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. I started learning about website design using raw HTLM code in a course I took at a university in 1997.
From the start, I fell in love with website design and internet capabilities, opportunities, and freedoms. I immediately learned that a web host was required to put up a website on the internet and domain registration through an accredited registrar.
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. Yes, the old dinosaurs. They were good for their time. I tried a few others along the way. I’m now using what I consider the best by far. 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.
Through these experiences, I gained the knowledge I needed 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 – I’ve never seen DreamHost do any “tricky” product or price changes to get more sales. In addition, DreamHost has never made any changes to the products I use that negatively impacted me. Their pricing and products are clear-cut and straightforward.
- Pricing – Being that DreamHost’s products, hardware, and software are advanced, regularly improving, and very well priced, it offers 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. And they have a flawless system in place that automatically renews them. SSL/TLS can be expensive if done on your own.
- SSL/TLS secures a website for visitors and site owners. You can tell if a site is using this technology if you see a tiny padlock icon next to the website address like you see for this site.
- Customer support – DreamHost’s in-house customer support is truly remarkable. At first, I was a little leery of their chat format as I came from Blue Host, which had 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 many other cool things.
- 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 or even understood.
- 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., your site takes off), you can upgrade capacities and products inside your control panel. You can chat with a DreamHost support representative if you need help with any of this. All the representatives I’ve chatted with are technicians, not salespeople. So, no worries there.
DreamHost products
If you’re a beginner, I recommend DreamHost shared website hosting or WordPress basic hosting. You can easily upgrade later if your dream becomes a big success. 😀 Be sure to select the “unlimited” version if you plan on building more than one website or blog.
I chose DreamHost VPS hosting. It’s more expensive and more advanced. It requires some e-business experience to appreciate its advantages. I have several sites on one account, and it works great.
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 in particular about WordPress is its non-profit and open-source structure. I especially like its global volunteer collaboration on its design, technology, and continual improvement. Imagine WordPress’ 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.
I did not know the importance of a premium WordPress theme when I started. 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.
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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.