Hi im thinking of starting up as a web host
Im just designing my site and then im gonna get rackshacked up :D

It takes a while for search engines to pick up on new web sites
And i would expect to find it hard to get noticed with all the other hosts listed
So how can i promote this new venture ?

Without paying a fortune on advetising !!

this question has been posted 8 thousand times, please take the time to search around the forums.

Originally posted by coolblue
Hi im thinking of starting up as a web host
Im just designing my site and then im gonna get rackshacked up :D

It takes a while for search engines to pick up on new web sites
And i would expect to find it hard to get noticed with all the other hosts listed
So how can i promote this new venture ?

Without paying a fortune on advetising !!

By doing a lot of tiring, boring leg work....

hostdirs.com... submit your firm with everyone of them one by one...

Good Luck ! :)

Tam

Originally posted by flamesburn
this question has been posted 8 thousand times, please take the time to search around the forums. I'd have to agree with flamesburn and suggest that you search through existing threads regarding this issue. Many of of those threads include highly informative responses that would only take you a couple of seconds to access.

Otherwise, all we'd really be doing is reposting old information.

this question has been posted 8 thousand times, please take the time to search around the forums.
Are you a moderator or do you just enjoy telling other members how to use the site ?

Why reinvent the wheel :D

People just generally don't like to tell where they're getting customers, especially to competitors, because they realize that it increases the possibility that they'll find more competition moving into their fertile areas.

Word of mouth, baby, word of mouth

People just generally don't like to tell where they're getting customers, especially to competitors, because they realize that it increases the possibility that they'll find more competition moving into their fertile areas.

Dont worry
I will find them and when i do i will be reeling them in faster than Rex Hunt :D :D :D

Word of mouth has been #1 with us, keep your customers satisfied, but I don't think you can rely on it alone until you're fairly sizable. We've partnered up with the a PC shop that does a lot of B2B business, we got some nice full color brochures done up and on their counter (Printing is cheaper than you think, try Staples!) and we'll see how they do. The best way to grow is with a lot of hard work, both in first making sure your customers are happy, and second making other potential customers aware you're there.

Cheers,

Matt
_________________________
http://www.DynamicHosting.Biz
sales@dynamichosting.ca
Phone: 1-866-567-8464

Word of mouth
More Word of mouth
Direct Selling

Search engines will bring you a bit but don't expect the earth. We are #1 for the big hosting terms in the UK and it doesn't make a huge difference

you will need to sleep, eat and live at webhostingtalk forum. hehehe

Originally posted by VNPIXEL
you will need to sleep, eat and live at webhostingtalk forum.Scary, yet true. :D

dont forget fkcu . . . lol

Originally posted by VNPIXEL
you will need to sleep, eat and live at webhostingtalk forum. hehehe

you will need to sleep, eat and live at webhostingtalk forum. hehehe

I think your right
Everytime i come on here i realise my web hosting idea is getting more complicated
I cant buy from rackshack because im not advanced enough to manage a server
And ive just read a thread that says you need to have some experience to use a managed one too :angry:

Looks like im going to have a few unhappy paying customers untill i get the hang of it
:D

Well, you can get a server from rackshack and look to someone to help you manage it. There are many companies/people out there that will make sure things are running ok for about $50US/month or so. Check the job offers and requests forum in relation to that.

Man are there ever a lot of hosting directories! I just got signed up with FindMyHosting.com and have applied with FindMyHost.com. Looks like I've got a lot more work ahead of me. :D

http://directory.google.com/Top/Computers/Internet/Web_Design_and_Development/Hosting/Directories/?il=1

The problem with hosting directories is that they're literally packed with competition. So unless you have very good prices or offer some rare features, it's hard to get noticed.

nacs-

That's correct... which is why Hosting Directories are only one part of my plan. :) I figure I'll get registered in a few right now then concentrate on more marketing. Marketing for me involves partnerships with local B2B computer consultants, Direct Mail and simply pounding the street to get the word out.

But, as always, I'm open to new ideas, so if anyone has one bring it on!

I cant buy from rackshack because im not advanced enough to manage a server. And ive just read a thread that says you need to have some experience to use a managed one too
Looks like im going to have a few unhappy paying customers untill i get the hang of it

No offense, but don't you think you should know what you are doing BEFORE you go into business for yourself? A lot of people who MIGHT consider hosting with you have BUSINESS websites. That means if you screw up, THEIR business suffers, they lose emails, orders, customers, etc - it might not mean much to you, but a lot of business owners have their house and everything else they own tied up in their business. When you mess them up, your screwing around with people's livelihoods.

Am I the only one who finds your attitude appalling? At least only host small hobby sites or host for free until you "get the hang of it".

or start up as reseller first. That way, you can get support for your client and yourself. Learn from it then go out on your own.

No offense, but don't you think you should know what you are doing BEFORE you go into business for yourself? A lot of people who MIGHT consider hosting with you have BUSINESS websites. That means if you screw up, THEIR business suffers, they lose emails, orders, customers, etc - it might not mean much to you, but a lot of business owners have their house and everything else they own tied up in their business. When you mess them up, your screwing around with people's livelihoods.

