What are the ways of moving forward and innovating?

[Space Ghost]

These days, it's become much easier to become a paid hosting company. The market is drowning in offers of unlimited hosting and fly-by-night companies offering the world. Reading through the paid hosting forums, hell even the free hosting ones; for every 2 companies that are amazing and really show everyone else how it should be done there are another 10 who put the rest to shame.

Anyone can offer good packages and cheap prices but what sets them apart from the rest? Personally, when picking a company I look for what they offer in the way of support, reviews and how the company is priced. Too cheap - will probably avoid. Too expensive - will probably pass. We're all looking for a middle ground.

My question, however, is how as a company do you try and break the mold, move forward and innovate? Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking for your ideas to steal or use for myself - I just want to spark a discussion.

How are you getting more clients over X web hosting company or why do you feel the need to offer more and more features?

Let's talk!

[TSO]

I have found that being visible in community forums helps to put a face to a company - whether folks like that face or not, at least they can see a bit of how the company operates.

Additionally, having a forum on our site has helped my company tremendously. Some folks (especially free hosting users) like to see a forum, because they like to know what problems users are having, how these problems are resolved, and how long it takes to resolve these problems.

Lastly, going out of way for a user in a ticket or private email can pay dividends down the road in terms of referrals. Just because it's technically not the host's responsibility to help a user build or edit a site or script does not mean there is anything wrong with offering help in these areas. It can really set you apart.

These are just some of the methods we employ. :)

[Space Ghost]

I have found that being visible in community forums helps to put a face to a company - whether folks like that face or not, at least they can see a bit of how the company operates.

Additionally, having a forum on our site has helped my company tremendously. Some folks (especially free hosting users) like to see a forum, because they like to know what problems users are having, how these problems are resolved, and how long it takes to resolve these problems.

Lastly, going out of way for a user in a ticket or private email can pay dividends down the road in terms of referrals. Just because it's technically not the host's responsibility to help a user build or edit a site or script does not mean there is anything wrong with offering help in these areas. It can really set you apart.

These are just some of the methods we employ. :)

These are all good, I completely agree with your last one to a T, too many hosting providers I've personally dealt with have said 'If it's not to do with the site, then we cant help!'. Wrong answer in my view, even pointing someone to a help page or the readme is better than nothing.

[Richard]

Shared/Reseller hosting all changes when you have been around for over 2 years, you no longer go out searching for clients, clients search for you.

If you survive 2 years, you must be doing something right...

Its all about how long you have been open, if you have been hosting for just a month, that would put people off, if you have been hosting for over a year, people like it, if you have been hosting for over 2 years... well, thats great ;)

[~ServerPoint~]

If you can hold out on the market more then two years with being in black or at list break even. You can go ahead.

[TSO]

If you can hold out on the market more then two years with being in black or at list break even. You can go ahead.

Says who? I have seen plenty of hosts fizzle after being in business for two years. It has very little to do with how long you are business, and much more to do with how you treat your customers. :)

[fcolor]

It is more the services you offer, rather the time you've been in business. If you have the investment but lack professionalism and market composure, then I doubt you will grow.
And, also I think that customers should no ever go after you :) , you need to always be there and seek them. There is always niches to look after, a ways for improvement and you will see that the hosts in the next years will be very attracted to offer a service beyond the pure hosting as even we, who work in this industry like to receive quality and full service from one provider, rather that choosing the best pieces around and assemble it - at least this takes time :) . Just thinking loudly.

Good Luck!
A.