Image via Lifehacker.com
GoDaddy recently called me regarding domain renewals. You see, one of my reserved urls was about to expire and a few others were approaching expiration. Like many bloggers, I typically keep a stable of one to two dozen urls on hold for current and future projects. I let the domain in question lapse. I almost renewed one for three years, but then asked the caller if I’d lose the money if I transferred the domain to another host. Of course I would, so I stuck with a one-year renewal and made a mental note to move it over to BlueHost, where I feed my domain habit and host my blogs, The Maker Mom and Reluctant Renovator.
Customer service dude asked why I’d transfer away from GoDaddy and I told him it’s because each year when GoDaddy releases their new Super Bowl ads with much fanfare, I’m reminded that their company doesn’t take women seriously. Year after year their commercials make it clear that I’m not their target demographic and I wonder why I give them my business. After all, they clearly don’t want it.
Two or three years ago, I started buying and hosting new domains elsewhere. (BlueHost, if you must know.) All my newer domains are with them, I just haven’t bothered moving my older ones, though I’ve let many lapse.
The GoDaddy guy was speechless. He tried to apologize, but hemmed and hawed and let out a nervous laugh or two. Dude had a conscience and could not deny the sexist, obnoxious commercials. But of course he’s powerless to do anything other than forward my note up the chain of command, which he said he would do.
He truly sounded embarrassed on behalf of his employer, but honestly, I’ve had the same conversation pretty much every time I’ve talked with someone from GoDaddy. On the flip side, each time I’m in touch with BlueHost, I tell them I’m willing to pay the higher fees because I refuse to engage GoDaddy for new business. Sure GoDaddy is cheap, but they also make me feel cheap and not in that frugal way.
When I posted a brief summary of my GoDaddy convo on Facebook, it turned out to be one of the most commented upon updates I’ve ever put out there, so I thought it was worth posting on my blog, too.
If you consider yourself a businesswoman, I urge you to leave GoDaddy.
Cross-posted with permission from Hormone-Colored Days, by Kim Moldofsky
I agree wholeheartedly. I left GoDaddy for BlueHost almost 2 years ago and have never looked back. I’ve been using BlueHost as I have slowly migrated all my domains over. I’ve experienced the difference in customer service. Wow!
GoDaddy’s “branding” just reinforces my decision to take my business elsewhere.
I agree! We have the power to communicate with these types of companies clearly, with out money!!!I am tired of talking to people who say how much they hate Go Daddy’s ads but then work with them. Ugh!!
I thought Danika was bad, but that slobbery kiss commercial was the last straw – I’m going with you.
I completely agree! I moved my domains away a long time ago due to those commercials and also the terrible customer service I was receiving. I’ll take it one step further and say that those commercials display the whole industry in a seedy light, I just wish they’d get some class.
Friends don’t let friends register with GoDaddy.
Have never used them. Don’t understand why any woman (or man) in social media still does, other than the fact that it’s a pain is the proverbial to move a domain. I use Westhost.com and LOVE them. Fab customer service. Have rescued me many times
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But to the point, we only have economic power when we take the time to exercise it.
That is great. I have thought about switching from Godaddy but have been hesitant because of the work involved. And the loss of money because they aren’t in sync. But tell me does Bluehost do ofsite domain/dns management for for sites hosted on another server? I use a VPS to host my websites.
Saying goodbye to Crapdaddy on the 24th. I can’t wait to be free of them!
Thank you, and Amen. I completed the transfer process today – went to Cheapname.com and had lots of helpful support from them in the process. I also wrote about it over on the blog!