Sorry but i cant see how im going to learn how to use a server untill i buy one
And i cant see how im going to pay the monthly charges without paying customers

Anyway ive had nothing but problems with hosting companies over the last few years
One more cowboy wouldnt do the industry any harm :D

Originally posted by coolblue
Sorry but i cant see how im going to learn how to use a server untill i buy one

Or you can play with one at home.

Anyway ive had nothing but problems with hosting companies over the last few years
One more cowboy wouldnt do the industry any harm :D

:rolleyes:
Have you every thought about why so many customers have problems with hosts? And why do you want to be next host of this type?

Originally posted by VNPIXEL
you will need to sleep, eat and live at webhostingtalk forum. hehehe

I havent got one customer form here because I don't look, but maybe that's why I only have 150 clients :eek:

Originally posted by coolblue
Sorry but i cant see how im going to learn how to use a server untill i buy one
And i cant see how im going to pay the monthly charges without paying customers

Anyway ive had nothing but problems with hosting companies over the last few years
One more cowboy wouldnt do the industry any harm :D

I don't think you'll see it as a learning curb when you have 100 customers breathing down your neck via the phone / IM & email on a Saturday Night.

Become a reseller (It's cheaper), and learn from there.

Or you can play with one at home.

How do i do that ?

INVEST :)

I invest a lot. I always heard that "money makes money". The best way to advertise is actually to pay for it.

Get a good looking web site and read everything you write before you put it online. Imo and I am always defending this, the web site is the most important thing in marketing. Even if you have a good ad, if a customer clicks and see an ugly and poor web site, your potential customer will close your window :rolleyes:

NO NEED TO SLEEP HERE. lol Just 2 hours a day here is enough to bring some customers if you know how to reply.

Luckily, ModernBill has a referrer field, where you customer can say where he found you, it is a good way to track it.

Also, get awstats (if you do not have it already).

I agree with some members here, of course you will never get a member saying what he does to get clients....after all you are a competitor. I consider myself a good seller, but have 3 years of experience working in 3 hosting companies, I did learn a lot from that.

- Andre

coolblue, lease a server and learn on it BEFORE you go into hosting, otherwise expect your company to crumble and have your reputation forever marred.

I've gone through three changes personally. Plesk, to Windows to now Ensim. For example, I leased the Ensim server for about four or five months before I even thought about putting the first paying customer on the box. You need to learn how a system works before you do anything.

I want to be a doctor, but don't know anything about medicine and disease. I want to be one today and not have to worry about the education it takes to become one. Hopefully, I don't kill too many people while I'm learning. :rolleyes:

Nothing wrong with learning, Coolblue; I've been in the hosting business off and on since late 1994 (first paying customer early 1995). And I'm always learning new technologies and techniques.

I've been from home-grown linux (very early slackware distribution, linux kernel version .99, iirc) through more home-grown linux and Windows solutions, Sun Cobalt RaQ2, 3, 4, 550, Plesk (gold partner) and Direct Admin (first released on May 15 of this year, my 59th birthday :) ).

I'm still in learning mode with Direct Admin; I figure I'll be ready to offer sites on it by the end of the month.

Several posters have suggested you get a reseller account first. I second the motion... start making some money with a reseller account. When you're making us$100 or so a month on it, then rent a cheap dedicated server from someone and learn how to maintain it with your profits from the reseller account.

Spend a lot of time making your clients happy; outsource both tech support and customer support if you need to, but become known as the guy with personal service.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce and at least one service club, if there are any in your community. Join the Toastmasters and learn how to speak effectively (we all need to learn, even those of us who are pretty good now), take a few courses in marketing at the local community college if you have such a resource in your area.

I've found local newspapers (the smaller ones, often weeklies and monthlies) often offer classes in how to use print advertising effectively; most of the tips you'll learn there can help you with web advertising as well.

And remember the story of the codfish and the chicken:

The codfish lays a thousand eggs,
the little hen just one.

But the codfish never cackles to tell us what she's done.

And so we scorn the codfish, while the little hen we prize.

It only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!

:)

Jeff

Originally posted by jlasman
And remember the story of the codfish and the chicken:

The codfish lays a thousand eggs, the little hen just one.
But the codfish never cackles to tell us what she's done.
And so we scorn the codfish, while the little hen we prize.
It only goes to show you that it pays to advertise!
That is just too cute, yet so apropos... Where'd you pick that up, one of your seminars?

One more cowboy wouldnt do the industry any harm

I'm not talking about the industry - geez!!! I'm talking about the poor sod that signs up his business website with people like you. Some businesses don't use their sites very much but a great many do and they depend on their email or their sites' ordering feature.

