Back when browsers didn't flag HTTP sites as "not secure," the cheapest hosting plan available (that I knew of) cost either $1 per month for monthly payments or $10 per year for an annual commitment.

Nowadays, where can one find reliable "just hosting" that comes with HTTPS? Let's compare prices for the most affordable plans and share referral links to make things more interesting.

It's funny to think that more than 10 years ago, hosting could be found for just $0.1 a month. Back then, even $0.1 was valuable, and now it's hard to even find a pack of cigаrettes for that amount. Those were the days of indexing low-quality websites on Google and making a profit of $0.3 a day - epic times indeed.

I have a feeling that VPS/VDS hosting is currently more affordable than traditional shared hosting.

I personally use https://cpsfix.iphoster, which costs only $1 and has great support.

An American web hosting provider called TMD Hosting was established in 2006 with a focus on open source hosting. They now offer a variety of hosting solutions including shared, cloud, WordPress, and VPS hosting.

Their data centers can be found in major cities across the United States (Phoenix and Chicago), Europe (London, Amsterdam), Asia (Tokyo, Singapore), and Australia (Sydney). Despite providing an extensive range of hosting features, TMDHosting falls short in some areas where it is expected to meet certain standards.

Finding reliable hosting that offers HTTPS at an affordable price is essential for maintaining a professional online presence.

One hosting provider that I have found to be a great option is Bluehost. They offer affordable shared hosting plans that include a free SSL certificate, providing the HTTPS security protocol for websites. Their basic plan starts at $2.95 per month for the initial term, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious clients. Additionally, Bluehost's user-friendly interface and customer support make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced website owners.

Another option to consider is SiteGround, which also provides HTTPS as part of their hosting packages. Their StartUp plan starts at $6.99 per month for the initial term and includes a free SSL certificate. SiteGround is known for its top-notch customer service and strong emphasis on website security, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals seeking a secure hosting solution.

It's important to remember that while cost is certainly a factor, reliability, security, and customer support should also be taken into consideration when choosing a hosting provider. It's always a good idea to thoroughly research and compare different hosting options to ensure the best fit for your specific needs.

Referral links can indeed add an interesting incentive for both the referrer and the referred party. Some hosting providers offer referral programs that provide rewards for successful referrals, such as account credits or discounts on future services. When sharing referral links, transparency and honesty about the benefits involved are crucial to maintaining trust and integrity with clients and peers in the industry.

Looking back at the days when hosting could be found for just a few dollars a month, it's clear that the evolution of the internet has brought about significant changes in both the cost and expectations of web hosting services. As technology continues to advance, our focus should remain on providing secure, reliable, and cost-effective solutions for our clients' online needs.

Most hosting companies utilize Let's Encrypt or similar free SSL providers. This allows them to offer budget-friendly hosting plans, sometimes as low as $5-$10 per year.