In today’s digital-first world, web designers are expected to do more than just craft beautiful websites.
They are often sought after to provide full-spectrum services that include web hosting.
For many, this is an additional revenue stream that can significantly boost their business.
Enter reseller hosting — a service that allows web designers to offer hosting services to their clients without needing to manage servers themselves.
If you’re a web designer, reseller hosting might be the missing piece of your business puzzle.
Here’s why it could be a game-changer for you and how to leverage it effectively.
What is Reseller Hosting?
Reseller hosting allows you to buy hosting resources (disk space, bandwidth, etc.) from a large hosting provider and then resell them to your own clients.
Essentially, you are acting as a middleman between the hosting provider and your clients, giving you the flexibility to manage and customize hosting plans, prices, and customer support — all under your brand name.
As a web designer, reseller hosting gives you the ability to provide a one-stop solution to your clients.
Instead of referring them to third-party hosting providers, you can offer hosting services directly and create a seamless experience for your clients.
Why Should Web Designers Use Reseller Hosting?
1. Streamlined Service Offering
When you offer both web design and hosting services, you provide your clients with a comprehensive package.
This helps you build deeper relationships, as your clients no longer need to shop around for hosting.
Everything they need is under one roof, simplifying their experience.
2. Increase Revenue Potential
By reselling hosting, you can earn a recurring monthly income. Web designers typically charge a one-time fee for designing a website, but with hosting, you can charge ongoing fees, leading to a steady income stream.
Plus, you get to set your prices — giving you control over your profit margins.
3. Full Control and Customization
With reseller hosting, you have full control over how you manage and sell hosting packages.
You can brand the hosting environment with your logo and provide a unique experience to your clients.
You can also create custom packages tailored to the needs of different clients.
4. Low Overhead Costs
Unlike managing your own servers, reseller hosting allows you to offer web hosting services without the high upfront costs.
You don’t have to worry about the technical aspects of running servers.
The parent hosting company takes care of that, so you can focus on your core business — web design.
5. Better Client Retention
By offering hosting, you make it more difficult for clients to leave your service.
Clients who rely on your web design and hosting services are less likely to go elsewhere because of the convenience and trust you’ve built.
Plus, it makes managing their website easier since you handle both the design and the hosting.
How to Start a Reseller Hosting Business for Web Designers
1. Choose the Right Reseller Hosting Provider
The first step in starting your reseller hosting business is selecting a reliable hosting provider. Look for features like:
- Scalable plans: Your needs may grow as your client base expands.
- Good customer support: You’ll want a host that provides excellent 24/7 support to help you with any issues.
- White-label hosting: Ensure that the hosting provider offers white-label services so you can brand it as your own.
- Generous bandwidth and storage: Choose a provider that offers ample resources for your clients’ websites.
Some popular reseller hosting providers include SiteGround, A2 Hosting, and HostGator, but it’s essential to do your research to find the best fit for your business.
2. Set Up Your Hosting Packages
Once you’ve chosen your provider, it’s time to set up your hosting plans. Consider creating tiered packages to meet the needs of different clients. For example:
- Basic Package: For small websites or blogs.
- Standard Package: For growing businesses that need more resources.
- Premium Package: For larger, high-traffic websites with advanced needs.
This tiered approach allows you to cater to a range of clients while also offering upselling opportunities for higher-tier plans.
3. Integrate Hosting with Your Web Design Services
Promote your hosting services alongside your web design packages.
For example, when you create a website for a client, include hosting as part of the offer.
By bundling the two services together, you add more value to your clients while increasing your revenue.
4. Market Your Hosting Services
You can leverage your existing client relationships to upsell hosting services.
Start by offering it to new clients and encouraging existing clients to transfer their hosting to you.
Consider offering discounts, free domain registration, or free website migration to sweeten the deal.
Market your hosting services on your website and through social media to attract potential clients.
5. Provide Excellent Customer Support
Even though your hosting provider is technically responsible for the servers, you’ll need to handle customer support for hosting-related issues.
Offer timely support for your clients, including helping them with email setup, domain management, and general hosting questions.
Benefits of Reseller Hosting for Web Designers
- Convenience: You can manage both the design and hosting side of your business, providing a seamless experience to your clients.
- Increased Value: By adding hosting to your web design offerings, you add more value to your service, making your business a one-stop shop for your clients’ web needs.
- Ongoing Income: Reseller hosting provides a steady revenue stream, as clients pay for hosting monthly or annually.
Final Thoughts
Reseller hosting for web designers is a fantastic way to increase your revenue, offer more value to clients, and streamline your workflow.
By bundling web hosting with your design services, you position yourself as a full-service provider, making it more convenient for clients to work with you.
As your client base grows, so does your income, all while providing excellent service and improving your business.
If you’re a web designer looking to diversify your services and boost your income, reseller hosting is an excellent opportunity to consider.