For example. We picked up a client because their previous host really screwed up. They launched a major ad campaign via direct mail. The direct mail piece had a sizzling special with instructions to go to their website and place the order. The direct mail peice probably cost them about a $1000 to design, another $2000 or so for the highly targeted mailing list, another $5000 or so in postage expense and a good bit of money to add some extra part-timers to handle the influx of new business. About the time that the bulk of the direct mail peice starting hitting the targeted business's mailboxes, guess what? Yep, the webhosting company had trouble and was down for about 2 1/2 days. What effect do you think that had on that business owner who spent all that money expecting to recoup his investment? What about the sales that the sales staff expected to make and resulting loss of commissions? These people have mortgages to pay, kids to support, etc.

I agree. I think it's very unethical to start a company without knowing what your doing. If you can't pay the monthly server fees without customers for at least a month you are definitely going to be in trouble. I suggest you go and install Linux on your home PC, buy a good book about it and start to learn.

OK OK :D
I will do more research and get forget putting paid customers on the server for a couple of months
But thats it then im reeling in the big bucks

My plan is going to be simple :

Turnover minus overheads = profit
Oh and a 2nd to none personal service ( when i get the hang of it ) :D

How old are you?

Originally posted by coolblue
My plan is going to be simple :

Turnover minus overheads = profit Sounds like the youngster who learns long division, and thinks he's ready for Calculus, eh?

lol.... the old age q !

- Andre

Disclaimer: This whole thread really irratated me and I couldn't resist posting, these are MY opinions not that of the company(s) or clients(s) that I work for.


Sorry but i cant see how im going to learn how to use a server untill i buy one
And i cant see how im going to pay the monthly charges without paying customers

Great, so your just like Timmy and all the other "kiddie host" who just wanna make a buck to pay their rackshack server bill, unlike you I have a car payment, rent and various other expenses that I depend on my business for. You want to just pay your rackshack bill, sounds great. You want to host people and not even care about your quality of service. What you should really think about is that if your just spending mommy and daddies money or your job at McDonalds, if you can really afford this. If you can't do it the right way, Don't do it at all. I get sick of seeing posts about how this and that host suck and they are always down, come to find out that they are run by some kid. By the way I am 18 myself, I just happen to pay my own way and have been a linux/bsd/security guru for years. I even took time to get certifications so clients can feel at ease, knowing that I am able to manage their systems. So I don't want to see a post coming back about how I am some old fart whineing.


Anyway ive had nothing but problems with hosting companies over the last few years
One more cowboy wouldnt do the industry any harm

Yes, one more person who looks as if they are going to be a TERRIBLE host is BAD, the market is saturated already, but your just making it worse. I am suprised people haven't given up and started running sites from their DSL and Cable modem, since there are alot of hosts who just screw their clients over. Don't be one of them.


OK OK
I will do more research and get forget putting paid customers on the server for a couple of months
But thats it then im reeling in the big bucks

My plan is going to be simple :

Turnover minus overheads = profit
Oh and a 2nd to none personal service ( when i get the hang of it )

Your first priority should be learning your way around, you shouldn't even be considering how much cash you will earn at all yet. You will make pennies for awhile, going into this business to get rich is NOT the reason to get in. You can't even manage a linux box or tell me why running one panel has its benefits than the other.

Follow these points and you might see the light.

1. If you don't have the money to do it the right way, don't do it.
2. If you don't have the knowledge, don't do it. (It took me roughly 5-6 years to learn what I know now (and to be comfortable with it all) and you know what, compared to alot of people here (WHT) and the various technical/security conferences I goto, I find I still know nothing.)
3. See point 1.
4. If you plan on running a business don't be cheap (rackshack), put out real money to get a good ROI.
5. It costs money to make money.
6. Learn, learn, learn...you will never ever ever learn enough.

/End Rant, sorry spent the day out in the sun mowing the grass..I am edgey..=/

going into this business to get rich is NOT the reason to get in.
So you want me to spend hours designing sites and managing servers for the fun of it ?

For those asking my age
Im 31 from uk and a successfull business man
My business runs by itself
Ive got too much time on my hands so im going to make a fortune in the hosting industry
No doubt about it !!

If it were as easy as making a fortune, we'd all be drinking champagne on a sun kissed beach on a tropical island by now.

Originally posted by [inx]Olly
If it were as easy as making a fortune, we'd all be drinking champagne on a sun kissed beach on a tropical island by now.

Whoa! You mean I'm the only one???

To the threadstarter - just read through this forum for a *long* time to get a grasp on what this is actually going to entail. It's not as easy as slapping a server up and watching the $$$ roll in.

-David

As I said before, there will be times when you love it (the afternoons when the orders seem endless), and times when you hate it (getting woke up in the middle of the night because the server's failed to reboot etc etc)

So you want me to spend hours designing sites and managing servers for the fun of it ?


Yes, thats what almost everyone here did before they were able to provide a tangible service.


Your 31 and only interested in making money. My friend whose 25 did a startup a year or two ago, and he didn't even care how much money he made (he made crap for a long while), now hes roughly making $160k/year and no, hes not doing web hosting. He designs networks for churches.


You should really re-cosider your values and business ethics.