Anyone else at this point? Any inspirational hints? Anything would be nice at the moment. :) I've given this my all for over two years now, and still getting nowhere fast.....it's quite depressing. :(

You shouldn't be operating on a professional deficit, especially because you're using a turnkey reseller - where are your debts coming from?

Marketing, mainly...don't get me wrong, we've been pretty successful. But the company has hit a wall in terms of client growth, and it's depressing.

Marketing, mainly...don't get me wrong, we've been pretty successful. But the company has hit a wall in terms of client growth, and it's depressing.Don't pay for marketing, let your customers do that for you. :) Give your customers a reason to recommend their friends, even if it means offering them free storage, free months on their services, etc. Help them so they can return the favor. :agree:

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds:
Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and your discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”by Patanjali - hope that helps some :)

A new website design also wouldn't go a miss :)

Anyone else at this point? Any inspirational hints? Anything would be nice at the moment. :) I've given this my all for over two years now, and still getting nowhere fast.....it's quite depressing. :(

hehehehe

Welcome to world of running your own business. Isnt what you expected?

I would just hold still if i were you, are you loosing money? Breaking even? Or gaining a bit of money?

If its either of the last 2 i say stop advertising as it sounds to me your trying to grow right out of yourself and just focus on making the clients you have as happy as they can possibly be. While in the mean time building your cash flow back up. Add features, talk yo your clients, anything.

Also while you wait stay active here (that helps) do free advertising like add your site to some directories which are not the best but they don't hurt. Mainly don't keep spending money you dont have to make your business grow by the wrong means anyway.

Your business will grow with more quality clients if you keep your clients happy and then refer you, you could take some money and buy an affiliate script and tell your current customers they can make money referring their friends.

Hope some of that helps.

Anyone else at this point? Any inspirational hints? Anything would be nice at the moment. :) I've given this my all for over two years now, and still getting nowhere fast.....it's quite depressing. :(

How far from your business-plan baselines are you?

Theres something about your site that just says run away.

Then I looked at your plans and realized, you have two major things that are telling customers to run.

And then I realized your also offering free hosting & free file storing on the same page.

Oh and

NOTE: Please say our ID 16871 to the associate that is on the other end of the line

don't help.

I personally think you might need to revamp your strategies/website.

Then I looked at your plans and realized, you have two major things that are telling customers to run.And those two things are ..... ? ? ?

And then I realized your also offering free hosting & free file storing on the same page.Not true, those link to external pages. You should've taken a closer look. :)

hehehehe

Welcome to world of running your own business. Isnt what you expected?

I would just hold still if i were you, are you loosing money? Breaking even? Or gaining a bit of money?

If its either of the last 2 i say stop advertising as it sounds to me your trying to grow right out of yourself and just focus on making the clients you have as happy as they can possibly be. While in the mean time building your cash flow back up. Add features, talk yo your clients, anything.

Also while you wait stay active here (that helps) do free advertising like add your site to some directories which are not the best but they don't hurt. Mainly don't keep spending money you dont have to make your business grow by the wrong means anyway.

Your business will grow with more quality clients if you keep your clients happy and then refer you, you could take some money and buy an affiliate script and tell your current customers they can make money referring their friends.

Hope some of that helps.
That does help - thanks very much for the encouragement!

How far from your business-plan baselines are you?
You had to bring that up, huh? Yeah, we're pretty far off of what we originally started out to do.

Not true, those link to external pages. You should've taken a closer look. :)Yes, but you've got to think the way a potential customer would. If you want them to come purchase hosting from you and you're advertising free web hosting on your website, which do you think they'll jump on?

If anything, it would make more sense to have ads to globalwebbrands.com on your free hosting websites.

Yes, but you've got to think the way a potential customer would. If you want them to come purchase hosting from you and you're advertising free web hosting on your website, which do you think they'll jump on?

Spot on :agree:

But see, it doesn't matter to me which one they signup with - we make money either way.

You really need to do something about that website. The whole green thing has to go. I would really get rid of the free web hosting links also. Get an affiliates program setup. Also your contact page doesn't have a address. This can be issues for most people. Everyone wants to do business with someone that has an address they can relate to.

