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Top 10 Dedicated Hosting Companies

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Top dedicated hosting companies

By January 2020, 1.74 billion websites are live on the internet. Imagine how many servers are running just to keep these websites up. As the number of websites grows, hosting sites adjust to the demand. Luckily, small businesses or entrepreneurs have different options in deciding hosting companies for their websites.

We’ve narrowed down the Top 10 Dedicated Hosting Companies on the internet based on their price, value, and customer support.

1. HostGator

One of the most popular hosting companies is HostGator. It’s been in the hosting game since the early ‘00s and is one of the top choices by many small businesses, developers, and big brands. That makes them one of the Top 10 dedicated hosting companies on this list.

The HostGator dedicated server hosting starts at $119/mo for the Value Server with a four core and eight-thread CPU. The most expensive plan is $149, where you can get a 1TB SSD (Solid State Drive) and have a higher CPU capacity.

It offers the following features for its users:

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Customization between SSD and HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
  • cPanel and WHM (Web Host Manager)
  • DDOS protection
  • Three dedicated IPv4 IPs

Users can choose to have a managed or semi-managed solution as well.

Blog Beginner says that HostGator’s dedicated server is best for those in the gaming business. Those with higher traffic can also benefit from the dedicated hosting server.

One of the cons of using HostGator is that there’s only one location for the server, which may cause a slowed down response time when someone isn’t accessing it from the US. HostGator receives mixed reviews about their support in general due to slow responses.

2. DreamHost

You can get a DreamHost Standard Server for $149/mo and 4GB ram as part of this plan. Pricing ranges from $149 to $379/mo.

Aside from that, you can get the following:

  • 1TB HDD
  • 100% uptime
  • Root access
  • DDOS protection
  • Unique IPv4 & IPv6 addresses

DreamHost only has a Linux OS, which developers may favor more. Even so, Is It WP says that DreamHost makes it easy for users to navigate and manage its built-in cPanel.

Website Builder Expert seems to lean towards HostGator or Bluehost for dedicated servers because the two websites provide more features than DreamHost.

3. A2 Hosting

For A2 Hosting, you have four options for Dedicated Server Hosting to choose from:

  • Unmanaged
  • Discount SSD
  • Managed Flex
  • Core Flex

An unmanaged server starts at $99.59, while their popular option, the Discount SSD Server starts at $129.30/mo.

Many users praise A2 Hosting for their service, but there have been reports of sudden account suspensions from those who have used the service.

4. Hostwinds

You can customize your Hostwinds dedicated hosting server based on your preferences. Their plans start at $75.00, and you can modify the following in your plan:

  • Server Drives
  • RAM
  • RAID
  • Operating System
  • Outbound Bandwidth
  • IP Addresses

That’s a plus for developers because it allows for more flexibility. However, Blog Beginner finds that the dedicated server plans lack features.

5. Liquid Web

You have ten server options starting from $119/mo for a two-year plan on Liquid Web. You can also decide where you can choose the hosting server (For the US, it’s in Michigan, Arizona, while in the EU, it’s only in the Netherlands). Their most expensive hosting plan is $549.00.

Liquid Web recommends using the Intel Xeon 1230 server for high traffic and multiple websites. Customers can get the following features:

  • 32 GB ram
  • Two 240 GB SSD
  • 5 TB bandwidth

They’ve received mixed reviews from users saying they had issues contacting support and had downtime as well. However, most of the reviews from Host Advice suggests that A2 is a reliable and responsive host with great customer support.

6. GoDaddy

Aside from being a website builder, GoDaddy has been a hosting service since 1997. 

If you want to save up on a dedicated hosting service, the Economy plan is their most affordable for small businesses. Moving up from there, their dedicated server plan starts at $129.99/mo. For those with demanding hosting needs, Godaddy’s $419.99/mo plan comes with a 256 GB ram and two 1 TB SSD. 

Other features included in the dedicated hosting server:

  • Bare metal server
  • RAID1
  • cPanel/WHM or Linux CentOS control panel

Hosting Advice says that GoDaddy is easy to use for beginners due to the speed and performance of their servers. They also have one of the best customer support in the industry.

7. GreenGeeks

Among the other dedicated hosting sites on this list, GreenGeeks prides itself as one of the eco-friendly options for hosting. They recommend going for a Standard Server that’s $269/mo. Included in the plan are :

  • 4GB memory, 
  • 2x 500 GB SATA Hard Drive
  • 10,000 GB transfer

Their most expensive server plan (Pro Server) is at $439.

