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.

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Changing to a New Host? No More Worries!

John's online business is expanding. His customers are increasing day... Read More

Dedicated Server Price Check

The price of dedicated hosting services has really come down... Read More

What to Look for in a Web Host

The first questions you have to ask yourself are: how... Read More

Web Hosting Help ? What?s Bandwidth

Bandwidth can make all the difference when choosing where to... Read More

Reseller Hosting Explained

Reseller Defined:The term Reseller according to the dictionary means to... Read More

How to Start Your Own Hosting Services

If your like many another webmasters you might be thinking... Read More

Choosing The Wrong Server Will Literally Make Or Break You

Choosing the right web server will be one of the... Read More

Confessions and Tips from a Top Web Hosting Salesman

Have you ever gone car shopping with a former car... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Deluxe Web Site Hosting Plan

If you are looking for a deluxe web site hosting... Read More

Steps to Becoming a Web Host Reseller

You've decided to get a reseller web hosting account to... Read More

Useful Tips When Applying For A Web Host Provider

Once you have considered the design for your website and... Read More

Unique Features that Leading Web Hosts are Now Offering

Some web hosts are offering more than others for the... Read More

The Web Hosting Industry 2005

For the "big things" to be build it was certainly... Read More

Sell Web Hosting for Fun and Profit

The market is good for new Web hosting companies. According... Read More

What is a Web Host Reseller Account?

A web host reseller account is a web hosting account... Read More

How Much Bandwidth Does Your Web Site Need?

One of the most common concerns people have when deciding... Read More

Are Free Webhosting Accounts Really Free? - 5 Critical Things to Consider Before Choosing a Free Web

Many free web hosting accounts are free to use, however... Read More

How To Find The Best Web Hosting For You

Deciding on the best web hosting company for a web... Read More

Use Your Hobby To Launch A Successful Website

When you study the really successful websites, you will quickly... Read More

Uptime Guarantee ? Good Idea?

When looking for a Web Host there are lots of... Read More

Switching Web Host

Moving a web site to a new host is not... Read More

How Can I Get The Web Host Services And Support I Need, Hassle-free?

Choosing a host or switching hosts can be an agonizing... Read More

Reseller Web Hosting - A Cheaper Alternative?

There comes a time when the internet bug hits us... Read More

Unlimited Wealth Creation Through Reseller Hosting

Web hosting can be an exciting business start up for... Read More

Low Cost Web Hosting Services ? Dont Forget About Uptime

Once you have your company's web site up and running,... Read More

How to Choose a Web Host - Frequently Asked Questions

In this article you'll be provided with helpful information about... Read More

Beware of the Hidden Perils of Low Cost Hosting

Some folks classify low cost web hosting on the same... Read More

The 2 Sides of Reseller Web Hosting

In the first case the customer is really looking for... Read More

Finding a Home for Your Internet Enterprise - A Point by Point List

After much Net surfing and looking at all the offers... Read More

Hosting Your Way All The Way To The Bank

Let's face it, the Internet is here for good. Today's... Read More

Web Hosting: Shared or Dedicated - Which Should You Choose?

Before you begin your search for a web host you... Read More

Niche Hosting

There is story of David and Goliath where Goliath would... Read More

Tips About Low Cost Web Hosting Services

Here are some things you should know before finding a... Read More