Hello, Everyone.

My name is Travis, I am a website designer. Since about 3 weeks ago I been getting hit with jobs in my local community. I am looking into a business where, I can handle web site creation, and possibly hosting. So I am looking at this as a local based company that may extend from a local client base to more of a statewide client base.

I am not really sure on how to start a business like this, all I really know how to do is build websites, I never really considered a hosting aspect until now.

I was given a Idea about building sites, and hosting them on another hoster site instead of going out and buying a server, but I am not sure of Legalities of this.

So I appreciate it if someone could help me in my dream to create a web based design and hosting firm. All I am looking for is a point into the right direction so I can get this started!



oh Btw, can anyone show me places where I could get advertisement on my site when I finish it? I figured it could help me get a few extra dollars also. Thanks!

Travis John~

There is nothing wrong with you hosting their website elsewhere. You are what we call an "Agent" in legal terms, and when you are building websites you need to get some sort of web hosting setup for them in order for you to complete your job.

If you need any help, give me a buzz. My email is ssmith[at]ukaf.net I have worked with loads of web designers before.

Some options for you are:

* To become a web hosting reseller - if you choose this option you would normally need to bill your customers for the hosting and would need to provide them with ongoing technical support;

* To become a web hosting affiliate - if you are not keen on the idea of providing ongiong technical support then another option is to become an affiliate with a web hosting firm, so that you can refer your customers to that hosting firm and receive a commission in return. Normally as an affiliate you would have no ongoing responsibilities - you just refer the customer then receive the commission(s) and the hosting company services the customer directly;

* To refer your customers to a suitable host without joining an affiliate program - obviously in this case you would not receive any commissions but it is a simple option;

* To hire a server and either manage it yourself (if you are familiar with system administration) or you could hire an outsourced support company to manage the server for you.

One thing you might like to be careful about is that often it is not a good idea to sign up for hosting accounts on behalf of your customer, since the signup process normally involves agreeing to Terms and Conditions, and you won't be wanting to do that on behalf of your customer since it could create legal complications for you.

When you come to advertisement, there are a couple of primary routes that you can take.

- Google Adwords
- Banner Adverts

Google adwords will provide you you with advertisement to your site using text links, and banner adverts will provide advertisement to your site using a banner. A banner gives a much stronger message, will also get your brand identity out there, and you have much more to play with as far as customizing.

Spare a small % for banner advertising, get a decent banner designed, and you are onto a winner. :)

The easiest way is to get a reseller account. This will allow you to add domains as you need but you can also get support from the host.

Starting the business from a legal sense is usually pretty simple. If it's just you then a sole proprietorship can be done without any work at all. You might want to file a fictious name document with the state just so no one else can take the business name you want to use.

Travis:

Find a nice host with a nice affiliate program. You'll make more money off of it that way and not have to deal with the hassles. You do not want hosting as part of your primary business. For years I did web design and development and moved into hosting. If you have any further questions shoot me a PM or hit me up via messenger. I'll be more then happy to talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of it.

Greetings!

In our case, we host some of our locally-developed websites.
We use a reseller account to achieve this.

The reason is most of our local clients have no idea how
to put up their website online. We figure we can assist them
by offering them web hosting service too.

We wish you well.

:)