That should get you started.

You would make more money if they signed up for the payed account, would you not?

I'm going to be pretty blunt here, but personally, I feel if you are maxing out your credit cards and heading nowhere then it's time to do some serious reconsideration.

You're 2 years in, in the world of business - that's nothing. But shouldn't be heading backwards. I know nothing about you, or your business, but have you been pouring money into the company since day 1 and still going backwards? Or is this a small period of negative cashflow for whatever reason?
Mentioned above, but think about your business plan. Do you have one? Where are you now, and where should you be based on your business plan from 2 years ago. If the two are too far apart, do some restructuring to your business.

I won't give you random words of encouragement, but you should do one of two things.
1. Stay dedicated to your business if you feel it's right, and move forward day by day, dollar by dollar. Focus.
2. Sell off your client base, recoop some lost money, and move on.

Two very different ideas at different ends of the spectrum, but in some situations, anything in between may not be a good alternative.

Wish you the best of luck though, and I do hope you succeed.


(now the disclaimer - the above are just personal opinions based *solely* on what you've said here in this thread. Mainly, the fact you're racking up debt 2 years later) :)

You really need to do something about that website. The whole green thing has to go. I would really get rid of the free web hosting links also. Get an affiliates program setup. Also your contact page doesn't have a address. This can be issues for most people. Everyone wants to do business with someone that has an address they can relate to.

That should get you started.
Is the color thing a personal issue, or is that a legitimate problem? (Sorry, it's hard to tell because of the way you worded your post.)

Our street address is on the bottom of every page on the site. Is that not sufficient? (I'm honestly asking.)

You would make more money if they signed up for the payed account, would you not?
Short-term, yes. Long-term, no.

I'm going to be pretty blunt here, but personally, I feel if you are maxing out your credit cards and heading nowhere then it's time to do some serious reconsideration.

You're 2 years in, in the world of business - that's nothing. But shouldn't be heading backwards. I know nothing about you, or your business, but have you been pouring money into the company since day 1 and still going backwards? Or is this a small period of negative cashflow for whatever reason?
Mentioned above, but think about your business plan. Do you have one? Where are you now, and where should you be based on your business plan from 2 years ago. If the two are too far apart, do some restructuring to your business.

I won't give you random words of encouragement, but you should do one of two things.
1. Stay dedicated to your business if you feel it's right, and move forward day by day, dollar by dollar. Focus.
2. Sell off your client base, recoop some lost money, and move on.

Two very different ideas at different ends of the spectrum, but in some situations, anything in between may not be a good alternative.

Wish you the best of luck though, and I do hope you succeed.


(now the disclaimer - the above are just personal opinions based *solely* on what you've said here in this thread. Mainly, the fact you're racking up debt 2 years later) :)
Sorry, I guess I may have led you to misinterpret things a bit. We're not going backwards, just not going forwards either. I feel like we're against a wall.

We're definitely not at all where our business plan projected, but I'm not sure that's a bad thing. Had we followed it to a 'T', I think we'd be a lot smaller today.

I just think it's time for a business re-design. Site and business plan.

If you can't elaborate, I just can't take you seriously. Can you please explain a little better exactly what you mean?

[quote=GlobalWebDan]Is the color thing a personal issue, or is that a legitimate problem? (Sorry, it's hard to tell because of the way you worded your post.)



No, I don't think its a personal issue, I do like the color green, but I think the contrast of your colors on the site just make it hard to navigate and handle. Ask others here, maybe its just me. You really want to focus on your website as this is really what’s driving you your clients. I used to be lazy to update my site but now I'm almost constantly adding new pages like testimonials, why choose us pages, affiliate programs, anything any everything that the big time hosts can market, I try to compete. Do some search online to see what the bigger boys are doing and try to model off them.. That’s what I’ve done. I found 1 or 2 companies that are very successful, and tried to model off them. Like, found out where they advertise, the special programs they run, pricing, website design etc.... I even have a hosting account with them also :) ....You would be surprised.


