I have several successful online ventures ...
I've always been intrigued by the possibilities of growth associated with free web hosting companies.
Every single one of my cronies say the free hosting biz is a waste of time, money and resources and it's bound to fail.
After crunching the numbers over and over again and researching the business models of the long-lived free hosting companies, I have to agree that the entire concept seems impractical and illogical.
However, where most people see a brick wall, I see a opportunity to elevate above that obstacle. There must be a way.
What do people seeking free hosting REALLY want?
After all, if you look around you can get all the features available (with the possible exception of the capability to stream large amounts of audio or video) for $5 to $10 a month. OK you can get it for $5 and fairly good support and uptime.
So even if your purpose online is simply a hobby instead of "for profit" you can get good service for cheap. I did for years. I had paying clients in 20 plus countries on a $5 per month account before I switched hosting companies. The only reason I switched then was to go with a host that allows me to have multiple domains under a single account.
So what do people seeking free web hosting REALLY want?
1. Could it be they are on a tight budget and simply want to be sure there website is going to be a commercially viable vehicle for income before they shell out cash?
2. Everybody loves a bargain, perhaps it's just a strong desire to be thrifty, prudent and wise, when all the while they are overlooking the fact that (and I quote a mod on this forum) "...don't expect too much features, reliability or support from fwps..."
So here's where you can help. No matter if you are a seasoned pro at providing free hosting or if you are just interested in getting your work online.
What do you feel would make the perfect free host?
One says no ads, another says more features ... BUT WAIT A MINUTE ... we all know the small guy has to make profits or he can't remain in business. Sure those big companies can lose millions annually for a decade hoping to somehow convert their investment (loss) into market share, but not us, not real folks.
How can we best serve one another? How can the free web hosting company provide features, reliability (excellent uptime) and decent support and still mutually benefit both the company and the end user (site owner)?
The world is full of folks who say it can't be done without cutting corners, without fudging on your promises, without infringing on the rights of others.
Some free host charge a membership fee, which annual dues really render the host a paid host as far as I'm concerned.
Then there are several other twist to wringing out a bit of revenue from the site owners. Require them to register their domain with you at inflated prices or some other such nonsense.
A few host offer full featured, reliable hosting with good support free for 30 days in hopes that you will see the validity of their service and see benefits from your website and thus renew to paid hosting.
But what arrangement do you feel is a good, equitable arrangement for both parties? (Both the host and the site owner)
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
I've always been intrigued by the possibilities of growth associated with free web hosting companies.
Every single one of my cronies say the free hosting biz is a waste of time, money and resources and it's bound to fail.
After crunching the numbers over and over again and researching the business models of the long-lived free hosting companies, I have to agree that the entire concept seems impractical and illogical.
However, where most people see a brick wall, I see a opportunity to elevate above that obstacle. There must be a way.
What do people seeking free hosting REALLY want?
After all, if you look around you can get all the features available (with the possible exception of the capability to stream large amounts of audio or video) for $5 to $10 a month. OK you can get it for $5 and fairly good support and uptime.
So even if your purpose online is simply a hobby instead of "for profit" you can get good service for cheap. I did for years. I had paying clients in 20 plus countries on a $5 per month account before I switched hosting companies. The only reason I switched then was to go with a host that allows me to have multiple domains under a single account.
So what do people seeking free web hosting REALLY want?
1. Could it be they are on a tight budget and simply want to be sure there website is going to be a commercially viable vehicle for income before they shell out cash?
2. Everybody loves a bargain, perhaps it's just a strong desire to be thrifty, prudent and wise, when all the while they are overlooking the fact that (and I quote a mod on this forum) "...don't expect too much features, reliability or support from fwps..."
So here's where you can help. No matter if you are a seasoned pro at providing free hosting or if you are just interested in getting your work online.
What do you feel would make the perfect free host?
One says no ads, another says more features ... BUT WAIT A MINUTE ... we all know the small guy has to make profits or he can't remain in business. Sure those big companies can lose millions annually for a decade hoping to somehow convert their investment (loss) into market share, but not us, not real folks.
How can we best serve one another? How can the free web hosting company provide features, reliability (excellent uptime) and decent support and still mutually benefit both the company and the end user (site owner)?
The world is full of folks who say it can't be done without cutting corners, without fudging on your promises, without infringing on the rights of others.
Some free host charge a membership fee, which annual dues really render the host a paid host as far as I'm concerned.
Then there are several other twist to wringing out a bit of revenue from the site owners. Require them to register their domain with you at inflated prices or some other such nonsense.
A few host offer full featured, reliable hosting with good support free for 30 days in hopes that you will see the validity of their service and see benefits from your website and thus renew to paid hosting.
But what arrangement do you feel is a good, equitable arrangement for both parties? (Both the host and the site owner)
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
