About Website Rating

Welcome to Website Rating! Our mission is to help you build, expand, scale, and monetize your online business without spending weeks researching the best tools and services. We have done that for you!

Our Mission: Your Online Success

WebsiteRating.com empowers individuals and small businesses to thrive online. We provide free resources, expert reviews, and guides to help you launch, run, and grow using the best online tools.

Read our editorial policy

Our Values: Trustworthy Experience

Why trust us? We're entrepreneurs who've been in your shoes. This isn't our first rodeo. We understand your challenges and provide honest, practical guidance based on real-world experience. Your being here proves our expertise.

Read our review process

Our Business Model: Reader-Supported, Transparent

We're 100% reader-supported, funded by affiliate links. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. This keeps our resources free. We believe in transparency.

Read our affiliate link disclosure

Our Story: From 9-to-5 Grind to Empowering Others

Website Rating with Team
Website Rating Team
Mathias Presenting

It all started with a leap of faith. I, Mathias, was stuck in the soul-crushing routine of a 9-to-5 job, feeling that constant tug of this can't be it, there has to be more.

I'd spent years building websites and online businesses on the side, learning the hard way – through trial and error, late nights, and countless cups of coffee – what worked and what definitely didn't.

I saw so many friends and colleagues struggling with the same challenges: overwhelmed by the sheer number of online tools, confused by conflicting advice, and wasting precious time and money on services that just didn't deliver

That's when the idea for the Website Rating website was born. I quit my job, not to escape the 9-to-5, but to pursue a passion: to help others navigate the often-murky waters of online business and avoid the pitfalls I'd encountered. I wanted to create a resource I wish I'd had when I was starting out – a place where people could find honest, unbiased reviews and practical guidance, all in one place.

So, how do we do it? We test and review the most popular and promising web services and software tools. We dive deep, analyzing everything from pricing and features to security and ease of use. We're not afraid to get our hands dirty, spending hours (sometimes days!) exploring every nook and cranny of a product. We're like the detectives of the online world, uncovering the truth behind the marketing hype

We're a team of experienced (and, yes, sometimes stubbornly pedantic) professionals who've been around the block. We're not just reviewers; we're entrepreneurs, developers, and marketers who've built successful businesses ourselves. We know what it takes to succeed online, and we're fiercely committed to sharing that knowledge. Our core principles are simple:

Authenticity. No fluff, no sugarcoating. We tell it like it is, even if it means calling out flaws in popular products.

Precision. We leave no stone unturned. We scrutinize every detail, every feature, every line of fine print.

Objectivity. Our reviews are 100% independent. Nobody can pay us for a positive review. Our loyalty is to you, the reader.

Professionalism. We bring real-world experience and expertise to every review.

Our work has been recognized by publications like AOL, Yahoo, GoDaddy, HostGator, Nasdaq, Shopify, Canva, and the WSJ. But our biggest reward is seeing the success of the individuals and businesses we help.

Our goal is simple: to make your online journey easier, more efficient, and ultimately, more successful. We do the hard work of researching and reviewing, so you can focus on what matters most: building your dream.

About the Founder of Website Rating

Mathias Ahlgren

Mathias Ahlgren

Short Version

Mathias Ahlgren is the CEO and founder of Website Rating, where he leads a global team of editors and writers. With over 15 years of experience in SEO, digital marketing, and web development, Mathias has worked with top Australian brands. He holds a master's degree in information science and management from Uppsala University and is also certified in Cyber Security, reflecting his commitment to website security

Full Story

Let's get personal. I'm Mathias Ahlgren, the founder of Website Rating. This site is the culmination of years of experience, a passion for the web, and a desire to help others succeed online Twenty years ago, a leap of faith (and love!) brought me to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. I followed the love of my life, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. Two daughters and a border collie later, I'm still here, and still grateful for that choice. My journey into the digital world began during my studies at Uppsala University, where I earned a master's degree in information science and management. One particular assignment – building websites from scratch using HTML, PHP, and CSS, and later with CMS platforms like WordPress – sparked a lifelong interest. I remember spending hours crafting this one particular website for a local pizza shop. I was so proud of the design, the layout, the (admittedly very basic) online ordering system I'd cobbled together. I showed it to all my friends and family. But then... crickets Nobody visited. It was a ghost town. That's when the lightbulb went on: building a beautiful website is useless if nobody can find it. That frustrating experience was my first real lesson in the importance of SEO, and it set me on the path I'm on today. Over the past 15+ years, I've honed my skills in SEO, digital marketing, web development, and project management, working with some of Australia's biggest brands, including Australia Post, Myer, and Jetstar. This experience has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to build and grow a successful online presence Beyond the marketing side, I've also developed a strong interest in website security, leading me to obtain a certificate in Cyber Security. Protecting online assets is crucial, and it's an area I'm passionate about. The values that guide me in life – flexibility, a focus on goals, objectivity, and above all, honesty – are the same values that underpin Website Rating. I believe in providing unbiased, practical advice, and I'm committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the online world. This website is more than just a business to me; it's a way to share what I've learned and help others achieve their own online dreams – and hopefully, avoid that "ghost town" feeling I experienced with my first website!

Professional Certifications

The Team Behind Website Rating

Meet the talented individuals – writers, editors, and researchers – who work hard to bring you the best online business resources.

