I need your opinion please
Before I continue I want to say first that this is still an idea and I do not offer web hosting but
I am trying to conduct a survey to see what people are willing to pay for web hosting.
I know there are thousand out there offering more or less the same.
I have found out that the majority of surfers still can not design with out a wysiwyg
editor online.
I am not talking about web masters, but small shop owners -work at home- and clubs that would like to have their site up.
Yes there is geocities, fortune city angelfire and sites like that.
My goal is similar.
I want to offer small sites with little traffic a spot on the web but with out any kind of advertising or banners.
There would be a complete control panel to drag and drop and to upload files with a click. Very easy to use. A child could do
it. Something like geocities.
Pre made templates and images to use.
Guest book, message board included , again with no adds.
There would be a possibility to upload your site made off-line but not with ftp. But online files upload.
You will be able to view and edit the html online as well.
Like I said our target are shop keepers, personal sites and anyone that wants a site without ads or banners.
1. How much would you be prepared to pay for such a service.?
2. What scares you off the most set up fees or higher monthly fees?
I have of course done all the comparing but I would like to hear from real people to hear what they think.



rinnando

I have been advised serveral times not to invest money in this because there are already so many but to clear this point up first.

I am not putting any money into this I have the space and the programs to do it, so I won't be lossing on it. Just putting in my time.

Well rinnando, it is true that there are other much larger sites that do this, as you mentioned. But I still think there is room here, especially if you are not going to do banner ads and those annoying pop up windows.

But, I don't think the question should be "what should I charge". No, rather it should be, what does it cost me, and from there, add your mark-up. In hosting, you will find multiple host offering just about the exact same set up, with one offering it for $5.95, and another $19.95. It all depends on your cost, and expected return on investment (roi)

If you already have the scripts, that is good for you. Otherwise, do a search on the boards here, and you will come up with some good reading.

You could bundle such a service with domain name reselling. I think you would do better if you sold it as a package that was www.imabigshotnow.com vs say, www.ihostwiththesepeople.com/users/mysite.html

Just a thought.

Oh, and if you are looking for long term customers, you are going to want to give them a decent price month to month. If you say no setup fees, but charge a higher monthly to recoop any of your cost, most can do the math :D

sPoT!

Thanks for your advice. We will be redesigning our site soon as we have out grown it and need any advice any one has.
any suggestions....anyone???????
thanks
rinnando