Reseller web hosting has evolved as a great option for starting a business and earning profits. With an increasing number of businesses launching websites, the demand for quality and customized hosting services has been on the rise. If you have been thinking of starting a reseller hosting business, then here are 15 important steps to follow to get started on the right note.
Step 01: Define Business Goals
We live in a digital world where starting an online business is easy and often profitable. Hence, many businesses launch websites giving rise to a huge demand for web hosting services. However, before you start a reseller hosting business, understand your business goals clearly, as they would help you set up the business right.
Step 02: Identify the target market
Focus your business on identifying a target market. It will help you in creating packages that are customized to the segment.
Step 03: Assess your competition
Hosting companies, resellers, and affiliates are catering to the entire market today. Hence, before you start, assess your competition. Look at the price of the hosting plans they offer and the features included in them.
Step 04: Create a brand
Reseller hosting offers an opportunity to be a hosting provider with a brand image and identity. Design a logo, choose a domain name, and create a brand.
Step 05: Understand web hosting
As it is a technical process, web hosting requires you to have a basic understanding of web hosting. While, as a hosting reseller, you don’t have to be a technical expert, you will have to explain the benefits of the features of your packages to your clients.
Step 06: Choose the right reseller hosting plan
Since your hosting packages will be based on the resources purchased via the reseller hosting plan, it is important to choose one carefully. Research the provider and compare the web hosting reseller plans and features carefully before buying. Ensure that you select the best reseller hosting plan for your business.
Step 07: Opt for White Label Support
White Label support allows you to resell web hosting without any mention of the parent company. It can help build trust and create loyal customers.
Step 08: Create hosting packages
Once you have followed these steps, start creating hosting packages based on your assessment of the needs of your target clients.
Step 09: Use a detailed billing system
Web hosting is a recurring billing business. Hence, you will have a system that allows you to monitor and manage your bills with ease. Use a good billing system with automated processes.
Step 10: Install an SSL Certificate
When clients register with you and enter personal details like their address, contact details, financial information, etc., on your site, they need to feel secure. Install an SSL Certificate to assure them that you take data security seriously. It will help establish trust too.
Step 11: Set up client support
As it is a technical process, web hosting is riddled with snags and technical glitches. Since most site owners are not technical experts, they turn to their hosting providers when faced with any such roadblock. It would be best if you had a support mechanism to manage such queries and handle them efficiently.
Step 12: Price your hosting packages
Price is the trickiest part of the process. You need to ensure that you price your web hosting packages based on the services offered and competitive analysis. Pricing too high could throw off potential clients, and pricing too low could make the volumes unsustainable.
Step 13: Design a marketing and promotion plan
With most people searching for products and services online, it is safe to assume that site owners would be looking for a new host online. Hence, it is important to promote and market your web hosting reseller business. Create a plan that projects you in front of your target audience.
Step 14: Create brand awareness
What is your USP? Why should a site owner opt for your services? Your target market segment must be made aware of these facts to make an informed decision.
Step 15: Create customized solutions
The web hosting industry is highly competitive. Large hosting companies, resellers, and hosting affiliates are vying to attract site owners. Customization is a powerful tool to offer services that can compete against large companies. Assess your target market and create customized packages.
Summing Up
Remember, starting any business requires a lot of planning. The 15 steps mentioned above can get you started methodically and ensure that you don’t miss any important steps. If you have been thinking of starting a reseller hosting business, then use this article as a roadmap to get started. Good Luck!