Why You Shouldn’t Use Big Hosting Providers for OpenCart Hosting (GoDaddy, SiteGround, 123 Reg etc.)

Posted by JackBudd on November 1, 2024

When choosing a hosting provider for your OpenCart website, there are countless options available, from well-known brands like GoDaddy, SiteGround, 123 Reg, and 20i, to more specialised providers like ourselves. It’s easy to be drawn to the big providers with promises of low prices and plenty of server resources. However, when it comes to hosting a dynamic and complex ecommerce platform like OpenCart, you may end up regretting going with these big names.

Let’s break down why the more generic hosting options often fall short:

1. Lack of OpenCart Expertise

GoDaddy, SiteGround, and similar hosting providers may offer a range of hosting solutions, but they rarely focus on any specific platform, let alone OpenCart. OpenCart has unique performance, security, and optimisation needs. Without an in-depth knowledge of OpenCart's architecture, big hosting providers often leave users hanging when issues arise, unable to provide the precise solutions necessary.

In contrast, at Antropy we specialise in OpenCart hosting and understand the platform inside and out. We don’t just host your OpenCart site; we provide comprehensive support, from initial setup to troubleshooting performance issues. This expertise is what makes us unique: we know what OpenCart requires to run smoothly and reliably.

2. Big Providers Shift Responsibility

If you’ve ever experienced an issue with a big hosting provider, you may have noticed how they often avoid taking full responsibility. Performance or downtime issues frequently result in finger-pointing between their support team and your developers, which can be incredibly frustrating and time consuming. With large providers, it’s common to feel like you’re just another account number, without anyone really committed to the success of your website.

Antropy, on the other hand, takes full responsibility for the performance of your OpenCart website. When you host with us, you’re not dealing with a faceless company or endless support tiers - you’re working directly with people who understand OpenCart and are invested in keeping your site running smoothly. If there’s a server issue, we tackle it head-on, saving you the frustration of being bounced between support teams.

3. Slow and Unresponsive Support

One of the most common complaints about large hosting providers is the lack of responsive support. Especially with budget-friendly plans, customers may experience long wait times, low-quality responses, or a lack of helpful action altogether. When your OpenCart store is experiencing problems, whether it’s downtime, slow load times, or security issues, you need immediate and effective support.

We, on the other hand, are dedicated to delivering fast, knowledgeable, and reliable support for OpenCart stores. Unlike generic support teams that may not understand OpenCart’s technical nuances, our team is trained specifically to address OpenCart-specific issues. We know that when it comes to ecommerce, time is money. That’s why we’re committed to fast resolutions that keep your business moving forward.

4. Generic Servers and Limited Customisation

Big hosting companies often place thousands of websites on the same servers and restrict customisation options, which can lead to performance bottlenecks and limit the potential for optimising your OpenCart site. When hosting providers treat all platforms the same, they don’t accommodate the particular demands of OpenCart. This can cause your website to slow down or even crash, especially during peak traffic times, leading to missed sales and a negative customer experience.

5. Security Vulnerabilities and Limited Monitoring

Security is paramount for any ecommerce website. Large hosting providers may claim they offer security solutions, but because they cater to a variety of platforms, they may miss critical OpenCart-specific vulnerabilities. Without close monitoring and an in-depth understanding of OpenCart, these providers may leave your site exposed to hacking attempts or data breaches.

6. Low-Cost Providers Are Often a False Economy

Providers like GoDaddy, SiteGround, and 123 Reg may seem appealing due to their low costs, but you often get what you pay for. These companies are typically focused on scaling up their customer base, often at the expense of quality. Low-cost hosting can lead to slow loading times, frequent downtime, and unreliable support.

Hosting your OpenCart store with Antropy is more than just hosting; it’s partnering with a team that understands your platform and your business. We take the guesswork out of hosting, and we’re there to ensure your website runs smoothly, securely, and reliably.

Don’t let your business be treated as just another number by big, faceless providers. Choose a hosting provider that prioritises your success and specialises in OpenCart.