Start a Web Hosting Business – Step by Step

We are going to start a series of articles of how to start a web hosting business – step by step. We’re not going into every single detail, but we will line out in every step what needs to be done. We also list the cost associated with each step. At the end of this series you can see that it is possible to start a web hosting business for around $1,000 or less. We leave some room as each startup is different. One has many friends and a large family that can spread the word and reduces the need to spend cash on getting the word – just as an example.

So, here we go:

Table of Content

Showcase

Ok, here we go. Let’s build a web hosting business from the ground up. We will show you what you need to do to get started. Every step will include the associated cost with it so that you can see for yourself how easy and affordable it can be starting such an Internet business.

You do not need millions of Dollars – not even thousands of dollars to get going.

Step by Step – Quick Start List

1) Find a company name not trademarked or taken already
2) Find a matching domain name for your business
3) Register your business with your state and local authorities. Decide on the legal form.
4) Open a bank account. Deposit startup funds
5) Decide which services and what hosting packages to offer.
6) Sign-up for a domain name reseller account.
7) Find a reseller web host or lease/rent/buy a server with a web control panel included or as add-on. Design product packages.
Design product packages.
9) Build/Design a website.
10) Sign up for a credit card merchant account or 3rd party credit card processing provider. Implement domain name reselling except billing and credit card processing (see step 11 before deciding)
11) Decide if you are building your own tools for the sign-up process or if you rather purchase a billing/account setup software. Purchase software as necessary.
12) Purchase a SSL certificate
13) Implement SSL for the signup process on your website
14) Design and order business cards
15) List your website with search engines & Hosting Directories
16) Setup a helpdesk (optional: and create a support section with tutorials and FAQs)
17) Have friends or family members test your website for complete functionality. Fix problems.
18) Design a marketing campaign and decide on where to do marketing. Prepare marketing efforts. Check for deadlines with publishers.
19) Hire staff and/or make additional preparations for customer support (remote email solutions, cell phone, etc.)
20) Setup an accounting solution; hire an accountant, or make other preparations for your bookkeeping