Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Need advice on getting started

[mh0sting]

I have started a web hosting company and has been running for some time.

I just need some advice on attracting more customers, I feel that my pricing is very good for what I offer (£4 per month gets you cPanel, Unlimited Storage, Bandwidth, MySQL databases, e-mail accounts etc.) but can't seem to rope the customers in.

I also offer cheaper packages for people who don't want or need the unlimited features.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[NoSupportLinuxHostin]

Price and disk space are not all that matters. You need to clearly define a niche to target, and then develop a message that explains to members of that niche why your service is perfect for their specific needs. Don't try to be everything for everybody, because that dilutes your message.

[gotlivechat]

Maybe try focusing on your local market. See where area businesses host their sites and then contact them about hosting them cheaper (who doesn't like to save money :-)
Competing globally, as you've already noticed, is difficult due to all the hosting alternatives. But looking locally might give you the edge needed to grow.

[ubservers]

If only I could get unlimited disk space at this price!

[Itslee]

No one likes hosts who offer unlimited Disk space etc.. because this shows the server will be over sold etc.. Thats your problem right there.

[jcarney1987]

Its tough to start. I've been in business since Dec 2011 and I am just now getting a good amount of traffic to my homepage. Starting out doesn't give you much to offer so I just try to base everything around honesty and educate people how hosting actually works. I even go out of my way to help other company/competitors customers. Using this forum for example you can find people who have no clue on what to do and give them a point in the right direction.

Other than that its a tough market and lots of people doing it. Try adding your website to as many webhosting directories as possible or get as many backlinks you can back to your site with out spamming this will help your search rating but it still has an issue because so many host already done it. So as said it all comes down why should a customer choose you?

[mh0sting]

Thank you all, for your fast responses

I currently do some freelance work for a competitor, mainly to get some tips and advice from him, as he seems to be doing really well. All of your advice has been great in giving me some clarity on how I should approach getting the company off the ground. I do have some paying customers, so things are moving, just not as quickly as I expected.

Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks

[SolaDrive]

When starting out, building a good reliable reputation is key. Get your company's name out there as much as you can. It may take awhile but if you treat your customers right, your company will grow.

[LD_We]

Originally Posted by Itslee

No one likes hosts who offer unlimited Disk space etc.. because this shows the server will be over sold etc.. Thats your problem right there.

Everyone actually looks for 'Unlimited' they all want it, that's why so many hosts sell it that way. Not all customers who buy Hosting are that tech savvy. They all don't understand that it's just a marketing gimmick. I hate the concept of Unlimited too ... its stupid

[Lincxu]

You might ask some famous website owners to try out your service and encourage them to recommend your name.

[servage_one]

First inform you customers about your product and why they should choose it.
Try marketing tolls and channels like SEO, social media, link sharing, maybe Adwords as well.
Then add value by offering good (customer) service, good security to keep your customers and gain good reputation.
Good luck with you business, I hope it will be better soon!