Lindsay Liedke

Lindsay Liedke

Chief Content Editor

Lindsay is the Chief Editor at Website Rating, and plays a pivotal role in shaping the site's content. She leads a dedicated team of editors and technical writers, focusing on areas such as productivity, online learning, and AI writing. Her expertise ensures the delivery of insightful and authoritative content in these evolving fields.

Ibad Rehman

Ibad Rehman

Technical Lead Writer

Ibad is a technical writer at Website Rating and has worked at Cloudways and Convesio specializes in web hosting. His articles focus on educating readers about WordPress hosting and VPS, offering in-depth insights and analysis in these technical areas. His work aims to guide users through the complexities of web hosting solutions.

Mohit Gangrade

Mohit Gangrade

Managing Editor

Mohit is the Managing Editor at Website Rating, leveraging his expertise in digital platforms and lifestyles. His work primarily revolves around topics like website builders, WordPress, and the digital nomad lifestyle, providing readers with insightful and practical guidance in these areas.

Ahsan Zafeer

Ahsan Zafeer

Content Writer

Ahsan is a writer at Website Rating and covers a broad spectrum of modern technology topics. His articles delve into SaaS, digital marketing, SEO, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, offering readers comprehensive insights and updates on these rapidly evolving fields.

Shimon Brathwaite

Shimon Brathwaite

Content Writer

Shimon is a seasoned cybersecurity professional and published author of Cybersecurity Law: Protect Yourself and Your Customers, and a writer at Website Rating, primarily focusing on topics related to cloud storage and backup solutions. His expertise extends to VPNs and password managers, where he offers valuable insights and thorough research to guide readers through these essential cybersecurity tools.

Nathan House

Nathan House

Content Writer

Nathan is the founder and CEO of StationX with a remarkable 25 years in cybersecurity, contributing his vast knowledge to Website Rating as a writer. His focus encompasses a wide range of topics, including cybersecurity, VPNs, password managers, and antivirus and antimalware solutions, offering readers expert insights into these essential areas of digital security.

How We Fund This Website (and Keep it Ad-Free!)

We believe in transparency, so we want to be upfront about how this website is funded. We're supported by our readers, yes that's you! When you find a service or product you love through our reviews and sign up using our links, we may earn a small commission.

This revenue model is called affiliate marketing, and you can learn more about how it works on the FTC.gov website.

Why do we use affiliate links? Firstly, Because we're a business. Like any business, we need to cover our operating costs. Affiliate commissions help us do that. Secondly, we hate banner ads. We're committed to providing a clean, enjoyable browsing experience, free from intrusive banner ads. Affiliate links allow us to keep the site ad-free

Read our affiliate disclosure page

Does this affect our ratings and reviews?

Absolutely not. Our reviews and ratings are always based on our honest experience and independent research. Brands cannot pay us for positive reviews, and our affiliate partnerships never influence our opinions. Our commitment is to provide you with unbiased, trustworthy information.

Why are we telling you all this

Because we believe in transparency and honesty on the internet. We want you to know exactly how we operate and feel confident in the information we provide. We are committed to providing you with the best information possible, so you can make informed decisions about what to buy or where to go.

Does this mean you pay more?

Not at all! In fact, it's often the opposite. We work hard to negotiate exclusive deals and discounts with our affiliate partners, so you often get a better price by using our links. It's a win-win-win: you get a great deal, the company gets a new customer, and we can keep this website running.

Charities We Support

At Website Rating, we're more than just a small business providing reviews about software. We started this journey because we believe in the power of entrepreneurship to change lives. We've seen firsthand how a small spark of an idea, combined with the right support, can grow into something truly impactful. That's why, from day one, we knew we wanted to give back and help others achieve their dreams, especially those facing significant hurdles.

Kiva Logo
Givit Logo

We understand that small businesses, particularly in developing countries, face enormous challenges in accessing the funding they need to thrive. That's why we've partnered with Kiva, a non-profit organization that connects lenders with low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses in over 77 countries. We were drawn to Kiva's unique approach of empowering individuals through micro-lending, creating sustainable change rather than simply providing handouts.

Since 2020, we've helped fund over 50 entrepreneurs through Kiva, contributing a portion of our monthly profits to support their incredible work. We're particularly inspired by women-led small businesses in Africa, who are using these loans to build businesses, support their families, and uplift their communities.

As a family-oriented business, we also feel a deep responsibility to support those affected by domestic violence and family abuse. We believe everyone deserves to feel safe and secure, and we're committed to helping eradicate violence against women and children. That's why we've chosen to partner with Givit, an Australian non-profit that connects those who have with those who need, ensuring that donations go directly to providing essential items and support.

We admire Givit's commitment to providing practical, needs-based assistance, ensuring that every contribution makes a tangible difference, and we are proud that our support has helped provide essential supplies, emergency housing, and other crucial support to families escaping domestic violence. Learn more about Givit.

We're proud of the small part we play in creating a more equitable and compassionate world. By supporting both entrepreneurs abroad and families in need closer to home, we can contribute to a brighter future for everyone.

Contact Us

If you have a question or feedback to give us, then go ahead and contact us. We're also on social media, so we'd love to hear from you on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

PO Box 899, Shop 10/314-326 David Low Way,
Bli Bli, 4560, Sunshine Coast
Queensland, Australia