, and i already got my domain from them.

Glad to finally find a negative elitehost comment. no one can be that good

[Greig Whitton]

Hi Aiden

Any particular reason why it has to be a local host?

Also, was your site developed using a CMS like Wordpress / Joomla or custom-coded?

[aidenmark]

Hi Aiden

Any particular reason why it has to be a local host?

Also, was your site developed using a CMS like Wordpress / Joomla or custom-coded?

Hey Greig.

well the though behind it is that if its local it should be faster for locals, especially if seacom is inevitably down, and secondly, id like to support SA businesses, rather than sending my money abroad?

Yeah, Wordpress.

[Greig Whitton]

If you're using Wordpress and are running an e-commerce site, then I highly recommend WP Engine. They're not local, but they specialise in Wordpress hosting and are exceptional both with respect to their technical support / features as well as their client service. I used to use Web Africa but switched to WP Engine several years ago and never looked back.

Bear in mind that local hosting does not always mean faster site speed (here's a really good article that digs into factors involved).

[aidenmark]

If you're using Wordpress and are running an e-commerce site, then I highly recommend WP Engine. They're not local, but they specialise in Wordpress hosting and are exceptional both with respect to their technical support / features as well as their client service. I used to use Web Africa but switched to WP Engine several years ago and never looked back.

Bear in mind that local hosting does not always mean faster site speed (here's a really good article that digs into factors involved).

Thanks Greig, Will have a look into it.

Have you ever had issues when seacom goes down? do you find the load times faster than with your own hosting? and lastly, did you have shared hosting or a vps?

Cheers
Aiden

[Tonye]

Hi Aiden,

I have been using Gridhost for many years. They provide local hosting & their support has been amazing.
I am using their Guru package & have 10 domains registered with them @ R199.00/m

Features include.
Unlimited disk space
Unlimited bandwidth
Unlimited e-mail addresses
Unlimited Mysql databases
30 domains
Cpanel

Which e-commerce system are you using.

I am using Ecwid, which has also been amazing. View
It is basically a widget & plugin & is available for Wordpress & Joomla.
It is fully responsive out of the box
CSS customization
It can also be added to a Facebook page. View
Limitations are online payment gateways & Shipping

I am currently using Joomla for most of my web design & development.
By using one of their Responsive templates I have had execellent results across all Screen sizes & web browsers. View

For stand alone mobile website development, I have been using Dudamobile. View