4 Signs You Should be a Web Host

If you ask someone to name a few major web hosting companies, the average person is lucky to come up with one (and most often it’s GoDaddy). While every single website of course requires a web host, many of them don’t advertise. However, there are plenty of highly successful, smaller scale web hosting companies that tap into niche demographics. Web hosting isn’t an industry with massive advertising and commercialization (yet), but it’s one of the hottest startup industries and has potential to grow exponentially in a mobile ready world.

However, it also requires keen skills such as the ability to manage power in a data center (even if that data center is just your garage) mixed with solid customer service skills. It’s easy to get lured in by stories of teenaged millionaires who got started on the entrepreneurial track with web hosting, but slow down. Remember that you’re basically signing up to safeguard the sensitive information and livelihood of all your clients.

Think you’ve got what it takes to be a web host? Here are a few clues:

1. You’re tech savvy and prioritize security

Maybe you have a background in digital security or a “previous life” managing a data center with top of the line protection. Having a penchant for protecting your customers and their information is crucial. Some experts have dubbed 2014 the year of the breach, and hackers are getting craftier than ever. You need to be able to meet their drive.

2. You know the importance of up time

Most web hosts will promise a certain amount of uptime, and if it’s not delivered they have a compensation system in place. Even having a server down for a few seconds can be detrimental. Most web hosts guarantee over 98 percent uptime and the downtime is often scheduled at the most convenient time for the majority of customers. This means you need to provide around the clock support.

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3. A gift for explaining technical jargon

Most of your clients won’t even know what web hosting is, so you’re both provider and informant. You need to be able to explain complicated technology in easy terms without being condescending. That’s a tough order.

4. That competitive spirit

Once you delve into your research, you’ll find out just how many web hosts there are. Without that competitive edge and entrepreneurial spirit, you’re not going to stand a chance.

Web hosting can be a lucrative business, but it’s not for everyone. Are you up for the challenge?