Customer service gets the most praise from their Dedicated Server users. Others that use GreenGeeks raved that they offer great value for what you’re paying. However, similar to Liquid Web, server locations are limited. Web Hosting Secret Revealed mentioned there was a set-up fee that some hosting sites don’t have.

8. InMotion

You have only two options for InMotion. The Bare Metal Dedicated Server starts at $75.69/mo, making it one of the most affordable options on this list. However, InMotion suggests that it’s for administrators and developers. For small business owners, you can purchase the Managed Dedicated Server for $115.69/mo.

InMotion recommends the Advanced plan priced at $176.59/mo. For those with more to spare, you can opt for the CC-2000 server priced at $529.49/mo.

Benefits of Inmotion’s Dedicated plans:

  • Data transfer
  • Free IPs
  • Choice of data transfer (not available for the Essential Plan)

Support earns much praise from Inmotion users who left reviews in Host Advice. According to one customer, downtime is rare and that many software applications are available for the price. However, users find that InMotion features are lacking and that there’s no Windows support.

9. Ionos

Ionos has eight plan offerings for its users. The recommended plan for customers for the SSD plan is the XL-32 SSD priced at $110/mo for three months. Meanwhile, for the HDD plan, they recommend the XL-32 SSD priced at $90/mo for three months as well.

For those plans, you’ll get:

  • Unlimited traffic
  • Free domain
  • RAID 1

If you’re opting for a cheaper plan, you can go for their A8i SSD or A8i HDD, the SSD is at $45/mo for six months, while the HDD is at $40/mo for six months. Reviewers and users alike like the pricing, and it’s good value. That’s why it’s one of the top 10 dedicated hosting companies.

According to Tech Radar, even during testing, the server response is also performing well. However, they noted that it’s configurations aren’t up to par with other hosting companies. Some customers find that its interface isn’t user-friendly too.

10. AccuWeb Hosting

AccuWeb Hosting has different offerings depending on the type of server you need and your region. The abundance of configurations is perfect for anyone looking to customize their hosting needs.

Accuweb offers the following options:

  • Classic
  • Advanced
  • Infrastructure
  • Storage
  • High-Availability
  • Game

For the US servers, the most affordable is the USA-Vint Hill plan, which starts at $90/mo. They do a breakdown of prices once you click on the order now button and see that the plan is priced at $150/mo. The price range for the classic USA servers is $105/mo to $150/mo, depending on your configuration.

Their most expensive plan for the USA servers is the Storage-74 server priced at $1120/mo.

According to PCMag, for their $360 plan, you can get 250 email accounts and have a Linux OS. Since there’s also different pricing, many find that the hosting website is affordable. However, some customers noted that tech support could do a better job.

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Omnichannel Marketing Platforms: Definition, Examples & Tools

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Omnichannel has become a recent buzzword online. That’s because the business landscape has shifted most of their marketing efforts into virtual communication. Advertisers are always looking for new ways to boost online connections with audiences while increasing sales. This is how “omnichannel” sprouted quickly and into every marketer’s arsenal. But what is omnichannel, and what are some omnichannel marketing platforms that do the job? Read on to find out. 

What is Omnichannel Marketing?

marketing strategy on paper

The concept of omnichannel is simple. It aims to provide marketers a quick way to communicate with their customers and get as much engagement and conversion as possible from one go. Their objective is for customers to enjoy a seamless shopping experience on multiple brand channels, including online, mobile, or in-store. This means, marketers would have to show customers the same pricing and promotions across all brand channels. 

However, it also goes beyond that. You have to ensure that customers can navigate through different channels with ease. This means customers can switch between your brand channels without any roadblocks. For instance, a customer can order from your online store and have the option to pick it up from your physical location. One way to increase sales is by offering customers additional items to boost order value. 

Why is Omnichannel Marketing Important? 

marketing software

Omnichannel marketing is crucial these days since most people have shifted to online browsing and shopping. Moreover, if advertisers market on three or more channels, this could result in a 90 percent higher retention rate compared to using a single-channel campaign. 

Additionally, omnichannel marketing also strengthens your brand messaging since campaigns are consistent across all platforms. But what are the primary reasons why advertisers focus on omnichannel marketing? 

