How to host client's sites

benj's picture

They have: 36 posts

Joined: Apr 2007

Hey,

Just starting out doing web design. I was wondering how all the pros here host their client's sites. Can I use some sort of a reseller package (not sure if they exist) with a web host to do this?

Just looking for some feedback. Thanks!

Busy's picture

He has: 6,151 posts

Joined: May 2001

When starting out a reseller account is probably best, shop around for a good one.
Then once you get to big for it get a deadicated server.

The main differences in the two is the back yard maintaince, on a reseller account your host still looks after all the software versions, updates etc where as the later you have to do it. The maintaining of the sites is your job no matter what you do.

Also you will find some customers already have hosting, so you'll have to use theirs (or you can sell yours if you have the right pitch)

pr0gr4mm3r's picture

He has: 1,502 posts

Joined: Sep 2006

A reseller account is the best way to start.

If you move up to a dedicated server, I would recommend getting one with cPanel unless you have a strong Linux background. cPanel & WHM makes managing a server very easy with automated software updates and account management. The only headaches you get with a dedicated server is that you have to handle spammers and malicious hackers when they come. If you are only hosting to your design clients, then you most likely won't have to deal with spamming, and you shouldn't have a problem with hackers as long as you write secure code and have strong passwords.

They have: 1 posts

Joined: May 2007

I have run a couple of web-hosting businesses (very successful ones at that) over the past couple of years.

Both times started out with VPS! But I wanted more flexibility, and the ability to optimise my own server using SSH!
For a complete start-out, I would agree with the others and get a reseller hosting account. H9 have some great value packages! I use their shared services and find them to be amazing web-hosts!!!

With servers, you can choose between Plesk and cPanel! I actually personally prefer the whole look and feel of Plesk, but would probably agree cPanel has much more to offer, my previous company used Plesk, my current host uses cPanel and it does have more!

They have: 139 posts

Joined: Feb 2007

If I were you I'd rather start with affiliate programm. This gives you possibility to economize your money.

knorr's picture

They have: 171 posts

Joined: Sep 2006

Solommon;219534 wrote: If I were you I'd rather start with affiliate programm. This gives you possibility to economize your money.

Affiliate is a good thing but I don't think it brings much money.

Musson's picture

They have: 100 posts

Joined: Dec 2006

knorr;220809 wrote: Affiliate is a good thing but I don't think it brings much money.

Do you think you can use affiliate progranm to host your clients' sites?
I think reselling plan can give more stability and control over clients' sites.
There are lots of reselling plans promoted here on the forum, so you can easily choose the one that will meet your budget and disk space/traffic plus features, like valuhost.com, resellerzoom.com

They have: 9 posts

Joined: Jun 2007

Running a web hosting business is a lot of work. If your passion is web design then you should just recommend web hosting companies to your clients. If you get into web hosting then much of your time will be spent anwering emails and the phone doing support work.

RalphF

They have: 19 posts

Joined: Oct 2003

I would say a reseller or VPS account would be a good start. Depending on how many clients you have to start with it might be good to just bite the bullet and get your own server. It's quite a pain to move all your accounts once you decide to move to your own server.

Build Websites Faster! Offer your clients control over their website. Integrate with any design in minutes. Advanced dynamic applications.
http://webpros.biz

Freedom's picture

They have: 110 posts

Joined: Oct 2006

I think that the best for you will be reseller package.
But many different web hosting providers has different billing software for their resellers and different support methods. Make sure that chosen package has right billing software for you and support. I suggest you looking at:
a2hosting.com
Hostgator.com
onthespothosting.net
Resellerzoom.com
These companies are in the lead. All of them have different billing software, but they have inhouse support. And this fact must suits you fully.

He has: 183 posts

Joined: Nov 2003

When I started out I used 123-reg to get there domain name (Because they are cheap). And I would set up the hosting with Web Hosting Uk. All my websites are with them. They all over there own control panal through one main access which is good. The only reason why I have done this is because of money. I dont want to be paying large yearly costs. It also means its cheaper for my clients as well. I have had no problems with both 123-reg and Web Hosting Uk.

They have: 16 posts

Joined: Jul 2007

i invested in reseller account and it's working fine for me

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