This DreamHost review is by a customer, me, and not someone reviewing hosting companies without direct experience with them. A few of these reviewers may have good intentions, and some of the information might be useful, but I’ve rarely seen a comprehensive one based solely on a real customer’s experience like this one.
Credentials
I’ve been building websites since 2000. In 1997, I took a university course on website design using raw HTML code.
From the start, I fell in love with website design and the internet’s capabilities, opportunities, and freedoms. I immediately learned that a web host is required to put a website on the internet and that domain registration through an accredited registrar is required.
As is my nature, I did extensive research to find the very best web host. Here are the criteria I followed.
- Top Rated
- Respected
- Principled
- Best Value
- Low cost
- Efficient
- Smart
- Simple
- Supportive
- Improving
Evolution
Website software
The first software I used to build my websites was Microsoft FrontPage and Expression Web—the old dinosaurs. They were suitable for their time. I tried a few others along the way, but I’m now using what I consider the best. I will share information on it later, along with the reasons why.
Hosting companies
I had long-term accounts with several well-known website hosting companies over the years. I sought a new host when they either fell short of my requirements or changed after being sold to a conglomerate.
These experiences taught me to effectively research and select a superior web host and website management system that met all my requirements.
DreamHost
This is where I finally found a web host that matched all my criteria, values, and aspirations. The perfect name, then, yes? I’ve been with DreamHost since 2017. Deciding to go with them is one of my best decisions since I started building websites. I will focus on what makes them unique compared to other hosts. Here’s what I love about DreamHost.
- Integrity – DreamHost has never made any “tricky” product or price changes to increase sales. In addition, DreamHost has never made any changes to the products I use that negatively impacted me. Their pricing and products are straightforward.
- Pricing – DreamHost’s products, hardware, and software are advanced, regularly improving, and very well priced, offering tremendous value.
- Free stuff – DreamHost takes advantage of free, open-source products when it makes sense to do so. For example, they offer free SSL/TLS, which is crucial nowadays. SSL/TLS can be expensive if done on your own. (SSL/TLS secures a website for visitors and site owners.)
- Customer support – DreamHost’s in-house customer support is truly remarkable. At first, I was a little leery of their chat format, as I was with a host with telephone support. I was thrilled to discover that chat support, in an e-business environment, with DreamHost in particular, due to the custom control panel (more on that next), is far superior to telephone support. With DreamHost chat, support representatives can instantly give you links to locations inside your control panel, links to key information, and much more. You can easily provide them with links and information as well. These things cannot be done during telephone support. It works amazingly well.
- Custom control panel – DreamHost’s control panel is simple and focused. It also enables seamless integration of their outstanding customer support chat and other cool features. (Most web hosting companies use the generic cPanel. It works well, but because it’s a one-size-fits-all product, it includes many features I never used.)
- Continually improving – I’ve been amazed at how often DreamHost has improved my website’s servers (specialized computers), service features, and products. I’ve never seen so many improvements by a host that affect me directly.
- Upgrading – As needed (e.g., if your site takes off), you can upgrade capacities and products inside your control panel. If you need help with any of this, you can chat with a DreamHost support representative. All the representatives I’ve chatted with are technicians, not salespeople, so there are no worries.
WordPress
I strongly recommend using WordPress, whether you want to build a blog or a website. It’s phenomenal. I’ve been using WordPress since 2012, and I consider this change another great decision since becoming an internet entrepreneur.
What I like about WordPress in particular is its non-profit and open-source structure. I especially like its global volunteer collaboration on design, technology, and continual improvement. Imagine WordPress’s development strength when contributions come from all over the world.
Another best choice in this regard was my decision to select a premium WordPress theme and framework over the iffy free ones. What makes them iffy is their lack of expertise, maintenance, and support.
When I started, I did not know the importance of a premium WordPress theme. Once I dived into them, which I always do to a ridiculous depth, I learned of their important benefits. Moreover, I discovered that many leading experts, bloggers, and companies used the same products I picked.
DreamHost has WordPress fully integrated into its products and services.
***
DreamHost truly lives up to its name. I cannot think of a single thing I’d change or improve. And that’s very rare for me.
Update (years later) – DreamHost is still the best for all the reasons I mentioned. I’m continually impressed by their customer support and hardware and software upgrades.