Hatchling Plan
The HostGator Hatchling Plan is the go‑to option if you are at the beginning of your journey of running a website. This beginner‑friendly shared hosting plan supports hosting for a single website name instead of unlimited websites, making it ideal for new website owners. Like the Baby and Business plans, the Hatchling Plan includes several essential HostGator features needed to get a website up and running quickly.
Below is a list of features included with the HostGator Hatchling shared hosting plan:
- Free Domain ⤵
- Free SSL Certificate ⤵
- WordPress/Website Migration ⤵
- Unmetered Bandwidth ⤵
- Additional Resources ⤵
For more information about the Shared Hosting plan's features and current introductory rates, please check the HostGator Shared Hosting front-of-site.
Free Domain
HostGator offers free domain registration for newly purchased Shared Hosting plans. You can choose one free domain on a 12‑month or longer billing cycle. After the first year, the domain renews at the regular annual rate. This makes the Hatchling Plan a cost‑effective option for users seeking affordable web hosting with built‑in domain management.
Free SSL Certificate
All HostGator Shared Hosting packages include a free SSL certificate, which ensures your website is secure by encrypting data between the server and your visitors. Your domain and subdomains will display a secure padlock icon in the browser—an important trust signal for users and search engines.
You can upgrade to a Premium SSL certificate for enhanced features. To order a Premium SSL, please refer to the Customer Portal instructions in the article below:
WordPress/Website Migration
HostGator provides free WordPress and website migration, making it easier for new users to transfer their existing site. You can request a migration through your Customer Portal and receive updates directly from HostGator’s migration team. For more details, see:
Unmetered Bandwidth
The Hatchling Plan includes unmetered bandwidth, meaning there are no strict limits based on disk space or data transfer. This is ideal for new or small business websites. The HostGator Terms of Service require that resources be used for the normal operation of a personal or small business website.
Additional Resources
When you are ready to upgrade your hosting, follow the steps outlined in the How Do I Upgrade My Account to a Better Plan? article. You can also explore the following resources to learn more about different HostGator shared hosting plans: