So you're pumped, ready to start your hosting dream. You've started your dream hosting company by purchasing a reseller, a VPS, or maybe even a dedicated. What next??
Step 1: Plan Ahead
What do you want to spend money on? What don't you? What do you want/need/prefer? What do the
clients prefer? Heres a simple list of great things a great host may offer:
- Automatic Billing Software
- Live Support Chat
- HelpDesk Support Client
- Support Forums
- Hosting Control Panel
- An easy to navigate website
- Extras & Bonuses, Something other hosts don't offer!
The Site Itself...
Must be easily navigatable. It should contain all the information your visitors need; plans, prices, features, services, support, pre-sales support, contact information, and a fancy home page. It should look professional.
I suggest; If you don't have experience in web design, and aren't looking to hire anyone for their high rates, go with TemplateMonstor. I know a lot of people who are freelancers, that will customize your template monstor template for like $5. I do it for $10. You can use Joomla, but it looks better if you design it from scratch or from a template; its more professional looking to say the least.
Whats this about a billing software?
It manages accounts, payments, and subscriptions for you. It really takes all the fun out of it, but honestly, its more honest than your clients
. Professional billing solutions may be expensive, but they have features that free solutions can't compare to; such as paypal interigation, website order forms, client center, monthly/quarterly/yearly subscriptions, coupon codes, and various control panel variations. I suggest:
Support, Support, and Lots of It!
A client has an issue; say for example here that his Cpanel password is denied, because he thinks he forgot it. Its a simple answer, but how can he ask you if you don't have support? He can't. What is the solution? Many Options...
Live Support
A great answer to support; as long as you have money and an operator.
*I suggest LiveHelp
HelpDesk...
A non live solution, I suggest (
http://www.kayako.com/) Kayako, but there are hundreds of other (some free) possibilities.
Support Forums!
Another great way to do it, and it can be free!
- Invision Power Board
- VBulletin
- PhpBB
- SMF
There are many other alternatives, these are just the top of the line (top two cost $, bottom two are very good free ones)
Hosting Control Panel
Its neccesary. You can't run a host without one. Theres mostly paid alternatives, but probably included with your reseller, vps, or ded. Small hosts can probably ignore this collum.
Thats It! You're on your way to a professional host in no time, feel free to add on! -Tim