posted
I have been getting more into web design lately, though I have been doing it here and there (mostly for myself) the past couple years. I was wondering how you handle setting up servers for customers who want a website. Do you charge for helping them get set up with a webhost and setting up their email, and registering their domain name and all that?
I have been using some web hosting provider for the past two years or so, and have been paying about $240 a year, and i set up a customer with readyhosting, which is only $99 a year. This includes 500 mb of space. I was thinking of transferring my site over to readyhosting (once i redo it, it is a bit old and outdated), and was wondering if i can set up customers website on my extra space, have them get a domain name, and then have it routed to go to their site on my webspace? then i can still charge them a monthly/yearly fee, and that will cover the cost of the hosting of my website.
posted
Hey Tyler, if you are going to be setting up sites for customers you are better off going with a server that will allow you to resell the space. Make sure they are secure, fast, and reliable. I am almost done with my ew site and have been going through a server my friend has that is incredibly fast and secure, they are running some good deals lately, check em out www.seattleserver.com
-------------------- Brian Stoddard Northwest Signs
posted
That's exactly the approach that myself and a couple computer techs just did as we launched a new business this past fall. We are not only designing and maintaining sites, but hosting, registering domain names, and adding all the bells-and-whistles. we are currently using a "virtual server" but they do allow us to resell any of our "real estate". We are still on the ground floor and just getting everything settled, but things are coming around. One note: there has been so many facets of this business (hosting, maintenance, coding issues, and a ton of other areas that I don't have a clue about) that it has been to our advantage of having a "team" to help solve the problems. Two of the guys are software developers and love all that "techical" stuff, One of them has taken on the hosting issues, and I am able to design and leave the hard stuff to them. Best wishes on your project.Wise Guys Web Media
-------------------- Michael Clanton Clanton Graphics/ Blackberry 19 Studio 1933 Blackberry Conway AR 72034 501-505-6794 clantongraphics@yahoo.com Posts: 1737 | From: Conway Arkansas | Registered: Oct 2001
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posted
Tyler, you need a host that will not only allow you to resell the space but will also track the bandwidth for each domain individually.
My host offers virtual accounts starting at $20/month and "parked domains" (domains that reside on one server) for $2/month for resale. They will also allow you to resale virtual accounts.
As far as getting domain names, setting up the servers and getting the accounts in order for web clients who dont wish to deal with that, I do that as well, setting them up with virtual accounts on my host (seperate space from my own) because I am familiar with my host's setup. Fees for setting up range depending on what's required, although sometimes I can absorb the fees if the website design itsself is a good paying one. It's kinda like adding insult to injury.. "OK Mr Jones, your web design is $4500 but it's gonna be another $60 for securing the domain name and the server space."
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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posted
Speaking of servers, I have a friend who runs his own server out of his house and has a few doctors who use his server for backups etc. All it is is a old 250mhz computer, all you need unless you get a T3 line. I will be setting up my own server(I have an old 150 mhz, and maybe getting a PII 233 from another friend for hooking up his new computer and burner)
I will host myself along with my dad's (he builds 4 point outrigger hydro boat models) so, I may be able to start hosting other people too. Ought to be pretty cool.
Tony B
[ January 02, 2002: Message edited by: Tony B ]
-------------------- Tony Broussard Graphic Details Digital Media Loreauville, LA Posts: 395 | From: Loreauville, LA | Registered: Jul 1999
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