Web Hosting Information

Steps to Becoming a Web Host Reseller


You've decided to get a reseller web hosting account to resell web space. What now? Here's a step-by-step guide.

1. Choose the platform you want to use.

More open source software programs are available for Linux than for Windows, which makes Linux less expensive. While most programs (Perl, PHP, Flash, etc.) run on both platforms, a few run on only Windows or Linux. A site that requires ASP or MS Access, for example, requires a Windows platform.

2. Choose the control panel you want to use.

Control panels for websites range from very basic to loaded with features. As a reseller, you'll also have a control panel for you to set up and control hosting accounts.

In Choosing Your Hosting Automation Software, we compare several control panels, all of which offer good features for web host resellers.

3. Choose your web host.

The web host company that you choose for your reseller account is a key decision - your business success depends on the quality of your host. Factors to consider when choosing a web host for a reseller account:

  • The platform and control panel
  • Account features
  • The company's reputation - search for online reviews by clients
  • The record of server uptime
  • The level of support - how fast does tech support respond to support requests, especially time-sensitive ones?
  • Flexibility - does the web host have packages that allow you to upgrade when your needs increase? Will they customize plans if necessary?
  • How long the web host has been in business - while a new web host may be very good, many web hosting businesses fail within the first year
  • Price - consider what is included in the price
  • Get Started with reseller hosting.

4. Set up your hosting plans and prices

Divide your bandwidth by your disk space to find out the ratio of bandwidth to disk space that you can offer. Take into account any ratios that differ if you upgrade to a larger package, and then base your packages on that ratio.

For pricing, consider what competitors charge, but also factor in any additional services you'll be offering.

5. Develop a business website

You have three main choices for website development:

  • Create a website using an existing website template http://www.websitesource.com/clientarea/reseller_website_templates.shtml
  • Hire a designer or a design company to design your site for you http://design.websitesource.com/design/elements_custom-work.php
  • If you have web design skills, design your site yourself

Include all the information that clients will want to know about your services and company.

6. Make your site e-commerce ready

To be able to accept payments for hosting accounts, you'll to set up:

  • An SSL certificate
  • A merchant account
  • A payment gateway

7. Set up a helpdesk

A helpdesk allows clients to contact you with support requests and you to track and respond to those requests.

8. Set up billing

With an automated billing system, clients are billed and payments are registered with little effort on your part. Most billing software licenses are priced per month or per year, with some billing software companies offering prices for lifetime licenses.

Some popular billing and payment processing systems:

When you choose a billing software program, check if it's compatible with your server platform and if support is included.

9. Create a welcome email

After you set up hosting accounts for your clients, you'll need to send them a welcome email. Include in this email:

  • A confirmation of the plan details
  • The nameserver names
  • A username and temporary password
  • A link to the control panel
  • Links to your knowledge base / FAQ and to your helpdesk

10. Market your website

Submit your site to search engines. Tell your family, friends, and business acquaintances about your website. Include a link to it in your signature line in outgoing emails. But don't stop there - market your website http://www.marketingcontrolpanel.com via incoming links, advertising, newsletters, and special offers.

About the author: Technical Executive Writer for Website Source, Inc. http://www.websitesource.com whose established writing skills coupled with experience in the website hosting industry have provided internet professionals with marketing, product and service ideas for many years.


MORE RESOURCES:

Host Color Launched Custom Blog Web Hosting Service
The Open Press (press release) - Oct 10, 2008
It is priced at $4.99/month and enables blog owners to customize their web hosting environment and to use their favorite blogging CMS. ...


iWeb launches its new blog for the web hosting industry
MarketWatch - Oct 9, 2008
... or post of technical interest for web developers and systems administrators and c) articles and news related to the web hosting industry in general. ...


Goldleaf Web Hosting Services, Implemented by Premier Commercial Bank
TheHostingNews.com (press release), OR - Oct 10, 2008
To learn more about Goldleaf Financial Solutions, please visit: www.goldleaf.com. Find discount dedicated server, cheap web hosting and discount website ...


Web Hosting Tutorial Firm Re-Branding Service Discounts, Debut at ...
WebSite Host Directory (press release), OR - Oct 10, 2008
Nova Scotia, Canada - (Website Hosting Directory) - October 10, 2008 - Web hosting industry tutorial firm, DemoWolf, has launched a new promotion, ...


Chesley Consulting completes acquisition of the Web Hosting and IT ...
1888 Press Release (press release), TX - Oct 9, 2008
Detroit, MI (1888PressRelease) October 10, 2008 - Chesley Consulting has completed the acquisition of the Web Hosting and IT Support arms from ICTNS. ...


Brown Bear Creative Receives Award from Web Hosting Search
TheDay, CT - Oct 9, 2008
Web Hosting Search (WHS) has awarded Brown Bear Creative with a Web Design Award for 2008. WHS produces reviews and recommendations on various web hosting ...


Web hosting services at mind-blowing speed!!!!
NewDesignWorld (press release), UK - Oct 9, 2008
For more details about the tariffs and usage plans visit the website http://www.ewebguru.com A web hosting service is a type of Internet hosting service ...


ServerIntellect Beats Out the Competitors Wins Dedicated Web ...
Emediawire (press release), WA - Oct 9, 2008
The 2008 Dedicated Web Hosting Award from Top10DedicatedHosting.com for Best Dedicated Web Server Provider was awarded to Server Intellect. ...


web hosting
Teknologibedriftenes Landsforening (TBL), Norway - Oct 9, 2008
Provider of virtual, shared, dedicated, reseller, and colocation Web hosting and other managed hosting services and products. Take a look at package rates ...


Web hosting |
Teknologibedriftenes Landsforening (TBL), Norway - Oct 9, 2008
Webcs.com is proud to be one of the oldest hosts in the world. Your first month is just $2 on our most popular account, including Linux, Cpanel and even ...

Web-Hosting - Google News

home | site map
© 2006