any suggestions?

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Posted by MCP, 07-30-2002, 09:06 PM
Hi all, I am a fairly new reseller and not yet aggressively marketing my hosting, my income comes mostly from design work and programming. I was hoping a few other resellers (especially ones who have managed to build themselves a reputation) could review my site and make suggestions on what I can do to make myself more attractive to potential webmasters before I begin to market my services. Any suggestions are welcome, whether it is wording, design, missing elements, flow of the site, etc. I recently (this weekend) redesigned the site to look more like a host and less of an art studio so I can begin marketing my hosting plans. I am very proud of my packages and I can definitely provide people with exactly what they need to host a good site, but I don't want to fall into the trap that many new hosts and resellers fall into; being over agressive in marketing, getting lots of accounts quick, and not being able to deliver any longer. I am determined not to let this happen to my company. Any input would be greatly appreciated! TIA! http://www.mcpmedia.com <- here's the link
Posted by JeremyV, 07-30-2002, 09:16 PM
Just a suggestion to recieve more helpful views, you may want to post this in the website reviews forum: http://www.webhostingtalk.com/forumd...?s=&forumid=10 <> Edit: as for a little critique, I like the complimentary color scheme and basic layout. One thing that gets me is the background is too bold, or should I say too much blue. I think if more of the background was a more neutral color (ie. light gray) and the content was enclosed in a table still providing the orange/blue scheme it would be a bit stronger of a design. But that's just my two cents Last edited by Chicken; 07-31-2002 at 01:40 AM.
Posted by Aussie Bob, 07-30-2002, 09:19 PM
Nice site. We're not resellers [well, we all resell something ] but being an opinionated Aussie, I will still comment The site looks nice. I would build 2 separate sites. 1 that goes after the web development market and one that chases the hosting market. You can still work synergies between the 2 etc, but have 2 sites that target each market. Maybe offer discounts for folks wanting site design or visa versa for folks wanting hosting. The 2 products synergise well. You also might like to hide [I know this is bad and evil ] VenturesOnline.com as your supplier. Maybe get a dedicated from them and carve up all your plans for development and hosting from there etc.. Just some thoughts..
Posted by smidwap, 07-30-2002, 09:51 PM
For being a reseller, your site really catches my eye. I don't know if you did that yourself or not, but if you didn't, all I have to say is it is very nice....as resellers usually like to stick to a limited budget. I seriously would never have been able to tell you were a reseller from your site. I am a reseller myself. Sometimes (I'm talking for anyone at all), web sites owned by resellers can be a bit unattractive in my opinion. Yours is not one of them.
Posted by MCP, 07-30-2002, 10:16 PM
JeremyV- Thanks for the encouragement, and I think you are right about the background and posting in the wrong forum (my apologies)- on a large resolution that color may be a bit dark. I may try something else (as soon as I can get away from this catalog I am doing working on) Aussie Bob- I agree on all fronts, and thx for the compliment. But as a reseller who isn't looking for a get rich quick solution are you sure people won't appreciate the honesty that I put it upfront that I resell V.O. (who is very reputable) at a dollar less per package for the same packages? I mean, I know that you are right that it will probably attract more customers, but I really want to maintain my company's image and integrity and I would rather not get too big for my britches and be another host slammed on places like here and alt.www.webmaster. I won't be going dedicated until I either 1) get enough sites so that it is cost effective, 2) decide to be more of a host and less of a designer, or 3) come across a large sum of money. smidwap- Thanks for the encouragement! I must say, your site is a really nice peice also, obviously designed by a pro. I'm a young designer who is finally making enough income from independantly designing and programming that I don't have to work for anybody else. This was one of my designs I really like your colors and gradients- very tech but not too tech, still smooth. Really a great job. Did you do that yourself?
Posted by Aussie Bob, 07-31-2002, 12:41 AM
People always do. As long as you can supply them cheaper than if they went with VO direct. Nah, get slammed over there. It means next to nothing anyways. It's all good. Sounds sensible. If and when you work yourself up to a dedicated box, jump at the chance. You'll be so glad you did. Contact some server providers and ask for servers that are coming off leases. These will usually go a bit cheaper than new ones. Never take much notice at what's on their website. Email is where the action and negotiating takes place.