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What is reseller web hosting?

Reseller hosting works in this way: a web host provides a reseller hosting account (usually an account with large storage and bandwidth allowance) to the reseller who then resells this space and bandwidth to his or her own clients. The reseller is able to create his or her own hosting plans and is presented as the hosting company. Most web hosts will offer reseller hosting accounts and some will even provide special support for their resellers. Because the capital outlay and resources is provided by the web host, reseller web hosting is a simple and cost-effective way to start providing web hosting services. With its low entry barriers it has become a popular way to enter the hosting industry.

How can I find a good reseller web host?

To locate web hosts with reseller programs, search the listings at ResellerConnection.com, FindMyHosting.com’s Reseller Web Hosting Center or the Reseller Search area at HostSearch.
After you’ve narrowed down your choices, look for more information on individual companies by searching the posts at ResellerForums.com, WebHostingTalk or the Web Host Directory Forums. You can also ask for specific quotes on the “request a quote” sections on any of those forums, as well as on the Web Host Industry Review.

What do I need to know to become a web hosting reseller?

Before starting a hosting reseller business — or any business, for that matter — it’s important to do your homework first. Research the industry and your target market, ask plenty of questions and develop a plan before leaping into the business itself.
Begin by regularly visiting the reseller sections of hosting industry forums like ResellerForums.com, WebHostingTalk and Web Host Directory Forums. In addition, you should read up on the hosting and reseller industries themselves at sites like ResellerConnection.com and The Web Host Industry Review. Make sure you fully understand both the ups and downs of being a reseller before you invest time or money in your own reseller business.
Finally, create a solid foundation for your business by learning as much about your target market first and developing a realistic and well thought out business plan. By doing so, you’ll gain a head start on the challenges of getting the word out about your business, attracting customers and actually generating revenue. One good resource for getting started with your market and business plan is the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additionally, ebi Group sells ready-made marketing and business plans geared specifically to would-be web hosting resellers.

What features are most important to web hosting customers?

The best way to find out which features are most important to your customers is to ask them yourself. In fact, if you’re serious about effectively serving your accounts, it’s a good idea to regularly survey existing customers, as well as to ask a few questions of those who leave or never sign on with you at all.

For help with designing effective customer surveys and conducting market research, check out such resources as ChamberBiz’s Research Tools or the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Online Women’s Business Center Marketing Mall.

Of course, it’s also important to keep informed about what other hosts are offering their customers. You can stay on top of the market by regularly checking other web hosts’ websites and actively participating in the online hosting and reseller forums.

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How do I handle support for my web hosting customers?

Depending on the type of reseller account you’ve established, you might be able to depend on your web hosting provider for certain levels of customer and technical support. Make sure you always ask your host about its reseller support services before getting started.
If your web host offers a control panel for resellers, you’ll probably be able to manage certain support tasks via a web-based interface. If your host uses any of the following systems, you can find further documentation online: Alabanza, cPanel/Web Host Manager, Ensim, Hostopia, InQuent, Intermedia.NET, Plesk, Positive Software, Sphera or SWsoft.
Other billing and/or support systems that can be used by hosting resellers include PHPmanager, PerlDesk, ModernBill, ezInvoice.com and InverseFlow. As always, before you choose a system, make sure to try any demos, ask plenty of questions and seek input from fellow resellers on the web hosting forums.

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