How to gain customers

alaneads · #1 11-30-2002, 12:03 AM

Whats the best way to gain customers? For example, if a brand new host just starts up, offering packages such as:

500 Megs of webspace
10 gigs BW per month

$10.99 a month

What would be the best way to market it?

JSpired · #2 11-30-2002, 12:06 AM

First, you need to get the word out there you exist. Try forums, such as this one, local advertising, and don't forget to register with search engines.

JonL · #3 11-30-2002, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JSpired
First, you need to get the word out there you exist. Try forums, such as this one, local advertising, and don't forget to register with search engines.

On top of that you should submit your webhost to webhosting directories. If you do a quick search you can find a big list of webhosting directories. Good luck

bwho · #4 11-30-2002, 01:52 AM

the above ways are great, also if you find a certain niche of the market you want to host, go where the community is..

if you want to specialize in php hosting, go to development forums. yadda yadda.. local market is always good.

thomas830 · #5 11-30-2002, 09:37 AM

Go for:

- hosting directories
- google adwords
- pay per click search engines
- forums (advertising sections, but here You need to offer everything and almost for free)

BisonSt · #6 11-30-2002, 11:07 AM

alaneads,

The first thing to remember is that you cannot base your "actriveness" on what your plans offer or what they cost. There are thousands of hosts that offer more for less. That will always be the case. There are some good suggestions on WHT because this question is asked on a weekly basis. Search through the forum and you'll find good advice.

BM

intraweb · #7 11-30-2002, 04:08 PM

Be different. That is our goal, we are working on.

Simple - yet effective.

NickDev · #8 11-30-2002, 05:36 PM

Best advertisement is word of mouth.

dbbrock1 · #9 11-30-2002, 06:14 PM

overture = bad
Don't waste money on overture. I wasted a good $50 and didn't get a single signup.

intraweb · #10 11-30-2002, 06:40 PM

Overture is great, (great big rip off still)....but not for this industry...

You can not expect results when the top bidders are paying in excess of $10 per click... This is horrible...

PPC in general IMHO and experience is a waste for this industry

ebigroup · #11 12-03-2002, 05:32 PM

In addition to all the previous suggestions (word of mouth, hosting forums, hosting directories, etc.), find ways to get the word out to your local business community: join the local Chamber of Commerce and get to know other members, write a guest commentary about online business for your local newspaper, advertise in area papers and business magazines, promote yourself as a local expert in Web hosting and the Internet by offering to be a guest speaker at the public library, community college events, Jaycees gatherings, etc.

By taking these steps and doing them right, you can build yourself a solid local foundation and grow your business from there, whether you prefer to focus on a local audience or branch out to a national/international client base. Remember: many individuals and small-business owners are not as comfortable with Web technology, site design and online promotion as you might be, and they often take comfort in finding a "hometown" partner who can help them move online.

Hope this helps!

Hosting4USA · #12 12-03-2002, 06:50 PM

You have to consider signing to Hosting Directory Sites

www.hostproindex.com
www.findmyhosting.com
www.hostsearch.com
www.webhostdir.com
www.findmyhost.com

This list can be long. If anybody knows more directories like them please provide here.

Thank you.

Choppy · #13 12-03-2002, 10:16 PM

A good idea is to give people some free hosting so they can try out your service and suggest it to there friends or a month free of service is always good also.

make sure some sites have links of your domain on them so the search engines can look after you also

Kind regards and welcome.