Just getting started, need direction

[Mamabird]

I worked in the corporate world for 10 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I'm just getting started doing business for myself, and have a handful of sites that I am going to build.

My questions concern hosting. At first I assumed that I would set up a site on a host, charge the client the annual host fee then be done with it and move on to the next client. As I'm researching hosting companies and finding that they offer several domains, I'm thinking that I should just buy the package and use my domains for each of my clients. Is that what you all do?

If so, how should I go about recooping the cost? I'm thinking that I would figure out how much it would have cost the client to have hosting with a single domain and charge them that, but then I'd be making money if I have multiple clients (is that bad?)

Second, what are your thoughts on hosting companies? I've seen a lot of talk of hostgator here, and I'm wondering who uses them and do you like them? What are other users using and do you like them (why or why not)? There is SO much information out there it's easy to get overwhelmed with choices. I've also found lots of complaints about companies like hostmonster, but they date back to 2006. Surely they've made improvements since then.

Thank you in advance!!!

[~fine-networks~]

hi ,Mamabird , are you web designer?

please pm me personally.
so we can arrange win-win partnership.

[SiberForum]

I suppose that decent web hosting account is the best solution for the web designers

[Mamabird]

Thanks for responding but neither of these answers were helpful at all. Does anyone else have any thoughts? Helping a newbie is tremendously appreciated!

[~fine-networks~]

"At first I assumed that I would set up a site on a host, charge the client the annual host fee then be done with it and move on to the next client."


......................... yes you can do that...... usually you can charge them $10-30 X12=....

and your clients still need to contact you often.




If so, how should I go about recooping the cost? I'm thinking that I would figure out how much it would have cost the client to have hosting with a single domain and charge them that, but then I'd be making money if I have multiple clients (is that bad?)


............... no, that 's is creative idea.
you can still have multiple domain, and set your client a website with those domain, or you can just buy a vps server, and distribute them as you wish to your client.

Second, what are your thoughts on hosting companies? I've seen a lot of talk of hostgator here, and I'm wondering who uses them and do you like them? What are other users using and do you like them (why or why not)? There is SO much information out there it's easy to get overwhelmed with choices. I've also found lots of complaints about companies like hostmonster, but they date back to 2006. Surely they've made improvements since then.

hostgator and hostmonster are good company. they have been around for while.


success for you!

by the way you can add me personally as your buddy list.
when you need further assistance....

[jalanbk]

In my opinion you can buy a reseller hosting account and then keep charging your clients for the hosting account you provide them ...

[~ServerPoint~]

For the getting started I would support the idea of reseller account. I believe that is what you need right now

[HQHost.net]

I agree as for the reseller account, that's what most of designer studios do, before they grow and move to VPS or dedicated.
I don't think domain reselling can bring you any profits, you can offer domains to clients reselling from onlinenic or directi, but that'a solely for clients' convenience.

[Jeckas]

Reseller account is yours. I would recommend you have a look at http://pivotalweb.com/cpanelreseller.php
They have amazing Cpanel reseller options.
But at the same time if you are ok with managment that can be dedicated or VPS server

[nasis]

look for a cheap reseller and start your business. It's not so much, about 10-15$/month. Google for them

[Hahh]

what are your thoughts on hosting companies? I've seen a lot of talk of hostgator here

I would not recommend starting business with large providers, as large providers are good for largerprojects but yet not always...
It would be reasonable to start from shared (probably of large resources) and then upgrade to VPS or dedi when required.

As for the company to recommend I can name apthost.com - good place for any hosting type. Also goos start is possible to get from routhost.com - only plan with high resource capability and low cost.

[AnmolTech]

Here is what you will need to support your webdesign clients:

1) A reseller account
What is it and how does it help you?

IN a reseller account you can create many packages like how much bandwidth and disk space to assign to a hosting client. Many reseller will allow you to host un-limited domains in your reseller account.

2) You will also need a BILLING Client like WHMCS (we use it ourselves also). Some resellers like ourselves offer it for FREE!. You can setup this with a Biz paypal account that accept Credit cards etc. Its very simple and easy to use.

You can check out the offers section for discount that many hosts offer.

IF you have more questions on how and why, feel free to PM be and i would be more than happy to assist you.

I was asking these exact same questions that you had 3 years ago so i really know how best to advise you on this one.

Regards,
VJ

[ScriptMan]

I am not one but most designers offer a "value added" service of providing hosting through a reseller account. You don't charge anything near as low as the prices you see on the web because you will earn the "extra profit" before it is said and done.

If they want the bargain hosting, they are 100% on their own once you deliver them a working site.

This isn't a ripoff. It is called getting paid for the extra work you will do.