  • Brands will get high customer retention 
  • Gains customer loyalty
  • More personalization in the customer’s journey
  • More integrated business
  • Better customer insight
  • Smooth and enjoyable customer experience

How Does Omnichannel Advertising Work?

google search on smartphone

An example of omnichannel marketing is when a sports retail store sends its prospects an email containing a recent promotion on its newly launched running shoes. The email content shows the link to the promotion. Once customers click this link, they are taken to the brand’s eCommerce website. Instructions also let them know they can get it from the brick-and-mortar store. 

Another example is when a furniture store shows a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube about how its experts craft their pieces. Once viewers watch the video, they are welcomed with a link inviting them to join the brand’s email newsletter.

10 Omnichannel Marketing Platforms

social media on scrabble tiles

Here are 10 best omnichannel marketing tools.

1. BigCommerce

This online and offline sales tool is for large-scale businesses looking to streamline their advertising strategies. BigCommerce unifies all marketing campaigns in an easy and convenient platform, including in-store, online, social media, and marketplaces. It can also handle large volumes of sales, traffic, and transactions, providing customers with a smooth experience. 

2. NewStore

NewStore is the tool for all your POS and inventory management systems. It can manage orders, inventory, and customer data across the brand’s channels. It also comes with robust marketing tools that offer personalized engagement, such as push notifications, mobile apps, and location-based marketing.

3. Glassix

If you’re looking for the best omnichannel marketing platforms for communication, Glassix sits at the top of the list. It’s an AI-powered advertising tool that helps with email, SMS, live chat, messaging apps, and social media. Using Glassix means tracking all customer interactions and messages in one user-friendly interface is easy. It also lets you send targeted messages to your audiences based on their preferences and behaviors.

4. Desku

In addition to integrating all customer communications in one interface, Desku also helps with automation functions, such as chatbots, canned responses, ticketing systems, and more. Plus, it offers reporting tools and analytics to monitor progress. 

5. Omnisend

Omnisend is the platform for all your SMS and email marketing campaigns. It’s best suited for eCommerce businesses and allows advertisers to create, monitor, and automate campaigns across all channels. It offers drag-and-drop features and is extremely easy to use. 

6. Tidio

When searching for the best omnichannel communication platform, Tidio ranks high. It’s designed to facilitate customer interactions, manage inquiries, and offer real-time support. 

7. Adobe Experience Cloud

You can’t succeed in omnichannel marketing without using a cloud-based service. And Adobe Experience Cloud ensures you get the right cloud-based solution for optimizing customer experiences. You can use this tool to build and manage customer journeys through AI-powered insights. You can also integrate this platform with other Adobe tools like Adobe Experience Manager, Adobe Target, Adobe Campaign, Adobe Analytics, and more. 

8. Revealbot

If you’re spending time on paid ads, Revealbot will help you manage them in one user-friendly interface. It’s a marketing tool that helps optimize digital advertising campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads. You can use this tool to set automation features, campaign budgets, and custom ad rules. 

9. Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus if one of the best omnichannel marketing platforms for eCommerce businesses. It helps create a streamlined customer shopping experience. From workflows and checkouts to customer segmentation and targeted marketing campaigns, this is a reliable tool to use. 

10. Oracle CX Commerce

Oracle CX Commerce is the best solution for B2B and B2C businesses. It’s a cloud-based eCommerce platform that helps provide personalized experiences. It also offers advanced features that simplify segmentation, customized content, targeted promotions, and customer engagement. 

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10 Sustainable Outdoor Gear Brands

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camping

If you frequent the outdoors, you know how important protecting your playground is. When you’re close to nature, you must always prioritize eco-consciousness. While you practice sustainable habits, supporting brands prioritizing sustainability becomes a top priority. If you’re always planning an outdoor adventure and need the gear, here are the top 10 sustainable outdoor gear brands you must check out. 

1. Patagonia

patagonia logo

Over the years, Patagonia has lined up its corporate social responsibilities, mainly focusing on labor and the environment. They have robust social responsibility programs that ensure workers and communities are cared for. Patagonia claims that 85 percent of its products are made in factories with Fair Trade Certified certifications. The brand also helped over 85,000 workers by participating in Fair Trade programs. The brand also helped more than 2,000 farmers from its Regenerative Organic Certified cotton program. 

2. Osprey

osprey logo

Osprey, a brand that creates robust backpacks for travel and outdoors, is also committed to sustainability. The company is a trusted bluesign SYSTEM partner, which helps eliminate PFAS-based DWR in 100 percent of its textile products. On top of its promise of eco-friendly materials, the standard for its backpacks is unparalleled, offering durability, functionality, and repairability. These products undergo field testing and athlete evaluations to ensure it’s a pack that runs a lifetime. 

