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Website Review: Web Hosting Secrets Revealed

Web hosting is a topic that every single web developer as had to deal with, probably more often than they would like to. We've all been frustrated by shady hosts, different hosting plans and layouts, and not to mention transferring domain names. There are sites out on the web however, who are dedicated to reviewing and providing information about different web hosts. Today, we're going to have a look at one of these websites, WebHostingSecretsRevealed, and I am going to give my honest review of what I think about the website.

Review Structure

1. First general thoughts.
2. Design review
3. Content review
4. Screenshots and resources
5. Final thoughts

First thoughts

WebHostingSecretRevealed Screenshot

When I first heard the domain name of WebHostingSecretsRevealed, I mistakenly thought that it was probably some shady website selling an ebook of some sorts. I couldn't have been more mistaken.

First of all, WebHostingSecrets revealed isn't trying to sell you anything, which I found to be a welcome relief in the world of hosting websites. Secondly, I was surprised when I turned off AdBlockPlus for WHS. Unlike many of its competitors websites, WHS has virtually no ads to speak of, no ads cluttering the sidebar, and certainly no annoying flashing ads.

To add on to that, I really enjoyed the initial design and overall mood provided by the layout of the site. It uses a combination of calm browns and muted grays that make reading and browsing on the site super easy on the eyes.

Lastly, I noticed on the sidebar there were quite a few articles from their blog that seemed intriguing. When I looked at a few of them, I realize I already had them bookmarked from quite some time ago. I rarely come across hosting websites with actual helpful content, and must give a tip of the hat to WebHostingSecrets for taking the time to write articles that actually help people. For example, 10 must learn CSS tutorials and 43 ways to improve your blog are both articles that provide quality content to its users.

In addition, one of it's most popular articles happens to be one of the most helpful. If you're looking for a quick guide to different web hosts, check out Is this web host right for me? 10 must know points.

Design Review

I mentioned earlier that I really enjoy the design of WebHostingSecretRevealed. I'm a big fan of not overdoing things and keeping them simple. The color palette and layout really help to achieve a simple and readable look.

The text in the footer is slightly small and difficult to read, so that would be one of my critiscisms of the design. Another design critique I'd like to see fixed is the RSS button moved up and made much more viewable on the page, right now it is way 'below the fold' and not so easy to find. I keep track of a lot of websites and like to be able to add them to my reader and browse whenever I like.

On a more positive note, I absolutely love the 'boxiness' of the whole design. It reminds me very much of the style of all the TUTS sites out there (nettuts, psdtuts etc), with it's sharp edges and attention to detail. Overall, I would have to rate te design at least an 8/10. A job very well done.

Content Overview

WHS Article Screenshot

Before we can go through the review of the sites content, we need to establish the purpose of the site and how relevant the content is to the purpose. The main purpose of the site is to provide users with information, good buys, and data on the different popular web hosts around the net.

I think this is an area where WHSR gets it right compared to a lot of other similar websites. The first thing one sees when loading the page is an easy to read table of some popular web hosts, their rating, and the link to the reviews where you can learn more. Doesn't get more simple than that.

On the same note, it would be nice if the table wasn't in such a generic review format. What do I mean by that? Well, it seems that a lot of companies take this hosting layout route with a table because it is very easy to read. I agree, it is easy to read, but it also a bit boring. Perhaps, the guys at WHS could use some custom icons or graphics to really spice up the effect of that main table.

In addition, WHS contains a blog and article list full of article that I actually want to read. I've listed some of my favorite articles above. One can really tell how much effort and time has gone into a websites article, and with WHS, the articles are well written and well researched. Hell, even if I wasn't looking for a hosting review, I would gladlu read the web development related articles.

Screenshots and Resources

Table Screenshot

WHS Article Screenshot

Host Review Screenshot

• WebHostingSecretRevealed
• Is this web host right for me?
• 10 CSS Tutorials That Will Make Your Website Instantly Look Cool

Final Thoughts

I really do think that WebHostingSecretRevealed is one of the few web hosting review companies that is doing it the right way. Minimal ads, no spam, helpful blog content, easy to find reviews, and a lovely design. You can't really ask for much more.

Though I usually don't need too much advice when it comes to web host I will be using and do recommend WebHostingSecretRevealed if you are in need of quality reviews without the crap.

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