I noticed a RealtyBlogs ad here on AR and couldn't help want to go take a peek. Here's my quick review of what they're offering:
For $99 setup fee and $20 per month they will install a Wordpress blog for you the domain name of your choice. The $99 setup doesn't sound like a bad deal because no matter how you slice it, it takes at least an hour to
get WP installed, categories configured... new template installed.
Their monthly fee of $20 could be reasonable as it includes hosting and support but they also imply it's not just Wordpress that you're getting:
"The RealtyBlogs solution is built upon the coding structure and system of the highly acclaimed and used WordPress semantic publishing platform. This solution is perfectly integrated with the Content Management System that WordPress provides"
If it's "built upon" WordPress, then you're getting something in addition to WordPress, which they don't make clear. But, if it's WordPress, what else would you need? To make a post in a plain-jane off-the-shelf WordPress
site you're looking at
1. Login
2. Click Write a Post
3. Enter a Title and the Post (these words you’re reading now)
4. Select a Category
5. Click Publish
6. Click Sign Out
I timed it... it took six clicks and about one minute.
So that leaves me curious. How can this be made any easier? In fact, if they've created another way to do this, then it's potentially a negative if having full control over your domain is important. (If they've built another way to do this, then moving somewhere else means a new learning curve)
On $20 per Month
RealtyBlogs is part of Dreamhost which seems to be a reliable hosting company as they've been around for a long time. If you purchase just a straight hosting package from them, it's ~$10/month with no setup fee. That's reasonable, but not in the ultra cheap category which is all you need to run WordPress, (e.g., cheapo starter account) Here are some other hosting options that are WP-friendly.
Summary
RealtyBlogs is offering to install WordPress for $99 and host it for $20. They should make it more clear what that includes and how their "solution" changes the WordPress experience.
The only site they show in their portfolio (Showcase) is one from Cynthia Vassaur but it appears she's using WordPress as her base website, not something I recommend. A blog should be something outside your base website. Two major reasons for this:
1. You don't want the public posting comments on what should be your presentation to potential clients.
2. I've seen some use WordPress as their base site, and then have no comments -- which makes it look like nobody cares enough to post.
RealtyBlogs might be a good deal but only if you can get help when you need it. $20/month is a tiny amount IF they will answer the phone when you call, return emails and help you when something does go wrong. I was going to call them to ask about their support policy, but they didn't publish a phone number (or even a city/state from which they operate) something they should add to heighten their sense of customer service.
One more thing: They offer to purchase the domain name for you. Don't do that. Buy your own domains, keep them all at one registrar. e.g., GoDaddy.com Trust me, it will save you time/headaches down the road.
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