seting up a webhost?

[MindlessOath]

ok, im looking to make some money since i got laid off. working part time and going to school now.

i basically need a step by step guide of how to go about making an ecomerice site. how do i go about starting it? currently using the PRO plan, probably going to upgrade after creating and testing things out after a long process, but dunoo where to start, or what to do.

so what do i need, what are sites to read up on each thing?.. SSL, paypal, setting up WHM for each domain, domain registering for multiple accounts, how to i deposit all that cash into my $$$ account? etc. im not exactly the php expert so i have to have someone help me or use a script of some type.

anything you guys can say to help, much is appriciated, and im looking for MANY links to read, so please listem all for me :P

any do's and dont's too!

[openbox]

Start reading A LOT. Head over to WHT and do a lot of reading. There are a ton of other resources that you'll find if you search the internet a little. Learn about business models, formations, and federal, state, and local laws. Talk to a lawyer. Etc, etc, etc.

Also, this probably belongs in the general topic area, not the support area.

[avenuex]

dude, ur in for a LOT of reading.
I was in your position over 1.5 years ago and decided to go into the freelance business. I"m a developer by trade (hahaha, that sounds so weird) and started building more and more sites, that I decided to go reseller.

WHT (webhostingtalk.com) is an invaluable resource. Once you filter out the "i hate them, they hate me" and "whats the best...." you find some pretty valuable insights there.

Otherwise www.sitepoint.com has some good articles.

I wouldn't go into this "for the money" because essentially your running a business. You're more liable to lose money before you make any, so be wary.

best of luck,

[KyleC]

what ever you do dont try to be the cheapest webhost...

i buy the cheapest socks i can find, not the cheapest webhost...

there was a pdf "how to be a webhost" linked in the faq section before the crash, i wish i still had that link for you. A customer of dathorn wrote it.

[MindlessOath]

thank you.. www.webhostingtalk.com really is a great resource, for many things!

i know that a lot of hosts often overflow their servers with clients... this is often done on MOST of the hosts, but its the only way in some cases to make prices low. its often not a problem either. with the way everything is run on dathorn i wouldnt care because users know if their going to use heavy processes then their pritty much doomed.... if they dont they obviously should look :P and not blame it on someone not telling them

i dont plan on doing this much, as then i have to get a license and then all these expensive ssl things and then the scripting omg the scripting... not to mention finding a good host.. i know someone that has been in the buisness of not only hosting but network related stuff in general.. he just got hired by a compainy that was really on a downside. they offered LOTS of features and great speed, not so good on the stability and support. server crashed and then they looked for new help. they got my friend and he is really improving the whole site... security and all, kicking out the script junkies, removing exploits, making more effeciant, re writing more secure TOS agreements, moving datacenter, adding more support etc. now the site is running more tip top then ever, also i hear their expanding. they brought out a nice special just the other day, and i hear newer plans are going to be introduced later on.

i wana be that guy but i know i cant... so thats why im not going to do this.

btw if ya wana know what site it is... its www.datacities.com i belive.

[Jonathan]

Talking of WHT, I got interviewed for an article in their
"Insider Netsletter", about "Teens in the Webhosting Industry"

[avenuex]

Do you have a link to the article? or posting? That would be interesting.

[Jonathan]

Saddly its for the "Premium" (i.e., paying) members
But the writter sent the article to me, for free.

If anybody would like it, please PM me
your email addie and I'll forward it

[reviewum.com]

My two cents:

Don't compete for business online... it is WAAAAY too saturated for anybody just starting out. This is what I suggest if you are serious:

1) Start hitting the pavement for local businesses, friends, relatives, etc. who need hosting and provide them with multiple services (great support, programming, design, consulting, etc.)

2) After you've developed a presence you could maybe consider fighting for some online action.... but I still think going after niche markets and getting referrals is going to be your best bet.

With how easy it is to buy a reseller account and setup accounts in WHM anybody can be a host.... hey, look at me! This is why you need to find a niche and exploit it... just too many hosting companies online.

[MindlessOath]

i like that idea... i am part of a gaming community... i so far give some small webspace to respectable/resposible people, i never charge for it because i am not a buiesnes, and nor do i have any kind of software setup to do all that.

selling webspace to gaming clans, and game modding communities might also be a good start. its small, nothing big, and word gets around fast in a community.. but i think its always good to have a portfolio of sites you may have hosted too, like u suggest small buisness's and family etc.

good idea's!