Posted on February 9th, 2010
A blog post by DN (3 Comments)

Multi-billion dollar industry of Internet is booming. IPv4 address is nearing its exhaustion, and this clearly implicates what is the growth rate of Internet in the present scenario. Thousands of websites are still trying to make a stand in the industry, and this is an assuring sign for people who want to start a Web Hosting business on their own.

Clearly the Web Hosting business is booming out there and Oh Boy, they are making a lot of money too. However, do not get easily lured by money as being a Web Host is no easy job. Here is a small insight on how you can start Web Hosting on your own.

Step 1:

Reseller Hosting

Reseller Hosting is an ideal platform to kick-start your carrier as a suitable Web Host. Reseller hosting will provide you with the initial thrust for powering up your business and supplies enough capital for starting a respectable Web hosting company. The first step to create your own Web hosting services is to buy a reseller account from a reliable Web hosting company. The Reseller host should have the platform of Windows, Unix or Linux with a good functional and user friendly control panel. In addition to these, the Web hosting company should excel in: providing good customer support, flexibility, reputation, experience and the features provided. We’d Highly recommend checking reseller hosting offers from HostGator.

Step 2:

Importance of Business Planning:

Every business needs proper planning and implementation, and Web hosting business is no exception to it. Before starting the business, you should have a fair idea of the step by step process you are going to attempt and how you are going to execute it. Problems faced such as budget constraints in advertising and server maintenance should be carefully given a thought before starting web hosting. Different types of control panel sets are available for web hosting. Some of the control panels used in Web Hosting are cPanel, Directadmin, H-Sphere, Gnupanel etc. A lot of advanced features included in these panels has surely made Web Hosting a lot easier. Choose a suitable panel, which meets your, requirements.

Step 3:

Web design:

The next step is to purchase a hosting template/ hire a suitable website developer to design your website. If you are able to design your website yourself, then it would be a real money saver. Sometimes free hosting templates are also provided by the reseller hosting sites itself. Your website is your identity and a webpage with 3-5 plans of different price tags are sure to catch ones attention. The website should be carefully crafted in layout and the features offered should be ones, which are capable to fight the fiercest of competitors. The blend of service and the price quoted must be perfectly able to lure any customer.

Step 4:

Welcome Mail:

Welcome mail is a must for every client you have. This creates an intimacy between you and your client. For new signups some of the things which you can deliver in your first email are: a confirmation message of the plan chosen, a temporary username and password, control panel link, links to your help desk, FAQ etc.

Step 5:

Support

Just signing up a few customers will not establish you as a dependable Web Host. Customers seek dedication, perfection and sources which are reliable. To gain their trust, round the clock help-desk should be created. The support help desk is vital, since it is a way in which your clients can address their grievances. The help desk so created should be as user friendly as possible. Choose a control panel, which has this, feature built-in. H-Sphere is the most commonly used control panel which has this feature. If you do not have enough resources to provide support on your own, then you can always go for HelpDesk Outsourcing.

Step 6:

Billing

Billing software is an indispensable feature which a Web Host should have. Installation of a billing software helps you synchronize your work, clients and orders. The billing software installed should be able to comply to frequent usage. Accounts lab pro, Clientexec, Modernbill etc are the most popular billing scripts. These billing software’s can be integrated into your website control panel.

H-Sphere provides an interface with which you can plan your billing. Discounts, trial periods and automated recurring billing are some of the features provided in H-Sphere control panel.

Authorize Net is another example of a robust and flexible gateway system which is compatible with a majority of control panels and credit card systems.

The billing software’s are also provided free with some reseller hosting packages. For example, Accounts lab pro, is provided free with reseller hosting packages from Hosterio.

Link: http://www.hosterio.com

Step 7:

Payment:

Accepting payment checks online is another obstacle when you have to start web hosting business on your own. For accepting online payments you will have to sign up for a Merchant account. An SSL certificate and a payment gateway are also a must to accept payment online. Authorize.net, Worldpay, 2checkout etc, are some of the popular payments gateways. Additional creation of a PayPal Business or Premier Account will help you accept payments from Credit/Debit Cards.


Step 8:

Advertising

Promotion of your Web Hosting venture is the ultimate key to success. The field is always competitive and is only meant for brave hearts who are dedicated to their profession. You must be aware that, there are thousands of others out there who are trying to outrun you spotting cheaper price tags and similar features as your Web Host does. The key lies in promoting your new business through family, friends and the Internet. Optimization of search engine, affiliate programming, paid news paper advertising, adding your site to the content provider site list and getting your site name in relevant directories are some of cost-effective ways of marketing your site.

Web hosting business is one of the toughest jobs unless you have the technical knowhow and a strong foundation in computer system administration. People usually start the Web Hosting business thinking it as easy money making scheme. The unfortunate reality is that these people are unable to fulfill all the interests of this industry. This field needs professionals who can provide dedicated support to their clients and cater to all their needs. If you are the right person for this job, then surely Web hosting is sure to reap you rewards.

Good Luck.