Network Solutions: Building Secure & Professional Websites

At a Glance

Network Solutions, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, holds a unique place in internet history as the world’s first web registrar. Founded in 1979 as a technology consulting firm in Washington, DC, the company has since evolved into a leader in digital infrastructure services and website building. Over the decades, they have focused on delivering secure and reliable solutions for businesses of all sizes. While their roots lie in pioneering the web, their mission now extends to offering cutting-edge services and exceptional customer support to digital leaders worldwide. As part of Newfold Digital, a global web presence provider formed in 2021, Network Solutions benefits from the combined strength of sister brands like Bluehost, HostGator, and Web.com, serving nearly seven million customers with comprehensive digital solutions and personalized support.

Save 20% on Your Site Security Today!

Features

Free domain: When you sign up for one of Network Solutions' annual website plans, you receive a free domain name for the first year. This includes popular domain extensions such as .com, .net, .org, and more. After the first year, domains renew at a standard rate depending on the extension.

SSL certificate: Network Solutions offers a free SSL certificate for the first month. This certificate provides encryption to ensure secure communication between the website and its users, an essential feature for data protection and building customer trust, especially for eCommerce websites.

24/7 support: They offer 24/7 customer support through live chat and email. This ensures that help is always available, especially for businesses that require immediate troubleshooting to avoid downtime.

Social media and email marketing: The platform integrates social media and email marketing tools, allowing users to manage both from their website dashboard. This helps businesses effectively promote themselves by syncing social media posts, running email campaigns, and tracking performance.

Website analytics: This feature provides detailed insights into traffic, user behavior, and website performance. This helps businesses make data-driven decisions and optimize their content based on visitor interactions.

Appointment scheduling: Network Solutions includes a built-in appointment scheduling tool that is ideal for service-based businesses. This feature allows customers to book appointments through the website, simplifying the scheduling process for businesses and their clients.

Pricing & Plans

Website plan

The Website plan starts at $4.95/month and provides a comprehensive starter package. It includes an easy-to-use website builder, a free domain with privacy for one year, three months of professional email, and one month of SSL certificate for security. Additionally, you get one hour of expert design support to help set up your site efficiently.

Website + Marketing plan

For $7.95/month, the Website + Marketing plan expands on the previous tier by adding online marketing tools. These include appointment scheduling, social and email marketing capabilities, and an AI-powered copywriting tool to help you create engaging content. These features make it ideal for businesses that want to drive more traffic and interaction.

Online Store plan

Priced at $9.95/month, the Online Store plan builds upon the Website + Marketing Plan, adding essential eCommerce features. You can now sell products and services directly through your website, with support for selling on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram. It’s perfect for businesses looking to establish an online store with integrated social selling options.

Online Marketplaces plan

The Online Marketplaces plan is their most advanced tier at $19.95/month. It includes everything from the previous plans, with the added ability to sell on major online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, and Etsy. This plan is suited for businesses looking to expand their sales across multiple channels, offering powerful integration to maximize visibility and sales opportunities.

Save 20% on Your Site Security Today!

Pros

Robust image library

Network Solutions provides access to an extensive image library, making it easy for users to find and integrate professional-quality images into their websites. This feature is especially useful for users who may not have their own photos and want to enhance the visual appeal of their site quickly.

Free SiteLock Premium for the first month

With the inclusion of SiteLock Premium for the first month, Network Solutions offers users strong security features, such as daily malware scanning and automatic malware removal. These features ensure that websites are protected from potential threats, enhancing security for both the site owner and visitors.

Hacking and DDoS protection

The Premium DNS feature strengthens protection against hackers and DDoS attacks, ensuring your website stays accessible during traffic surges for added peace of mind. Additionally, it includes a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block harmful traffic and enhance security.

AI copywriting tool

One of the standout features is the integrated AI copywriting tool, which assists users in generating website content quickly. This tool is particularly helpful for businesses that may not have the time or expertise to craft compelling copy, ensuring content creation is tailored to their needs.

Affordable pricing

Network Solutions provides competitively priced plans, making them an affordable option for small businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence. While there are different tiers of pricing, the base offerings allow users to get started with essential website features at a lower cost.

