UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2017 — 

I’ve reversed my opinion about GoDaddy and I am now again recommending them. This is in response to the improved support they are giving for WordPress websites. It seems that GoDaddy has realized the significant market share that WordPress enjoys and how WordPress is a great platform for diverse web needs. (A lot has changed since this post originally appeared July 2012.)

I am often asked about my recommendations for web hosting providers. Because GoDaddy advertises so heavily to the general public, many people assume it’s the best choice – or at least an acceptable one. Besides, the prices are cheap and their site lists dozens of features included in the price. Unfortunately, most of their customers are consumers who don’t know what these items are – or whether they even they add any value for their web needs.

First of all, I have to admit that I’ve used GoDaddy almost exclusively for many years for plain HTML websites. For the most part, I had very few problems. When I did need support, I found their agents to be pretty responsive and helpful. When I began developing mostly in WordPress, I heard many nightmare stories about the shortcomings of GoDaddy. At last year’s WordPress Camp in Detroit (2011), when anyone even mentioned GoDaddy, you could be sure it would be followed by a collective sigh or shudder from anyone with more experience.

My intent is not to slam any one hosting provider. I just want to steer people to where they’ll get the most value for their web efforts. Best value is not always the cheapest. [Still true.] So why do I single out GoDaddy? It’s because so many people influenced by the name recognition and wanting to go with the biggest in the business.

The issues that I’ve heard repeatedly and that I’ve experienced myself deal with WordPress websites.

• GoDaddy support for WordPress is limited You’re more likely to encounter an agent that blames any issues on WordPress when, in fact the problem is actually with them. [Not the case now.]
• Web developers are not able to create an optimum WordPress configuration because of limitations that GoDaddy imposes. As a result, they may not be able to deliver what their customers need. [GoDaddy now offers services especially for WordPress websites.]
• GoDaddy overcrowds their shared servers with too many high traffic websites. Reduced bandwidth is the result and your site slows down significantly. [Not sure about this any more.]

Check out what people have to say about GoDaddy and WordPress on the WordPress forums.

THE TAKE AWAY: Don’t use GoDaddy to host WordPress sites. If you already do, switch to another recommended provider. If you have a WordPress site on GoDaddy and don’t want to change, you’re better off with a Linux account over a Windows account. We have had good success with BlueHost, a popular provider with prices comparable to GoDaddy, but with much better many comparable features, support, speed, and much less trouble. [As I said, I no longer have the same reservations about using GoDaddy for hosting small business or personal websites.]

The opinions expressed here is my own. Contact us for our recommendations regarding your specific needs.