So You Want To Be A Web Host? Answer These 10 Questions

Aaaaand now it’s time to play everyone’s favorite game: So You Want To Be A Web Host! *applause* Our contestant today is YOU! The rules are simple, just answer these ten essential questions to determine if you have what it takes to become a web host. Let’s begin: *cue dramatic game show music*

1. Are you 18 years or older? – First things first, it’s illegal in many countries for someone under 18 to engage in a contract with another person online, especially when dealing with web hosts. If you are 18 or older, you can play this game. If not, we admire your drive to start your own business, but come back when you are old enough.

2. Do you have enough time? – Being a web host can be a full-time job. With literally thousand of hosts to choose from, you or a co-worker must be available all day, every day for customer support. Quick answers to technical and sales requests is a must to have legs and be successful in this industry.

3. What kind of reseller plan is right for you? –
Reseller hosting is usually the most inexpensive and easiest way to start a hosting business. With one control panel, you can manage multiple clients who also have access to a control panel to change and update their service.

Virtual Private Server hosting is a virtual slice of a much larger main server node, which is typically a dedicated server divided up into different virtual environments. While these accounts are typically meant for development purposes, you can become a reseller on a VPS plan.

Dedicated Server hosting allows you to use all the resources of a server machine. The datacenter owns and operates the equipment but use of the machine is entirely yours. All maintenance and troubleshooting is the responsibility of the datacenter.

Colocation Servers are ideal if you already own a server and are familiar enough with server management to run your own machine. Your server will be stored in a secure datacenter with more bandwidth, fire protection, backup generators, and security than a normal office or home.

Choose a hosting plan based on your budget and the amount of customers you feel your company can grow to in the next two or three years.

4. Which host are you going to use?
If you have your own datacenter and equipment, skip this question. Skip all the questions because you have won this game. For all you other contestants, find a good web host. A few considerations need to taken when shopping for a great web host service provider.

Does the host own their own datacenter?
HostDime has an advantage that 90 percent of our competitors don’t have, and that’s our very own datacenter located in Orlando, Florida. Many hosting companies will hint that they own their datacenter, but unless they explicitly state this, this isn’t usually the case. A hosting provider that has command over their own datacenter, hardware, and support is better equipped to provide you with exceptional help.

Does the host have a good reputation?
There’s countless hosting review sites to check out and research hosts track records. Web Hosting Talk has great forums filled with reviews, complaints, and praise of all major hosts.

Does the host have 24/7/365 support?
As we previously mentioned, a host with round-the-clock customer service is a must. A bunch of other options for your customers is recommended, such as e-mail ticketing, phone support, and live chat.

5. Which hosting technology do you need: Linux or Windows?
Let’s get a few misconceptions out of the way first. The operating system on your PC has very little to do with the web hosting plan you should purchase. You can use Linux web hosting on your Windows computer or Windows hosting on your Linux computer. Static HTML pages can be hosted on literally any server.

Each technology has it’s specific advantages over the other. Linux has more open applications, while Windows is more suitable for websites that have specific applications like MSSQL and Plesk. Whichever you choose, make sure you research the right service for your needs.

6. Will you hire employees? – Are you going to be a one man show, or are you hiring employees from the outset? Less employees equals less financial investment, but much more of your precious time. If you go the dedicated server route, you will save money on manpower, which is an easy way to start your company without a giant early investment.

7. How will you price your hosting? – Make sure you do your homework and look around at competitors plans to see how they price. You are competing with companies who offer $1 pricing online and others who charge hundreds of dollars, depending on the quality of service and amount of benefits. There’s many factors to consider when pricing your hosting: power, bandwidth, management, staff, plus the server itself.

8. What are you using for e-commerce? – A billing solution is key to a hassle-free payment transfer. Say goodbye to cashing checks, and begin accepting credit card payments effortlessly. Have your users set up automated billing like WHMCS so you can track your daily pending orders, check out graphs and statistics, and study income projections.

9. How will you advertise? – Local advertising, web hosting forums, word of mouth, Google adwords, banner ads, special promos, the list goes on and on. Advertising can be an art form, so get creative. Also remember that any publicity is good publicity, so find interesting ways to get your business out there.

10. What will your website look like? – Before anyone sees your price and benefits, they are looking at your company’s website to see the level of professionalism. Be bold and look different than popular templates and your competitors websites. Here’s 21 mistakes web designers are still making; be sure to avoid these at all costs.

Did you win the game? Are you ready to get started?

If not, there’s another easy way to make some residual income, and that’s to become an affiliate. An affiliate program is where a web host pays you to bring in sales leads. An affiliate doesn’t have to pay to promote the program, and you can earn up to $150 per referral sale.

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Jared S. is HostDime’s Content Strategist; he wishes you luck on your web hosting endeavors!