Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Running a Web Hosting Business : troubling times for web developers .. need your advice!

[SuperRobot5000]

I am in the process of setting up a business that offers a set Web Hosting services as well as a Web Development service (mainly web & .NET technologies). However, in the last few days/weeks after doing some more research into the Development side of things, I am increasingly becoming discouraged carrying on with the service because of the "cut-throat" competitive pricing going on online and in our local area! I planned to get development business from companies in my area and using the freelance websites online. I am very commited to this business and am ready to launch in the next few months... I don't however want to invest alot of time into a service that has minimal chance of making alot of money for the me and my business.

I am currently working as a software developer, so development is forte!


So I have a choice... do I carry on with the Web Development service or do I consentrate on the other services and maybe offer a hosted server service?

What are you thoughts?

Where do you see the trend going for freelance developers or development in general?

Do you see the increase of feature rich "box products" and outsourcing to cheap labour causing an end for the rest of us developers?


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[Website Rob]

If products & services were based on pricing alone, the Business Market would be a sad place indeeed. Fortunately, quality & service also play a big role in obtaining and retaining Clients.

Sounds like you need to brush up on your Sales techniques or hire someone good at Sales. Never let price scare you and you'll be pleasantly surprized.

[SuperRobot5000]

Very good point WebsiteRob, but isn't "quality" and "service" what most companies claim to provide? Whether they actually deliver is a different story...

[Website Rob]

What a company 'claims' to provide and what a Client feels is 'actually provided' is what leaves room for a good Salesperson.

A Professional Salesperson is there for the Client's needs.

All other Salespeople are there for their own needs.


It is a must, for a good Salesperson to also be a good troubleshooter. Having found a potential Client who has a problem, regardless of whether the potential Client is aware of it, is the only time a Sales cycle should start.

I think though, I'm taking your thread a bit off track.

[unity100]

Quality Matters - never forget that when it comes to web development.

Cutthroat pricing, local & international competiton is almost irrelevant when it comes to trust and quality of the work done.

A software house/developer who produces good code, and reliable is always at advantage BECAUSE THERE IS an international competition and cutthroat pricing. The bad make the good stand out VERY much.

Of course you will be acquiring clients at a very slow rate. But, you and your clients will be going a loooooong way together because the relationship has been decided to happen on grounds of trust, reliability and quality on part of the client. Ie - you will be having 20 continuing, long time clients, and they will be continually bringing you projects, to the point that you wont be able to accept new clients unless you enlarge your operation.