With the evolution of the digital world, an increasing number of businesses are looking to create a formidable online presence. A website is the heart of the digital presence of a brand. Since every website needs a web server, the web hosting industry has been experiencing a surge in demand over the last decade. Hosting companies that run and manage servers and data centers to offer web hosting have kept up with this increase in demand. At the same time, reseller hosting businesses have also thrived by focusing on smaller market segments and providing customized hosting in India. A hosting reseller has the opportunity to establish a profitable reseller web hosting business without investing in the infrastructure or being a technical expert. In this article, we will offer ten must-follow steps to start reseller hosting in India.
01: Why Do You Want To Start A Hosting Business?
Making money is the obvious answer to this question, but we want you to consider factors beyond profits. Are you a web developer looking to offer a wider basket of services to your clients and make money in the process? Or, are you on the job and looking for a business opportunity that does not require high investment? Being clear about these aspects can help you develop a plan that works for you.
02: To Whom Do You Want To Sell Hosting Services?
One of the rules of the thumb in selling products/services is that you never try to sell to anyone who wants it. You need to identify the market segment that you want to cater to and create your business around the requirements of those clients. It will allow you to position yourself as a competitive brand in the already competitive hosting market.
03: Who Will Be Your Competitors?
Once you have identified your target market, look at the hosting companies or resellers already providing hosting services. Analyze their plans and pricing. Assess what your target clients would need and try to identify pain areas that need resolution.
04: Are You Aware Of The Technicalities Of Web Hosting?
Web hosting has a lot of technical processes and infrastructure. While you don’t have to be an expert to start a reseller hosting business, you might have to explain concepts to your prospective clients. Hence, ensure that you have basic knowledge about how web hosting works.
05: Choose A Reliable Hosting Company
It is a very important decision. As a reseller, you buy resources from a hosting company, create customized packages and sell them. Therefore, your packages will perform only as well as the company’s server and infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to partner with a reliable hosting company. Ensure that you compare providers and reseller hosting plans carefully before buying.
06: You Will Need White Label Hosting
Despite being a reseller, you can create a web hosting brand without any mention of the parent company. It is possible if the provider offers White Label Hosting.
07: Customize The Hosting Packages
When you launch a reseller hosting business, there are chances that you might compete with the same hosting company from where you buy the resources for a share of the market. It can be challenging since larger companies can have huge marketing budgets and more visibility online. Therefore, you must ensure that you create hosting packages customized to your target clients’ needs.
08: Use SSL Encryption On Your Site
When you start selling hosting services, site owners will visit your website to look at the packages and make a purchase. It will be their first interaction with your brand. If they face any security issue, then your reputation can get damaged. Hence, use the latest security tools and SSL encryption to keep your site highly secure.
09: Personalize The Support Function
When you offer web hosting services, you need to be ready for clients requiring technical support around the clock. Plan how you are going to offer this to them. Also, since you will have fewer clients than a hosting company, try to personalize the support to make your clients feel comfortable.
10: Spread The Word
After setting up your business, it is important to start spreading the word around. Focus on your USPs and leverage social media platforms to create a buzz. Develop marketing strategies to let people know about the services you offer.
Summing Up
Reseller hosting business can be lucrative if planned right. The steps mentioned above cover the basics that you need to consider before launching a web hosting business as a reseller. Good Luck!