Regarding the street address, I didn’t' notice it was at the bottom. I just went to the contact page and saw that it wasn't there.

I really hope you can get off your feet. Its a tough business and I know because I myself just got out of allot of restructuring of our hosting business and its starting to pay off.

But see, I don't want to be like the other guys. I think adding sooooo many pages is confusing to the client (we used to have them, and nobody ever viewed them). I appreciate the advice, but I'd like to see some concrete evidence as to why those things are needed. Have they helped increase your own company's sales?

@ GlobalWebDan.

I see you've changed the site design. Still too crowded in my opinion.

For the love of God, what does "too crowded" mean? You're not providing examples, and this is only serving to discredit what you're saying. Please explain what you mean.

Some suggestions, redo your website that menu isn't visible enough and those $30+ plans are ok but you also need to add cheaper plans that could help you get entry level resellers since that's the core of your business.

Check out WHT for good (unique) templates and start from there.

Ok..

Your plans, they need to go.. Not everybody needs 25gb storage with the budget of $30. You need to be able to target the little guys too. Your plans don't capture enough of the hosting audience. This is in my opinion your main downfall...

Offer some lower spec plans, with lower prices.. e.g. $6pm. They will soon add up...

Also, saying you offer "99999" of X, is not a good idea. It may appear you are desperate to sell, and or are over selling. I know a lot of hosts do, but the way you are displaying information gives the impression that you are over-doing it (whether that is the case or not, is another discussion)...

Secondly, your site design. Basically, it is ugly.. but doesn't explain why you've "hit a wall" in sales. Redesign it.. Make things are more clearer and offer more information. When someone is going to buy something, the one thing they do is research and enjoy reading about what they are going to buy, before buying it. So give your potential customers more information.

Ensure your website is optimized for search engines. Google does bring in a good amount of sales. The most basic SEO will suffice for a few sign ups per month at least.

Thirdly, cut down on marketing. I have found that after having a good site design, provide sufficient information, listen to feedback and act upon it, is also a great way to have your sales work for itself.

People keep mentioning the site - yes it is ugly, but it is not the only deciding factor. Building a trust and engaging with a potential customer is a great selling point. Obviously, I'm not going to divulge into business secrets and tell you how to do it, but you must find your own unique way. I've found that even with an ugly site, you can sell pretty easily.

Ensure you have given your customers a reason to recommend you. Affiliate programs are well, but also think about a way of satisfying customers so much, that they want to recommend you without anything in return. Again, this is for you to find out and conduct.

Fourthly, give a reason for your customers to sign up. I see nothing to distinguish you from other companies. This is something I realised a while ago. By having something, no other company can offer you can significantly boost your sales. We have reached the stage where customers are literally begging us to take them on (we turn away risky orders)...

Lastly, a business plan does not need to be comprehensive. You need to understand what your goals & objectives are, and thoroughly research whether or not those goals & objectives are actually viable. If they are, pursue them and stick to them! Take into considerations your budgets and plan well ahead in the future..

Good luck!!!! :)

Dan you should make a custom site and do not use the turnkey stores. I have visited like 5 times your site and I have seen 3 different turnkey designs.

I think everyone knows that you use the turnkey program. Also, your plans do not seem realistic - you cannot offer 25gig for 30$, while they can get it from the same source for much much less (or much less from a big guy with more specs).

I would pay 30$ for your plan if you could offer addon value like free seo, domains, additional backups, consultation, print design etc.

Are you targetting the high end client base? Then the price is fine, but with a little research they will find you are offering budget hosting.

I also do use turnkey reseller stores for some brands I own - not bad thing but you should aim to a target that knows nothing about hosting, they will just see your site and signup!


Good luck!

Honestly, I appreciate all the help, but you guys are way off-target. I changed the plan prices and configurations last night to go after different clients with this brand. My free/budget hosting brand exists for everyone else. Again, thanks for the help, but this thread is getting nowhere.

There have been many, many helpful posts in this thread. Unfortunately the whole way through you have chosen not to listen.

