Would this be a good idea? a network of web hosting providers that exchange links and all generate more traffic? if so I think i'll start something like that let. let me know fellas.

would it be a good idea to start the following:

a network of resller web hosts in which each of the web hosts exchange little links at the bottom of each page, hence exchanging traffic?

do you mean something like recprical links

So basically, a traffic exchange network?

No, I don't think it'd be a good idea. How do you plan on having each company "share" links?

Would it really be such a smart idea linking one's site to a competitor!? :eek:

Traffic exchanges are really only viable if you aren't dealing with competing sites. Sure, there are different kinds of hosting and not all hosts are competitors, but I don't see it working. But I've been called a naysayer before, so don't mind me...lol

I own a gaming site with all kinds of crap in it and i have it part of a network but our network makes sure we only have one site of each catogory. You wont see me linking up with other gaming sites that are competers because yes they may bring me more hits but what if they get better than me or look better than me...then my users will use them and i wont get paid for their impressions on my site.

Basically you should link up with a web design place, a flash place, a tutorial site, and so on. Basically hook up with places that your customers would find useful to get after getting a host. YOU DO NOT WANT TO LINK WITH OTHER HOSTING SITES. Mainly because if they got a better price than you then your screwed. But maybe make a deal with other web host that if there is a package you cant offer you can refer them to the others. Or another solution is if you only do *nix hosting and then partener with someone that only does windows hosting so that then your sharing customers but not losing customers. But never share customers with people that are just like you. If i found yoru site and your charging me 9.95 a month then i click on link A and see they offer the same package and all but they only cost 6.95 a month what do you think i would do? Even if you guys have the same prices then it would work along this way....they might just look at stupid things like the design and what not and decide that your links reffer them to someone that has an awesome flash design and yet you got some little design thats a defualt in Frontpage 2000 or something and they will go with the other guy because they look more reliable when in reality you are more relialbe the other guy is just a good designer.

Thats my two cents...

thats like trading customers .... :stickout

I see it now.

Chris walks to Best buy. When entering a Sales Rep comes up and says hello sir my name is John. I was wondering if you would like to visit our store accross the street. I say what? i thought this is the only Best Buy here. John tells me yes but their partner is Comp USA and I may find a better deal there and they send me off on my way. LOL

This is a more down to earth example. Take for example Kmart and Wal-mart...you wont ever catch them reffering you to each other.

I definitely would not advise trading links with sites of the same content. Particularly in the case of web hosts.

I can only see this working if the person you trade a link with does not offer the same service. IE: If host A only did Unix hosting and host B did windows hosting and the customer really wants windows hosting then that would probally work. But, how many windows hosting companies vs. unix hosting are out there? I would say there are probally more unix hosts then windows hosts only because Linux based web servers are free and cheaper to setup vs. paying Microsoft for every nickel and dime.

Well lets assume for a moment that this could work fine and ok..then each web host would be having high ranks as far as the Google is concerned. This is not a good idea for most because no one would like to promote his/her competitor Plus then it would become difficult for the potential customers to buy the services cuz he/she can always go for the reciprocal link to check out other hosts...

:)