I'd love to know what hosts are finding are successful methods of obtaining new clients, especially methods that work for a new host. We're providing a top-notch service but are having a lot of trouble getting the word out! Please help!

Originally posted by NitidNet
We're providing a top-notch service but are having a lot of trouble getting the word out! Please help!


I've visited your site, and saw the set-up fee. If you are just starting out it is not a good idea to charge for setting up an account. Setup fees are more like a joke to shared web hosting. It does not cost anything to add an account to a server.

Why pay $15 set-up, when you can get a couple of months of web hosting from another company. Unless you get a large amount to orders, set-up fee just turns off potential customers.

Just my 2 cents.

word of mouth is how we get most of our customers

Originally posted by multipleimage
word of mouth is how we get most of our customers

Well, that's true, but you need some clients first to have this type of advertising, so I'd recommend purchasing a showcase spot in a directory or doing some advertising on some webmaster related sites.

Give your customers incentive to recommend you: start a referral program. Banner advertising is really only good for branding.

First place to start marketing is here :) just lend a helping hand to people and your name will get around fairly fast.

Yes, but they have strict rules about advertising in this forum, so be careful ;)

Hi, I found this site when I was looking for promoting idea's, It has helped me out maybe it can help for you to. Good luck http://www.getwebhits.com

<<MOD NOTE:>>
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Participants may not use the Forum to direct other to any pages which they have a commercial interest in, these include commission or referral hyperlinks.
<</MOD NOTE>>

Thanks for the suggestions everyone... I crunched some numbers and talked with my partner about the setup fee idea, and decided it would be worthwhile long-term to get rid of them. In addition, I reviewed the server logs, and as we've been up 100% the past month, and our upstream provider offers us a 99.99% guarantee, I decided to implement a 99.5% guarantee to our customers.

I hope that between these measures and posting here the signup rate will increase, but if anyone has any more suggestions (besides spammers :rolleyes: ) I'd love to hear them!

Are you listed in the hosting directories? Getting listed is free for most of them. Someone here might be able to make a list of reliable directories for you. Even if you are on one, adding your name to others shouldn't hurt.

Also, don't forget about offline opportunities. The local bookstore might let you "sponsor" the business or computers section for some barter. Buy a book, get a hosting coupon, etc. Join your local chamber. Have a fun contest with the local radio DJ. Host the city site for free. All kinds of ideas, if you think about it.

Remember to try multiple ideas, set a duration date, and stick with it. Don't make the mistake of doing "hit or miss" advertising. (one ad here, one ad there, etc.)
sPoT!