It seems today that everyone wants to host web pages, going for the monthly cash flow. Even the big companies we rely on such as Verisign and Register.com are smashing into this market. The question is what tools do we need to compete and avoid the “Wal-Mart Syndrome” that is being driven out o business by the multi-nationals.

It seems they are using “free” web design templates (Bigstep, etc.), search engine submission, marketing and promotion schemes as loss leaders to attract our clients. So the question stands, what tools do you need or use in your market (read, we can use in ours) to compete?

Very good question :)

I try to think of/advertise my company as 'ASP experts'. We have been running a site aiming at ASP developers for years so it is natural we use it as sort of a reference - also for free advertising/drive traffic as well :)

I focus on a market segment I know something about (Genealogy) and offer services such as file conversions, family tree generators that distinguish me in the market. Similar to ASPCode above: play in a niche, grow from there. I think it's the only way for a little guy to compete.

Thank you for the input. Focusing on a specific market does seem to be a good idea. Would adding functionality, such as being able to update your own web pages or search engine submission be worth considering?

Dan

I have to agree with FamilyWeb. Going after the niche market is the key.

I am in the process of building www.waterwater.ca. As a newbie in the reseller game, the last thing I want to do is go up against the major players in the generic web hosting business. I just can't compete. The plan is to go after the niche market that I know. I was in the bottled water business for 18 years, so I am building a site that caters to that industry.

I'm offering a free supplier directory to water companies. But I'm also offering industry related web design. And web hosting. I'm offering pre-built FAQ that is water industry related. I'm offering a library of industry related images that can be used in web sites. And on and on. Added value.

If you position yourself an an expert in a particular industry, you will be who they call when they need web design, web hosting, web anything. And when they do, you don't necessarily have to be the cheapest. They want someone who understands their business.

Just my humble opinion.