I will use the "crowded website" as an example. You were told the website was too crowded, and you slammed the poster saying that this tells you nothing and that you need details. If this were true and you had no clue what the poster was saying, I suggest getting out of the business and go to mickey ds. Honestly I do not believe that to be the case and that you do understand what was said, you just choose to go on the defensive instead of following the great advice given.

I was looking for advice from experienced, successful Web hosting managers. I didn't really get any, so I have requested that the thread be closed I am sorry if this offends you, but that's just the way it is.

"getting nowhere" yeah! what do those guys know, anyway?

I was looking for advice from experienced, successful Web hosting managers. I didn't really get any, so I have requested that the thread be closed I am sorry if this offends you, but that's just the way it is.I think you're forgetting who started this thread...

You just choose not to listen. You should be writing this all down. You have to remember, we are customers as well. These forums are so great because people will be the customers for you, and give you their thoughts and experiences..

successful is relative

Poll: how many here are maxing credit cards to stay afloat. I consider those that are not maxed relatively successful as compared to 1 that we know is.

I'm not maxed, or even close to being maxed out. I set aside a certain amount of money from the start. I have not even used all of that, and I'm starting to pay myself back.

I think you're forgetting who started this thread...
Dumbbell, I started the thread. :) And therefore, I am requesting it be closed. :) (It works that way, creepy isn't it?)

Dumbbell, I started the thread. :) And therefore, I am requesting it be closed. :) (It works that way, creepy isn't it?)Yes, it was actually a metaphor.

You're stating that the hosts/people giving you answers in this thread aren't the "successful" ones, yet you're the one that created the thread about your company failing and having your credit cards maxed out, etc.

....and your point is??? I am not too successful at the current moment, I can see that. Hence, the reason why I wanted successful hosts to reply. In my mind anyway, that makes perfect sense.

I am finding this thread is a big waste of my time, too, so this is the last post I am making in it.

I think if you're failing you should take any advice you can get....

I think if you're failing you should take any advice you can get....I agree, it's also a sign of Dan's bad character. There have been many replies from successful people/companies in the hosting industry, he has chosen not to listen. His business deserves to fail.

I think folks are spinning your wheels with this guy. Potential helpers should walk away atleast knowing the potential clients have been warned by him personally that he is ready to close shop so it would be advised to keep looking.


I can't think of a better warning then the owners own words.

I don't think anyone should buy hosting from him if this is the attitude he's going to give. I would love to see some support tickets with a new client, does he get upset and just say he's not posting anymore, and that he's closing the ticket?

Anyways, this is enough for me. It just shows some people's level of maturity. I'm not posting anymore.

*note* - site design is terrible, and it's not even funny how much you are overselling.

As others have mentioned, you seek for advice but you have refused ALL replies, opinions and advices - you have chosen not to listen.

One suggestion Dan is that when I go to your order page it does not use SSL. You are asking for personal information and you ask for some preliminary Visa info. Most people who are capable Internet shoppers would not fill that form out with the security lock in their browser.

There is a market for high end hosting, but you need to find the customers and learn how to sell to them. There is no sense in advertising to budget conscious visitors when you are a high end host.

You also need to service like a high end host if you plan on being one. Phone support, quick responses, etc....all go hand in hand with high end services.

I was looking for advice from experienced, successful Web hosting managers. I didn't really get any, so I have requested that the thread be closed I am sorry if this offends you, but that's just the way it is.


Well, that's pretty insulting to call everyone that has replied to this post as unsuccessful. Last time I checked, my company was and is pretty successful..
You're expecting some kind of magic to come along and say one thing that will change everything. No company is going to come here and give away business secrets to you, and I doubt any company is going to come here and help out a competitor.

So here is some advice: Close up and exit the industry.

Don't pay for marketing, let your customers do that for you. :) Give your customers a reason to recommend their friends, even if it means offering them free storage, free months on their services, etc. Help them so they can return the favor. :agree:


I agree 100% here. We have yet to spend a single cent on marketing unless you consider the service we provide our clients our marketing. We rely soley on word of mouth and to date it's worked fantastic.

Closed by OP request.