One-hour design support

For users needing help with initial setup, Network Solutions offers one hour of expert design support. This feature is valuable for those who want professional input without hiring a dedicated web designer, ensuring that their website is set up efficiently and correctly from the start.

Cons

Limited SSL certificate availability

While many web hosting providers offer free SSL certificates for an extended period or even permanently, Network Solutions only includes an SSL certificate for the first month. After this, users must pay for continued coverage, which may be an unexpected cost for those who assumed SSL was included for a longer period. This limitation can affect security costs, especially for small businesses needing secure transactions​.

Limited agent support hours

While Network Solutions offers 24/7 live chat support, agent availability is limited to weekdays from 8 AM to 11 PM EST. Outside these hours, a bot handles queries, which can be inconvenient for users needing immediate assistance during off-peak times.

Undisclosed storage and bandwidth

Network Solutions does not specify their website builder plans' storage and bandwidth limits. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for users to determine whether the plans will meet their needs, especially for businesses with growing websites that may require more resources as traffic increases​.

No free trial available

One notable downside of Network Solutions is the absence of a free trial. Unlike many other website builders that allow users to test their platform before committing, Network Solutions requires users to sign up for a paid plan upfront. This lack of a free trial could be a drawback for individuals and businesses who prefer to explore and experiment with features before making a financial commitment. 

Customer Reviews

Feedback on Network Solutions varies significantly. While Trustpilot rates them positively with a score of 4.4, reviews on G2 and BBB tell a different story, with much lower ratings of 1.8 and 1.02, respectively. Positive reviews generally praise Network Solutions for resolving technical issues efficiently, while negative feedback tends to focus on systemic issues like hidden fees and inadequate support.

Positive reviews

Positive reviews often highlight Network Solutions for their attentive support, with many customers mentioning specific agents who went above and beyond to resolve issues efficiently. One reviewer highlighted how a support agent patiently guided them through troubleshooting, resolving their concerns smoothly. Customers also expressed appreciation for the knowledgeable and friendly demeanor of the staff, with some even recommending them based on these experiences.

Negative reviews

On the other hand, negative reviews shed light on recurring issues that frustrated customers. Complaints about hidden charges, unexpected auto-renewals, and deceptive pricing practices are common. One reviewer was shocked by unexpected domain-related emails and claimed their websites and email accounts were at risk, suggesting possible negligence on Network Solutions' part. Another customer described their frustration with unexpected charges after canceling services, which was worsened by the company's refusal to issue refunds. Many users also voiced dissatisfaction with the outdated technology, clunky customer support systems, slow responses, and unresolved issues.

How Can I Contact Network Solutions?

To get in touch with Network Solutions for business consulting or product support, you can call their dedicated business consulting number at 855-834-8495, available Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 11 PM ET. Their live chat support is available 24/7, ensuring you can get assistance at any time. Network Solutions also provides a comprehensive help page with AI-driven support resources, offering articles, guides, and how-tos on topics such as account management, DNS records, email setup, and more. You can also stay connected with Network Solutions on their Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram pages, where they provide updates, helpful tips, and additional resources.

Conclusion

To sum up, Network Solutions delivers secure and reliable digital services through a feature-rich platform that includes a free domain for the first year, 24/7 support, SSL certificates, and built-in marketing tools tailored to small businesses and service-based enterprises. Pricing begins at $4.95 per month, with advanced options like eCommerce functionality and multi-channel sales integration. While the platform stands out for its affordability and extensive image library, it has some drawbacks, including limited SSL coverage, restricted agent support hours, and a lack of transparency around storage limits. Customer feedback is mixed, with praise for support countered by complaints about hidden fees and outdated technology. Overall, Network Solutions is a strong option for businesses prioritizing security and reliable support.

If you're looking to explore more options, be sure to check out our list of the top website builders to find the best platform for your needs. You can also use our comparison tool to easily weigh the pros and cons of each service. Lastly, visit our blog for insights and tips on creating a successful website!

Save 20% on Your Site Security Today!