HostGator eCommerce Review 2021

 

Table of Contents Features Pricing Other Features What is Easy for Users at HostGator What is Difficult for Users on HostGator Best HostGator Stores Alternatives to HostGator HostGator FAQs

Features

Designs and themes

Similar to Wix and Squarespace, HostGator is a drag-and-drop website designer. To get started, you can pick from more than 200 design models, then tweak and change things like colors and fonts once you've decided. While the range isn't as extensive as some of the larger website builders or the thousands of themes available via an open-source program like WordPress, HostGator still offers some attractive choices. The good news is that you can import a WordPress website design if you don't like the templates.

Apps and add-ons

Although the web builder is extremely simple to use, applications and add-ons are scarce, with just around 75 to choose from.

If you want to have an eCommerce store on your platform, you'll need to upgrade to the top-tier package.

HostGator is targeted at newcomers and freelancers who need a professional-looking website that is simple to manage and create.

Although the store itself may have fewer features than rivals, it is more than sufficient to get you up and running and includes:

• Calculators for taxes and shipping
• Inventory control is essential.
• Codes for discounts

You'll also be able to incorporate apps like WordPress, Joomla, and Magento into your platform, allowing you to expand beyond the basic features. However, if you want to start customizing your site, you'll need some developer skills.

Language options

It is currently only available in English.

Marketing

Social integration and sales channels

All of your social media pages can be seamlessly integrated into your website. While you'll be able to accept payments via a variety of processors, including PayPal and Stripe, Hostgator's eCommerce solution won't allow you to connect to stores like Amazon and eBay. Alternatively, you can host a WordPress platform that allows you to link your store to nearly any major seller.

SEO tools

If you sign up for one of the different SEO packages, you'll be on your own to sort out your SEO needs. HostGator provides customized SEO services that include page optimization, keyword rating reports, marketing recommendations, and monthly site performance reports. This service's rates aren't listed on the host's website; instead, you'll need to contact them for a quote. If you have some SEO experience, you can still use the site builder tool to cover the basics like adding meta tags and titles and optimizing URLs.

Custom fields

The eCommerce store is fairly simple, and there is no longer the option to build custom forms during the checkout process. You should be able to add custom fields if you're running a WordPress site and are familiar with coding. You can also link your store to other open-source eCommerce sites, such as Magento, to expand your customization options.

Reporting tools

Your site will be linked to Google Analytics, and you'll be able to see simple statistics including regular and weekly visits, the countries from which visitors come, and the length of time they spend on your site. Depending on which site you've linked to, you'll be able to get accurate statistics on your shop and how many sales you've made. You'll need a third-party shop, such as Magento or WooCommerce, and you'll be able to use the reports provided by those platforms.

Email marketing

Email campaign feature is not available in the basic store. You'll need to create a store using another form of open-source software, such as Magento, that includes email campaign add-ons, and then host it with HostGator.

Importing and Exporting products

You can add items to your store in bulk using Excel and CSV files, or manually. However, you are limited to using only the product name and price as headings. Other platforms allow for a lot more customization.

Pricing

Starter Plan - $3.84 per month

A free domain, basic website analytics, and customer service are included in the basic package. Keep in mind that you won't be able to add an eCommerce store to your website at this level; this is just a site builder kit.

👉 Also, you can read: How to Make an Online Store (eCommerce Website) [2021]

Premium - $5.99 per month

This includes everything in the starter kit as well as priority customer service assistance. You won't be able to have a shop on your blog, just as with the starter kit.

eCommerce - $9.22 per month

Anything from the first two rates is included, plus you'll get your own online store with inventory management, tax estimates, and $200 in advertising credits.

Other Features

Support	Live chat, phone, and email support are included with all packages. Those who have purchased the Premium or eCommerce packages will also get priority answers to their questions. Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The support center also has a variety of FAQs and troubleshooting posts for common problems.
Security	A free SSL certificate is included with every HostGator website.
Shipping	All shipping is provided by the US postal service in the default shop and shipping rates are determined depending on the state to which the order is being sent. If you want more shipping options, you'll need to use a third-party platform to create a more robust store that you can host on your blog.
Payment options	The basic store only accepts credit/debit cards and PayPal payments.
Tax	You'll get an auto tax calculator that calculates sales tax in all 50 states.
Dropshipping	Yes, the eCommerce kit supports dropshipping.
Abandoned cart recovery	With the simple shop, you won't be able to retrieve discarded carts. You'll need to incorporate another store into your site if you want this level of functionality.
Managing store on a mobile device	You can use the app to manage every aspect of your website's growth.

What is Easy for Users at HostGator

• HostGator is ideal for quickly creating a professional-looking website. It's about people who don't have the time or experience to code their own website, or who can't afford to hire a web developer to do it for them. You'll have a site up and running in no time thanks to its drag-and-drop interface and ready-to-use shop.
• It has excellent customer support options, so you can trust the trained staff to keep your site up and running while you concentrate on your company.
• The host is extremely inexpensive, making it ideal for anyone trying to create a website on a shoestring budget.

What is Difficult for Users on HostGator

HostGator isn't for you if you're looking for a lot of features and customization choices. The eCommerce store is easy, but it serves its purpose. If you have a multi-product stream enterprise, you should consider using open-source software.

Best HostGator Stores

Since 3dcart's packages are geared toward small companies, finding examples of websites that use the platform can be challenging. However, below are a few examples of its business customers: logout (https://www.logoup.com/) is a website that allows you to create a logo. Trimet (https://trimet.org/) is a public transportation system in the United States.

Alternatives to HostGator

Although the software has some useful models and features, it is not for all. Some people want a more minimalist look, while others want more customization. Here are a few options: Squarespace is a template website creator that is similar to 3dcart. Squarespace, on the other hand, offers thousands of modern templates as well as a broader range of add-ons. Magento is the pinnacle of eCommerce customization software. This open-source code is a web developer's dream, with thousands of integrations and modifications available. Bigcommerce - Take advantage of a wide range of website-building tools.

HostGator FAQs

Is it possible for me to use my own domain with Hostgator? Yes, you can pick a free domain name or transfer an existing domain to the web when you sign up. Is Hostgator protected by an SSL certificate? Yes, an SSL certificate is included with every kit. Does Hostgator offer company hosting? You may either host your own website or move your existing one to its servers.

Does Hostgator offer company hosting? You may either host your own website or move your existing one to its servers. Is it possible to change my Hostgator account at any time? You are not tied into any contracts, so you can upgrade or downgrade your account at any time. Is shipping taken care of by Hostgator? Just the US Postal Service and its built-in store will be available to you. Is Hostgator a viable alternative for eCommerce? It's a perfect choice for small business owners who need a website and online store up and running fast.

What’s the best alternative to Hostgator?

Squarespace is a website builder that you may want to look into. It has the same drag-and-drop web-building guy, but it also has a much larger selection of applications and add-ons.