3. Hydro Flask

hydro flask logo

Plastic bottles comprise one of the highest numbers of ocean pollutants. Hydro Flask is committed to minimizing this by introducing excellent insulated water bottles that last a lifetime! I bought one five years ago, and the insulation functionality still works like the very first day I got it. The brand boasts its recycled-content bottle, the Slingback Bottle Pack, with a 100 percent recycled polyester body. It also eliminated single-use plastic for its packaging, specifically for 90 percent of its products. Hydro Flask uses soy-based inks and no foils and varnishes for their products too!

4. Black Diamond

black diamond logo

Black Diamond is among the top brands for the best outdoor gear, specifically reliable and durable helmets. The company’s ethos is based on the team’s outdoor pursuits. First, the company’s 12,000-square-foot headquarters is energy-efficient, with a 2,200-watt solar photovoltaic system that generates about 3,000 kWh of electricity per year. Black Diamond also advocates for sustainable outdoor and recreation practices and is a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association’s Climate Action Corps. 

5. Sierra Designs

sierra designs logo

Sierra Designs is also one of the best sustainable outdoor gear brands you can rely on. They aim to create products that have as minimal impact as possible on Mother Nature. The brand boasts the DriDown product, which ensures that feathers come from animals that weren’t subjected to any harm. The brand also uses neglected recycled materials for its fabric’s exteriors and insulation for apparel and sleeping bags. A lifetime warranty also backs all Sierra Designs products.

6. Hyperlite

hyperlite logo

Hyperlite is your go-to outdoor gear brand if you’re into climbing, hiking, or rock climbing. The company is committed to sustainability for as long as the brand is still in operation. They created the Hyperlite Mountain Gear ethos, essentialism, which differs from minimalism. The brand believes that an intentional and thoughtful approach to assembling its backpacks ensures its products are safe, comfortable, warm, and efficient. Hyperlite is a proud partner of Dyneema, a bio-based fiber company, and promises to use this fiber in all its outdoor gear products. 

7. MSR

msr logo

For all your climbing equipment, don’t miss out on MSR products. The founder, a lifelong mountaineer, believed that a safe and reliable equipment is key to greater adventures. Today, the brand is proud to hand-build many MSR products. The brand is also another founding members of the Outdoor Industry Association Sustainability Working Group. It’s a collaboration of over 300 outdoor brands, manufacturers, and suppliers that focus on sustainability challenges and solutions. 

8. Sunski

sunski logo

When you’re enjoying outdoor adventures, make sure you enjoy it in style with Sunski sustainable glasses. Sunski is a fantastic eyewear manufacturer in America that uses plastic scraps to turn into frames! A unique sunglass niche in the industry. The sunglasses are flexible, lightweight, and extremely durable. All Sunski customers will also get a lifetime warranty for their glasses. And if they break? Repair or replacement is free!

9. Cotopaxi

cotopaxi logo

Cotopaxi backpacks, travel packs, hip packs, and duffels are colorful and vibrant and made with eco-friendly materials. They embarked on the The (Re)Purpose™ Collection program, which uses recycled deadstock or leftover fabric from other fashion brands. They also offer a lifetime guarantee on repairs or replacements. As members of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, they support Amazon’s reforestation. Cotopaxi believes that doing good will create a ripple effect, so they reward customers who #DoGood!

10. Goal Zero

goal zero

Here’s another eco-friendly outdoor gear brand for all your needs and more. To offer you the best outdoor camping experience, Goal Zero even sells power essentials, such as inverter generators, handheld portable power devices, solar panels, and battery banks. The company also aims to practice eco-conscious manufacturing methods by ensuring all 10+ factories in nine countries adhere to environmental and human rights standards. Its top sustainable camping gear is the Yeti Portable Power Station, with a four over five rating!

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10 Sustainable Activewear Brands

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person holding smartphone

Eco-consciousness and health and fitness must be the perfect tandem. If you prioritize your health and fitness, the same care should also concentrate on sustainability. While you’re focused on your fitness goals, the process shouldn’t be as destructive to the environment. Just like you want to nourish your body with the good stuff, you also want to protect Mother Nature like it’s your own body. After all, the outdoors offers so much to benefit your health in the long run. Hiking, camping, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, to name a few. That said, protecting your playground as much as possible is only fitting. And that starts with choosing the most sustainable activewear brands. Here are the top 10 sustainable brands for fun and play. 

