By tanyah
Offering clients an all-in-one solution can be great for business.
When re-launching my web design business, I had to evaluate whether or not I would offer to host client websites for a certain fee.
I haven’t fully made up my mind, and it’ll probably depend on client demand.
Nevertheless, I’ve come up with the following three reasons as to why I shouldn’t, and perhaps why every web designer shouldn’t host client websites.
1. Time consuming hassle
Do you like the thought of becoming part-time support staff?
If you’ve been hosting websites for any length of time, then you know the story when it comes to hosting. No matter who you’re with, there’s always the chance of the unforeseen occurring.
If you’re experienced, you understand that a little downtime is possible/probable. But, do you want to try and explain it to someone who doesn’t understand?
If you take on your clients websites, you’ll be expected to fix everything from a broken link to email.
There’s also a chance you’ll be called when the client gets a virus on his computer.
Want that?
2. Potential long-term negative impact
So you’ve created a great website for your client. They’re happy. You’re happy. Everyone’s happy.
Three months down the line and something goes wrong with website.
It wasn’t your fault, but you’re getting the blame because you made the site, set up the site, and host the site.
Your client shows an irrational side. Things get out of hand.
The result? They bad-mouth you. Someone asks them where they got their cool site, and not only do they tell them who you are, but they go on a 15 minute rant on how you nearly wreaked their business!
3. You can earn as an affiliate
One of the primary reasons web designers might choose to host their clients websites, is the potential extra income it can generate.
In fact, depending on your choice of how to run your service (dedicated server, reseller, etc), what you charge, what kind of sites your clients run, and how many clients you have, you could potentially earn a handsome sum each month.
On the other hand, you could still earn a little by referring people to a choice selection of hosts.
You might not earn as much, but unless you’re ripping people off, then you could potentially earn a decent percentage of what you would if you hosted your clients website.
Except, no hassle.
Personal choice…
Like I say, I’m undecided. If I find clients who seem to be laid-back and understanding and don’t require hardcore hosting, then I might consider it.
Do you host your clients websites? What has been your experience?
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I agree with your article in that we do a lot of hosting, and know what is required to do it properly. However, we are different, due to the way we started 5 years ago.
We were founded by myself, and two others. One of us was a graphic designer, one a back end, infrastructure type person with experience as an Operations Manager for an ISP in there, and an accountant/business systems type. We knew from the start that we would build and host websites.
However, with our approach we had individuals with specific skills that covered the bases, and it wasn’t a case of designers trying to be sysadmins, or vice versa. For many this won’t be the case, and attempting to stretch skill sets to such diverse opposites will most likely cause issues, resentment, and stress which impacts on everything, including the area one does specialise (and like).
As a note of interest, we have a number of designers who we look after all the hosting for, and this works out very well for all parties concerned; the designers, us, and most importantly – the clients.
Hey Karl! Long time no speak.
I think your situation is fairly unique. Reseller packages allow you to offer the service while the main provider still carries out the heavy lifting and support work.
However, it doesn’t mean your clients are going to contact them about any issues they might have.
If you’ve got people on board who have a passion for hosting, then it’s definitely different. A nice position to be in I might add.