A hosting reseller is a hosting business that does not own any hosting infrastructure. As a reseller, you rent server and bandwidth space from a conventional hosting provider at wholesale prices, subdivide these resources and resell them to your own clients.
Picking the right provider
As a hosting reseller, you do not own any of the infrastructures your clients’ websites will be running on. You are fully dependent on the parent host’s physical and virtual assets. The host’s reliability will directly determine the extent to which you can keep your customers happy. Picking the right web host is crucial.
Makes sure they offer the right tools
Try to partner up with a web host that provides the tools you need to ensure your business’ success. When evaluating different web hosts' reseller plans, the following tools, features, and services are what you should keep an eye on.
Setting appropriate prices for your services
Web hosts offer their infrastructure to reseller accounts at wholesale prices. That way, resellers can define their own plans and prices that are still competitive compared to the parent web host’s retail prices. Study the market, define your target audience then set prices accordingly.
Creating a reliable support system for clients
Your clients will need help from time to time. Develop a support process that facilitates easy reporting of issues and speedy resolution. Have multiple support channels such as live chat, email, web form, and ticketing system.
Marketing is key to hosting and reselling
When you establish a hosting reseller business, you will be up against not just thousands of other hosting reseller companies but also hundreds of actual web hosts. Effective marketing is crucial to creating a steadily growing stream of clients. Here’s how.
1. Create a provider website
Create a website for your business. This will be the place where you provide all the information a client or prospect would need to know about your company and products.
2. Focus on a particular niche
To stand out, identify an underserved niche or one where you have some industry expertise/reach. For example, if your “day job” is as being an architect, you could gain rapid traction by first reaching out to your peers.
3. SEO
The bulk of traffic to your website is bound to come from search engines like Google and Bing. Apply best on-page and off-page SEO practices to increase your visibility in search results.
4. A blog that provides value
Create a blog where you regularly post informative, well-researched content for clients and prospects. Through this, you’ll be able to cultivate some authority in the niche and help your clients resolve issues on their own.
5. Referral system
Develop a referral system that provides financial incentives for clients and third parties who recommend your product to their social circle.
6. Ensure you have WordPress hosting covered
It’s not by accident that WordPress is by far the most popular content management system. It is stable, simple, and easy to use. Chances are, many of your clients will want WordPress hosting.
7. Testimonials and review
The power of social proofing cannot be overemphasized. Provide a means for your clients to rate service quality or share feedback. With their permission, publish positive testimonials to make sure you are not relying on artificially generated marketing.
Conclusion
Whether as a side gig or as a primary income source, a hosting reseller account can be a means of building a viable online business. Apply these tips and guidelines to increase your chances of success.