This has probably already been posted before, many times, but bringing up a search didn't really return any great results for me.

I've decided to join the massive parade of _HIGH QUALITY_ web hosting services. Here's what I've got so far.

- I've determined my monthly budget to be $25/mo, as I'm only worrying about getting the site running and functional, advertising and expanding will come later.
- I'm using HostGator's "Aluminum" Reseller plan, it includes billing/support (WHMCS, which I've used briefly before), and an eNom reseller account on request.
- Right now I just want to get it functioning properly, which shouldn't be a problem, but I have noticed issues in the past where people set everything up, and find out they have done something wrong too late.

I've read a few guides on this site and others, but most are saying the same thing, "don't lie, don't copy, don't underprice". I've gotten those points, but I'm looking for a "mentor" to help me setup, it would be great if I had someone in the business for a while show me what not to do.

This is my first post, but I assure you it won't be my last! :)

Assuming you've got your business plan worked out, plans chosen and ready to jump in then I'd say you're all set to begin.

Reseller package + WHMCS cover your hosting package, billing, support and pretty much anything else you'll need for now.

My best recommendation would be to just ask any specific questions you have in this section (after searching of course). Odds are someone will have the same question at some point anyways :)

Best of luck. And do remember... 90% of this business is client relations! So, "don't lie, don't copy, don't underprice". :D

I've read a few guides on this site and others, but most are saying the same thing, "don't lie, don't copy, don't underprice". I've gotten those points, but I'm looking for a "mentor" to help me setup, it would be great if I had someone in the business for a while show me what not to do.

I offer hosting as an added service to my marketing clients, and have been doing so for several years. Feel free to e-mail me directly and we can talk.

@Mekhu (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/member.php?u=5849): Thanks for the heads-up. :) I'm sure it'll be a challenge entering the market, but I'm quite determined to get my name known on the forums for good hosting reputation. ;)

@AgileMktg (http://www.webhostingtalk.com/member.php?u=192090): Sure thing, one problem though, I can't get your email as I cannot PM or see your email address anywhere!

Well the biz is totally based on patience. But later on everything drops it's self on your hand..

At what point does the waiting game kick in? Apart from answering support tickets and advertising (not that interested about paying my way in), is there anything else that should be actively maintained to ensure smooth client growth?

It depends on what you offer to people. Some marketing tactics will ensure your growth much more faster then giving advertisement and waiting for customers. In the beginning what we did was going to major marketing. Of course we had a team formed from (seo) members and marketers. Craiglist marketing yahoo groups marketing -> etc..

You could get your own targeted customers by your self just need to know what campaign you should offer to whom.

The growth of the biz would grow ensure but it consumes allot of time.

Patience in the other hand brings you slow growth.

Alrighty, thanks for the information. I'm going to start right now and get going. Hopefully I'll see some people roll in.

Finally completed! I ended up waiting all evening and night for the DNS to propagate, but it's all finished now. :)

Again, thanks for all the great information. <<snipped>>

Find a way to make yourself stand out from the rest. Dream up some crazy idea that will bring in clients. Only thing is that .info.... hmm, I've heard that a lot of people are scared about .info hosting. I like your site's overall look, very clean cut.

Your ToS Looks fine, make a small note about child porn etc.

Watch your clients closely. A lot of clients from china, etc can be a hassle, if you don't understand their site content etc.



Regards,
Good Luck!

I just added a new TOS section outlining the presence of adult content on a client's site.

As far as the .info, I'll be getting a .com in order soon enough.

Finally completed! I ended up waiting all evening and night for the DNS to propagate, but it's all finished now. :)

Again, thanks for all the great information. The website is found at - any ideas on changes or additions that I should make?


You need to hire a copy writer. Your website isn't easy to read through. Lots of clunky wording. I felt like I was reading a 15 year old's homework assignment.

Wording is probably one of the most important things on your website. It tells people instantly if you are a true professional business or some high school kid playing "hosting company" for the day.

Also, don't lie - you will be found out and it will damage your reputation:

"As a part of our customer satisfaction policy, we have strict rules on server resource allocation. We do not oversell resources on ANY of our services! When the time comes that a server fills up, we simply order a new server to begin service sales on."


--Tina

Hiring sounds a bit pricey at this point in time. I'd rather spend 2 days working out the wrinkles in my site than hire someone to do it in a few hours.

As for lying, I'm won't be overselling anything. I've got plenty of room to make profit, even when the server is 50% full. I'm more interested at this point in building a loyal client-base.

As for lying, I'm won't be overselling anything. I've got plenty of room to make profit, even when the server is 50% full. I'm more interested at this point in building a loyal client-base.

You said you were on a reseller account @ Hostgator.

--Tina

OoOo hot spot :)

12771

This is my WHM account-limit display, even if i sold all minimal accounts, I'd still profit on double digit population.

Edit: although, I'm thinking of increasing the bandwidth on the higher end packages. This is mostly suitable for small websites who are starting out. I just have to do a little competition research, the good thing is I have a lot of margin to make adjustments to my packages.

12771

This is my WHM account-limit display, even if i sold all minimal accounts, I'd still profit on double digit population.

Edit: although, I'm thinking of increasing the bandwidth on the higher end packages. This is mostly suitable for small websites who are starting out. I just have to do a little competition research, the good thing is I have a lot of margin to make adjustments to my packages.

My point is, your website says that you never oversell and once one of your servers is full you put another one online. Fact is, you don't have a server. You have a reseller account from a host that is notorious for massively overselling.

I'm not passing judgment on whether or not you should start out on a reseller account or go with Hostgator - I actually have no opinion on that. I'm simply stating that you are misleading potential customers on your website and you're bound to get called out on it eventually. That has the potential to harm your business reputation right out of the gate.

--Tina

Ahh, I misunderstood. I'll be changing that shortly then, thanks for the tip.

I'm just glad I'm getting things straightened now, rather than when clients start popping up!