When a customer decides to go out for webhosting services, why would they choose one company over another? I know when I have looked for them, it was usually the website that hooked me as well as the features of the account that came with it.

Well, that was 1-2 years ago. Nowadays, what do people look for? My target audience would probably be whoever was looking for a webhost on one of the webhost searches. (Basically, summing it up.)

Right now, they want the world for < $3 per month :)

Good, competitive pricing, a responsive staff and a good site will bring em in, and great support will keep them (as long as they dont find anyone cheaper:))

I used to shop around for webhosting every other month before I started by own firm. The number one thing I looked at were designs. If you can't afford to have a professional design, that means you don't make much of a profit and aren't a very good host. (in my philosophy anyway). Cheers.

Originally posted by bobosama
I used to shop around for webhosting every other month before I started by own firm. The number one thing I looked at were designs. If you can't afford to have a professional design, that means you don't make much of a profit and aren't a very good host. (in my philosophy anyway). Cheers.

Since you used to shop around for webhosting every other month I suppose your philosopy is flawed :D

Originally posted by Pilgrim


Since you used to shop around for webhosting every other month I suppose your philosopy is flawed :D

Ha, that exact thought went through my head when I read that.

Just because someone can't afford to spend 15K on a pixelbrick design, doesnt mean their a bad hosting company. it means mabey they are spending 15K on their servers (or a deserved vacation?) and support. And, those who don't want to / cant pay for design, will live with what they have - the website is not a judge for your linux knowledge or friendly staff...

Originally posted by MaB
Just because someone can't afford to spend 15K on a pixelbrick design, doesnt mean their a bad hosting company. it means mabey they are spending 15K on their servers (or a deserved vacation?) and support. And, those who don't want to / cant pay for design, will live with what they have - the website is not a judge for your linux knowledge or friendly staff...

I back that up! :cool:

The thing I find hard to believe is how anyone would buy hosting from a host that does not even have a web site. Some of the offers I have seen lately the main index page for the site is the Ensim placeholder page or another placeholder.

A good web site can be made for under $50 with a purchased template and a good site designed for $250.

I also see a lot of hosts making offers but they can't post a link because their domain name is banned.

There is nothing wrong with shopping around for the best price but there is no reason to use a host like these.

Just my thoughts! :cartman:

i didnt mean have no website, i meant didnt have a spectacular website

Shopping around doesn't mean I was signing up for a new host every month :D

I'm always looking for a better deal,
but I stuck with pulsehost (previously known as fiyer.net) for a good 6 months. Had I not started my own firm, I still would've been a loyal customer. Their support and service was outstanding.

By a good design, I didn't mean anything spectacular. I simply implied a site with a professional look, feel and proper grammar. I've come across dozens of hosting sites that look like they were made in a matter of 10 minutes with front page.

Your website is the first thing a potential customer sees, and though you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, most people do ;)

Well, you are correct. I also think that what they see does play a role, but not THE role. once they get to 2 nice sites, or 2 equal sites, it comes down to what was discussed, prices, staff response, knowledge...

Plus if i knew what customers wanted, i'd be on a beach right now :)

I'll have to agree with you. When I found two sites with professional templates, layouts, etc. it came down to the plans, prices and email response time. I would contact the sales representatives of both sites and request a quote for a custom plan. The one to respond first would probably be my choice, but in the end, I think a large price or features difference would probably sway me away. So in the end, what the people want are a nice looking site, lotsa features, space, bandwidth, fast support, and dirt cheap prices ;) But you can only have the last one or the rest.

Thank you all for all the replies.

I don't like my web site layout at all, but it's hard enough to keep up with everything I need to do for the company to begin with.

It looks like I'll have to go to the web design forum and get a few quotes on my new project. If anyone reads this before I do that, and you feel you can offer a reasonable price, place contact me.

They want a good product for a good price. They want to be treated with respect and dignity. They want good and fast service. :)

Originally posted by Aussie Bob
They want a good product for a good price. They want to be treated with respect and dignity. They want good and fast service. :)

How do you get your customer to experience that? Who is a web host #1 salesperson? Who works 24/7 selling introducing people to your "good and fast service". It is your web site.

Just like a clean shaven, well dressed salesman coming in sets a better impression then a guy ina cut off shirt and board shorts, a well dressed web site will do better then a crap one.

You good to have a strong point A to get to point B.

All the "professional" sites look the same. You have a square, with plans on the outside, a menu running on top, a goofy computer graphic on top and if you really want to get cliched, throhgh is some stock photography of a woman.

Bingo, instant "professional" hosting site.

Did anything think about being unique?

The first time I visited HTTPME (http://www.httpme.com/) I flipped out. It was a well designed, clean, fast loading site that showed their dedication to support.

No goofy computer image, no woman shot.

Well you need to use what attracts customers don't you? I personal would never buy from a site that uses a forums software for their main website. Just not my idea of professionalism.

Free dedicated servers and a fancy non-complaint Flash website.