I’ve been using web hosting solutions for over ten years, managing various projects ranging from small blogs to more complex business websites.
Throughout my journey, I’ve worked with numerous hosting providers, and I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to find the right service.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my experience with Network Solutions, diving into its features, benefits, and some drawbacks, so you can decide if it’s the right choice for your next website or business venture.
Table Of Contents
What is Network Solutions?
Network Solutions is a web hosting service that offers a variety of services such as domain registration, web hosting, and additional online tools. They provide hosting services for websites and applications, as well as offering domain registration and related solutions for businesses.
In my personal experience, I’ve found it to be a straightforward solution for those looking to get started with a website or online business.
When I needed assistance, Network Solutions called me right away to help clarify any issues I was facing. They also offer support services to help you through the process, which can be valuable for beginners or those looking for reliable help.
How Does It Work?
Network Solutions works by providing all the tools you need to set up and maintain a website, whether you’re a seasoned web developer or just starting out.
After registering a domain, you can choose a hosting plan based on your requirements, and from there, you can set up a website using their tools or a CMS like WordPress.
The platform is user-friendly, and the setup process is straightforward, which I’ve always appreciated. They also provide customer support should you run into any issues with setup or during ongoing maintenance.
“Network Solutions provides a comprehensive, user-friendly hosting experience, perfect for beginners and small businesses looking to grow online.”
– Byron Morris, CEO of Network Solutions
Features
Network Solutions offers a comprehensive set of features, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking for hosting solutions. Here are the key features I’ve personally found helpful over the years:
1. Web Hosting Plans
Network Solutions offers a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs. Whether you’re launching a simple personal website or running a complex business site, they have plans to suit your requirements.
I’ve used their Basic Web Hosting for personal projects and found it straightforward, and when I needed more storage space for a client project, I upgraded to their Business Hosting plan without issues.
2. Domain Registration
One of the standout features of Network Solutions is their domain registration service. They offer a vast range of domain extensions, allowing you to pick a domain name that suits your brand or business.
One of my client forwarded their domain registration issues to me and I used Network Solutions domain services and the process was always smooth. Their search tool makes it easy to find available domain names, and the registration is properly aligned and quick.
3. Email Hosting
Network Solutions also provides email hosting services, allowing you to set up professional email accounts using your domain name. This feature has been extremely useful for client projects where I was deeply concerned with creating branded email addresses. I’ve had a few client accounts set up with their email service, and it’s reliable for professional communication.
4. Website Builder
For beginners or those without technical expertise, Network Solutions offers a website builder that helps create a website without the need for coding. I’ve recommended this tool to clients who don’t want to spend time learning web design, and it’s always delivered solid results. It’s a great choice if you want to launch a simple website quickly.
5. SSL Certificates
Security is a top priority, and Network Solutions offers SSL certificates for websites. This feature ensures that your website is secure, which is essential for gaining the trust of your visitors, especially if you’re running an e-commerce site. I’ve used their SSL certificates on a few projects, and I find it essential for protecting sensitive customer data.
6. Customer Support
Network Solutions provides 24/7 customer support, which I’ve found to be a real asset when troubleshooting issues or navigating their platform. In my experience, the support team has been responsive and helpful, offering solutions for any problems I’ve encountered, whether it’s setting up a site or troubleshooting server issues. I also like how the offer the same treatment all the customers with no bias.
7. SEO Tools
Network Solutions offers tools to help optimize your website for search engines. Over the years, I’ve used these tools to make small adjustments to various websites I manage, improving their visibility on Google. It’s especially useful for clients who are new to SEO and need a simple solution to help their website rank better.
8. Cloud Hosting
For larger websites or growing businesses, Network Solutions offers cloud hosting. This allows for more flexibility and scalability, making it easier to upgrade or scale down depending on your site’s traffic. I contacted support to help me in this area and once I used cloud hosting for a high-traffic website, it added flexibility and made it easier to manage traffic spikes for my entire company during peak seasons.
9. Backup Services
Backup services are essential for ensuring the safety of your website data, and Network Solutions offers reliable backup options. I always use this feature for client sites, as it offers peace of mind knowing that I can restore the site quickly in case of an issue. I’ve had to use their backup services once, and it worked smoothly.
10. E-commerce Solutions
Network Solutions provides tools specifically designed for e-commerce websites, including shopping carts and payment processing tools. I’ve used their e-commerce tools for a client’s online store, and it made setting up an online shop much easier. Their platform integrates with several payment gateways, so it’s easy to get started selling online.
Benefits
There are several reasons why Network Solutions could be a great choice for your website hosting. Based on my own experiences, here are some of the key benefits:
1. User-Friendly for Beginners
One of the biggest advantages is how user-friendly the platform is. I’ve personally helped clients set up websites without any prior experience in web hosting, and they’ve been able to do it with ease thanks to Network Solutions’ intuitive platform.
2. Comprehensive Service Offering
From domain services to website hosting and even email services, Network Solutions provides a full suite of services. For me, having everything under one roof saves time and hassle. It’s convenient to not have to juggle multiple providers for different services.
3. Reliable Customer Support
Having used their customer support on multiple occasions, I can confidently say that Network Solutions provides solid assistance when issues arise. There is no room for poor customer service.