1. Iron Roots

iron roots logo

While some activewear brands claim 80 percent sustainability, Iron Roots embarks on 100 percent sustainable products and processes. It’s plastic-free all-organic athletic apparel that will not only make you feel good but also make you feel better about wearing Mother Nature-friendly apparel. Founded in 2018 by Dutch friends, the founders combined functionality, design, and sustainability in beautiful sportswear. They were both fed up with how the market manufactures most apparel from unsustainable materials. The brand uses non-plastic materials and unique plastic-based apparel like polyester. It’s a breathable and comfortable activewear that will help you achieve your fitness goals!

2. Girlfriend Collective

girlfriend collective logo

Girlfriend Collective is a Seattle-based brand making waves in the sustainable activewear niche in 2024. They are famous for their sports bras, trendy gym tops, leggings, and more! But the best part is the teams behind this brand are tree huggers, prioritizing recycled materials for their apparel. From fabric scraps to water bottles and fishing nets, you know you’re working out and helping the brand’s mission. The brand also uses eco-friendly dyes to color its clothes while managing wastewater responsibly. They created the ReGirlfriend program to prevent textiles from being in landfills!

3. Patagonia

patagonia logo

Every outdoorsperson has heard of the famous brand Patagonia. The company has set a gold standard for sustainable apparel and manufacturing. Recently, the popular activewear brand has revamped its ownership structure to ensure it allocates a budget for environmental initiatives. The brand not only outsources sustainable materials and works with eco-conscious factories, but it is also transparent about it.

4. Groceries Apparel

groceries apparel logo

Groceries Apparel is another sustainable activewear brand that focuses on upcycled food waste without needing third-party people or factories. They manufacture their activewear themselves through non-toxic and locally sourced materials. Who would’ve thought another person’s food waste could be a gym rat’s workout clothes? They manufacture all their products in their Los Angeles factory, making them a 100 percent self-sufficient brand!

5. Move by Mate

move by mate logo

Move by Mate knows that conventional cotton, a material used by most apparel brands, is detrimental to the environment due to its pesticide use, heavy farming, and excessive water consumption. Move by Mate is also one of the sustainable activewear brands that uses organic cotton instead of traditional cotton, keeping the soil healthy. They claim that organic soil is also more breathable.

6. Wolven

wolven logo

If leggings are your workout go-to, then you must check out Wolven. It’s a brand that produces recycled sexy leggings for your exercise routines. Wolven is also deemed Lululemon’s competitor due to its elegant designs in multiple muted colors. Wolven leggings are made of 84 percent recycled PET or plastic bottles. The brand’s recycled materials are also Global Recycled Standard-certified. When you buy Wolven leggings, you’re guaranteed they are free of uncomfortable, harmful chemicals. 

7. Reformation

reformation logo

You can be sure this brand is one of the most mainstream activewear brands that doesn’t take eco-consciousness lightly. Reformation boasts multiple eco-friendly initiatives, and they will not stop anytime soon. For one, they have a RefRecycling program, encouraging customers to drop off their used Reformation products in exchange for store credits. Moreover, Reformation also partners with many eco-conscious organizations like Bluesign. They also have a FactoryForward to ensure their suppliers become the best at what they do. 

8. Gngr Bees

gngr bees logo

Founded in 2019, the owner, Natalia Grisard, was inspired to create Gngr Bees by her love for wildlife. She claims this brand is “driven by purpose and not by profit.” The brand’s apparel is made from discarded products. The company has reclaimed over 45,000 plastic bottles and over 4,000 kilograms of fishing nets. Gngr Bees also partners with Azizi Life and Beach Collective to plant mangroves and recycle ocean-bound plastic. 

9. The North Face

north face logo

The North Face has a long history of embracing eco-friendly products, initiatives, and commitments ever since. They are committed to prioritizing nature through science-based and actionable goal-setting. The North Face ensures all their materials are 100 percent recyclable and responsibly sourced. They created the North Face Renewed program that focuses on circularity by giving used gear a second life. This way, they are given a chance before users toss them into a landfill. 

10. Tentree

tentree logo

Tentree is a Vancouver-based brand that believes in the power of tree planting. Its name is embedded in its company vision to plant ten trees in exchange for every item purchased. The company centers its practices on environmentally friendly ways, which they call the “earth-first approach.” This focuses on safe and fair working conditions for all employees and prioritizes sustainable and recycled materials for their products. Some of these materials are Tencel lyocell, Repreve polyester, and more. They created the Climate+ Initiative, which lets customers prevent carbon emissions by buying a pack of trees. 

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