I wanted to know what kind of advise would you offer those that are wanting to get into the hosting business. What would you tell them to be the do and don'ts on this business from your experiences? :banana:

Take your time and don't rush into it. Make sure that you actually have the passion to be successful in the industry.

I would say that you might want to post this in the "Running a Web Hosting Business" section.

I would say that you might want to post this in the "Running a Web Hosting Business" section.
Moved so he doesn't have to ;)

Take your time and don't rush into it. Make sure that you actually have the passion to be successful in the industry.

Couldn't have said it better, you truely have to enjoy what you are doing. There will be many tough long nights, and sometimes little thanks you will get for helping others.

Don't let that discourage you though, if you believe in yourself, in what you do, you can be successful in this industry just don't think it is a over the night quick money scheme. You NEED a business plan, this is just like any other business you would start. Do you plan on staying small? Have plans to get big, how will you scale your business? This needs to all be in your business plan.

Know your costs, who you are targeting, and know it's not just about the features you offer, but the service you offer as well.

Make sure you have decent budget, and plan for times when you may not be able to meet a sales goal. This can help you a lot down the road in case anything arises so you can have a better handle of it. It is MUCH easier to have it planned out, then experience something down the road that you didn't expect. Remember, businesses have their good and bad days as well.

If you plan on making this a serious business, and not just something on the side...you may want to look at getting your business incorporated or some other forms of company depending on the structure you have envisioned that would best work for you to best protect you and any partners.

Hope that helps some...

Like any business:
Avoid handing out BS, and you will either succeed or fail, but you can keep your integrity whatever happens.
Preperation,Preperation & Preperaton - just like decorating, you know it makes sense.
Define your 'market place' and stick with it, don't try to be everything to everyone,
If you need to rethink, then rethink, don't just have 'kneejerk reactions'.
Don't try to compete where you can't be competetive.
Prob. most important:
Don't expect to be making money from day1, week1 or month 1

Good Luck, you'll prob. need it

My guess is that there are about 50 threads that answer the very question that you ask.

1. Research, research, research. Is this for you?
2. Build a business plan. What are your goals, funding options and physical capacities as an entrepreneur?

I tried to think of a third step but I think that really sums it up.

If you decide to jump into the business, then I wish you the best!

1. Start small focus on your current relation job as target market
2. build attractive business plan that understand your target market need
3 test it, to get more cash..:D

I wanted to know what kind of advise would you offer those that are wanting to get into the hosting business. What would you tell them to be the do and don'ts on this business from your experiences? :banana:

The best advise we can give is dont :) you will find everyone on these board will say the same thing, start small, find a niche, local clients etc etc. It is made to sound 'easy' the hard truth is to suceed in this industry is incredibly hard because it is so saturated.

You need to have capiital to start with, not get paid for a year and expect a rough time, it is a common misconception by onlookers that the industry is 'easy', it isnt!

Good Luck, you have been warned!

Dont try to grow to quickly, develop your business at a pace thats not going to leave you out of pocket

My guess is that there are about 50 threads that answer the very question that you ask.



To the OP - if you don't have the foresight to search for the existing material on the exact same question you asked, that has been asked many more then 50 times on this board previously, I would suggest staying out of business for a while.

Focus on building up your business acumen, because if you can't figure out that the information you're after exists and is readily available, you are only going to have grief when various business and technical issues arise.



Kind Regards,

My best advice is:

Web Hosting is just like any other business, there are no short cuts and the industry is probably MUCH more saturated than most. If you want to start a web host, you need to decide if it is going to be a hobby or a business. If you think you can start a serious host for $500 you are wrong, if you think you can start a hobby host for $500.. you are right.

Good luck, and make sure you are not starting a hosting business because "someone you know is making money doing it". Make sure you are fully educated and informed, you should have no problems.

Find a niche and work it . . . provide something that most hosting companies can't or don't

run away :D as fast as you can

run away :D as fast as you can
LOL
So few posts, yet soooooo much wisdom, :cool: , Good Advice

The best way to get into the hosting market is to do a lot of research, get some good hosting consultant, lawyer and accountant and take over an established business.

From there you can do more acquisitions or expand the business you just acquired.

To start from zero is very hard nowaday, unless you have a well build out personal network that you can tap into to get some first clients.

Goodluck!

I wanted to know what kind of advise would you offer those that are wanting to get into the hosting business. What would you tell them to be the do and don'ts on this business from your experiences? :banana:

Start with a dedicated server with a reputable ISP. If all works out well you'll get yourself a server and transfer your business to colocation which is normally less expensive. By that time you have also learned some more about possibilities with your ISP. If it does not work out, you'll just stop the dedicated server and you've not lost too much money. Just mention your intentions to your ISP so he cooperates when time comes to start with your own colocated server.

Besides it helps enormously when you're honest to your clients. Don't sell nonsense to win over people who are like yourself at this stage, looking for a trustworthy ISP and don't hide behind all sorts of aliasses. Be proud of your little company. That way you'll grow fast.

I know.

1) Be prepared for long hours
2) Communication is the key
3) Be patient while it takes time to grow - years!

I wanted to know what kind of advise would you offer those that are wanting to get into the hosting business.

My advice would be, "don't."

:D Bailey

Best way to startup is making customers from your local area, go to small businesses and offer them affordable websites, so you'll make a little money from the making + another fixed hosting billing for a year. Most of these customers will be static websites who give you no trouble and don't care about the details, they just want their small site being up and know 0 details about how it works.