I talked with the Network Solutions sales representative and they were knowledgeable and responsive. The representative confidently assured me that my issue will be resolved and I received the help I needed in a reasonable timeframe.
4. Secure Hosting Environment
With the inclusion of SSL certificates and other security tools, Network Solutions ensures that websites hosted on their platform are secure. I’ve used their SSL service to protect websites, and it’s essential for any online business looking to gain the trust of visitors.
5. Affordable for Small Businesses
For small businesses or personal websites, Network Solutions is an affordable solution for hosting options. I’ve found their lower-tier plans to be a cost-effective solution for clients just starting out. Their pricing is competitive and provides good value for the features offered.
Downsides
While Network Solutions offers a lot of great features, there are a few drawbacks worth mentioning. These are things I’ve personally experienced that could be improved:
1. Expensive Add-Ons
Some of the additional services, such as extra storage or enhanced security, can get pretty expensive. I’ve found that many of the useful add-ons, like increased storage, cost extra on top of the base hosting plan, which can add up quickly if you need more resources.
2. Limited Features on Lower-Tier Plans
The lower-tier plans, while affordable, come with limited features. I’ve used the basic plan for personal projects, but when I needed more advanced tools or more storage, I had to upgrade to a higher plan. If you need more flexibility, you’ll likely need to upgrade, which could be an issue for small businesses on a budget.
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How to use Network Solutions
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to signing up and getting started with Network Solutions:
- Sign Up: Go to the Network Solutions website and create an account by providing basic information such as your name, email address and credit card details if you will purchase a plan.
- Choose a Plan: Select a hosting plan based on your needs (basic, deluxe, business, or cloud hosting).
- Pick a Domain: Search for and register your desired domain name.
- Set Up Your Website: Use their website builder or install WordPress to begin building your site.
- Add Features: Select additional services like SSL certificates, email hosting, or backups as needed.
- Launch: Once everything is set up, publish your website and go live.
Pricing
- Starter ($2.99/month): This is for basic hosting for anyone starting out. You get 10GB disk space, 25 FTP Accounts, Drag and Drop Website Builder, and 5 Email boxes.
- Essential ($4.99/month): I recommend this plan for personal websites. Here you get 20GB storage, supports 3 websites, 50 FTP accounts, and 1,000 email boxes.
- Premium ($6.99/month): This is perfect for entrepreneurs and freelancers. The plan includes 40GB disk space, can support upto 10 websites, unlimited FTP Accounts, unmetered bandwidth, and unlimited email boxes. You also get 1 year free domain and 1 year free SSL certificate.
Other User Testimonials
“The representative I spoke with made the confusing issue easy to understand, which made me feel a lot safer in the decisions I made regarding the issues.”
– Chris Zitzman, USA
“So expensive. $42 per year for a .com domain and $36 Reinstatement Fee? This all-in is under $20 at any other registrar. This place makes their money off people not knowing any better.”
– Jake, Canada
“Very courteous fast and ready to help and got the job done with no problem first try.”
– Rich Homie Vick, USA
Comparison to Other Hosting Services
When choosing a hosting provider, it’s essential to compare your options and find the one that best suits your needs. In this section, I’ll compare Network Solutions with three other popular web hosting companies: Scala, WPX, and GoDaddy.
1. Scala Hosting
Scala offers faster performance and greater flexibility compared to Network Solutions. It’s an excellent choice for businesses that need high customization and performance optimization. In my experience, Scala’s focus on speed and security makes it a great alternative, especially for larger websites or more demanding projects.
2. WPX Hosting
WPX is known for its fast loading times and excellent customer support, but Network Solutions offers a more rounded service with its domain registration and website building tools. While WPX might excel in speed, Network Solutions is better for those looking for a one-stop-shop for all their website needs.
3. GoDaddy
GoDaddy is one of the most widely recognized names in the hosting industry. It offers similar services to Network Solutions, including domain registration, web hosting, and email services. However, I’ve found GoDaddy to be on the pricier side when compared to Network Solutions. While GoDaddy’s support team is decent, it doesn’t always match the responsiveness I’ve received from Network Solutions.
FAQs
1. What Type of Customer Support Does Network Solutions Offer?
Network Solutions provides 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat. They have a knowledgeable team to assist with tech support, domain registration, and hosting services.
2. Is Network Solutions Good For Small Businesses?
Yes, Network Solutions offers affordable hosting plans and domain registration services that are well-suited for small businesses. Network Solutions support team can help guide you through the setup process.
3. Can I Transfer My Domain to Network Solutions?
Yes, you can transfer your domain to Network Solutions. You can contact the sales team and they will provide a simple process to for domain transfer from other registrars to their platform.
Our Verdict on Network Solutions
While Network Solutions offers a solid set of features for beginners and small businesses, its customer support response times and additional costs for add-ons can be a drawback.
For those seeking a more flexible, faster, and performance-driven hosting solution, Scala is the better choice. Scala stands out with its top-notch customer support, scalability, and faster performance, making it the ideal option for growing businesses and websites with higher traffic demands.
Its comprehensive features and commitment to security ensure that your website remains reliable and efficient. I highly recommend Scala for anyone looking to take their website to the next level.
Our #1 Recommendation: ScalaHosting
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