Fasthosts
Fasthosts is a UK-based hosting provider that has been in business since 1999. Fasthosts offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of options that make it easy to build a website. Additionally, they provide robust web hosting features for those who already have an established website.
Pricing
Fasthosts is a top option for those starting a website. Their Website Builder plans start at £1 per month for the first 3 months. Additionally, you can cancel within the first 30 days without penalty. It’s important to note that these prices do not include VAT, but the website does have a toggle that allows you to see prices with VAT if needed.
The Essential plan includes a free domain for the first year (with a focus on UK domains), an email address, an SSL certificate for secure pages and 25 different themes. While this plan only allows ten webpages, it does provide a good starting point for creativity.
In addition to the features in the Essential plan, the more advanced Complete plan offers 350 webpages, unlimited storage, ordering systems, delivery options and stock alerts.
Website Builder (no technical knowledge needed)
The Website Builder plans provide a simple and straightforward package. The Essential Website Builder has a user-friendly interface that definitely keeps up with the competition.
One benefit of using this Website builder is that once you have selected a template, you will be immediately directed to the editing page with minimal additional steps, making it easy to navigate.
On the left side of the screen, there are a few main menu options to choose from, such as the Template Picker, Store, Blog and Developer icons. By selecting one of these options, you can access specific features and begin creating your website.
Once you’ve chosen a template, using the menu options makes the process of building your website easy. The items on the page can be edited by clicking on them. Scrolling down allows you to edit text and images. The interface is simple, making it easy to navigate and doesn’t require frequent saving.
The Fasthosts Website Builder is easy to use and navigate, making it a great option for those who are new to building websites. However, if you click on the Developer button, you will be prompted to check a few warning boxes, which can be intimidating for some users. This feature is useful for those who are more experienced with coding, but for beginners, it’s best to avoid this button.
The Site Builder also allows you to quickly preview your pages and make any necessary edits. Publishing your website is also straightforward and easy to do. Another feature worth mentioning is the Store setup icon, which provides a variety of e-commerce options for setting up an online shop and monitoring analytics. The overall design of this feature is simple but effective, making it a great option for those looking to start an online business.
Hosting only?
If you’re looking for a basic hosting plan, Fasthosts offers the Start plan at £1 per month for the first 3 months, reverting to £5 per month thereafter. This plan includes 100 GB of SSD storage, 15 1 GB databases, a free domain name and 1 email address.
At the other end of the scale is their Pro plan, which supports up to 100 websites, 5 free lifetime SSL certificates, 500 GB SSD storage, 8 email addresses and free access to their marketing radar add-on product.
Alternatively, Fasthosts also offers WordPress hosting plans starting at £1 per month for the first 3 months. If you’re looking for other options, it’s recommended to check out other web hosting services for comparison.
Support
If you need assistance, Fasthosts provides a comprehensive collection of help articles. These help pages are straightforward and provide clear answers to any questions you may have. Additionally, Fasthosts offers 24/7 support through various channels such as phone, but the web help pages are a convenient and immediate resource.
Final verdict
Fasthosts is a great option for those who are just starting to create a website. The site builder is user-friendly and does a good job. The hosting plans are also cost-effective if you are looking to host a basic website that you have already designed. Furthermore, if your business is located in the UK, Fasthosts is a suitable choice, as it is based in the UK as well.
