web hosting

Introduction to Web Hosting Affiliate Programs

Web hosting is a booming industry and one that has led to the creation of many sub-markets, including affiliate programs.  These programs have become incredibly popular over the years for the simple fact that they help the hosting company secure more clients.  This is very advantageous for the host because it gives them another outlet to market their services through.  There is also a lucrative aspect for the affiliate as he or she earns commission when referring someone who ends up purchasing a web hosting package.  These commissions are pretty generous as well, typically ranging anywhere from $50 to well over $100 depending on the company.

How Does it Work?

You can sign up as an affiliate for free with almost any web host these days.  As far as making money, it is important to know that there are many ways to approach your new business.  For example, you can set up a website or blog dedicated to promoting your affiliate companies, or just include links and banners for their services on your current website.  Some of the most successful affiliates recommend creating a well designed landing page before linking the visitor directly to the hosting company.  When used in conjunction with quality, honest reviews, this method can go a long way in helping you convert your referrals into customers.  Whatever route you take, just remember that the objective is to get as many interested people clicking your affiliate links as possible.

With most affiliate programs, commission payments are distributed on a monthly basis, generally giving you the option to receive your funds via check or an online payment service such as PayPal.  After being approved, the web host creates an account and provides you with access to your own administrative panel.  This is usually where you can find links, banners and other tools needed to promote your affiliate business.  You can also view detailed reports on your number of unique visitors as well as all the referrals you have signed up.  While the web hosting company provides you with the necessary tools, it is up to you to promote the affiliate program and make yourself some money.

Do You Have What it Takes?

Thick competition on the web hosting market has resulted in the mass explosion of affiliate programs.  Today’s firms are willing to do whatever it takes to gain an edge on their competitor, even if it means giving you a cut of the profit.  While almost anyone can sign up and be approved as an affiliate, you should know that making this a successful business requires loads of commitment and patience.  The affiliate market itself is expanding rapidly so you will need to put in the extra effort if you want to stand out from the crowd.  This is where a little creativity comes in handy as it can play a huge role in whether you profit as an affiliate.  The reputation of the host is also an important factor so make sure you sign up with an established company that has a desirable service that is easier to market.

Common E-commerce Hosting Terminology

Choosing an e-commerce hosting plan can be extremely difficult for two reasons.  One is because there are so many options available to you.  The second is all the confusing terminology and technical jargon a hosting provider will throw at you.  This article will aim to clear up some of that confusion.

Affiliate Program – An affiliate program refers to a revenue sharing program where webmasters can earn commission by generating leads, traffic or sales of a web hosting service.  If you feel that have signed up with a respectable hosting provider, you may be interested in their affiliate program to earn some extra cash.

ASP - Active Server Pages is a technology that allows developers to create dynamic, database-driven websites.  The web server processes the ASP code and then translates it into HTML for your visitors to view.

Auto Responder – An auto responder is an automated program that can be configured to acknowledge the receipt of an email, and automatically sends a reply to the sender.  This is an effective tool for keeping base with clients when you’re away from the desk or on vacation.

Backbone - A backbone refers to a single high-speed line or a series of connections that enable a pathway to a network such as the internet.  The more backbones or the higher the capacity, the higher level of availability your site will enjoy.

CGI Scripts - Common Gateway Interface scripts are small programs installed into a web server.  They are designed to perform specific tasks and enable functionality that a simple HTML document cannot.

Control Panel – A control panel is a software package that allows hosting providers and customers to simplify various web server tasks.  This type of application gives you the ability to easily maintain your mailboxes, files, manage domains and more even if you have little to no experience.

Dedicated Server – Also called dedicated hosting, a dedicated server describes a situation where you lease service from a hosting provider and get the entire server to yourself.  This in contrast to shared hosting, which hence, calls for you to share the server with other customers.

IP Address – An IP address is a unique numerical code used to specify hosts (computers) and networks.  Every machine connected to the internet has its own IP address.

Reseller Hosting – Reseller hosting is a type of hosting where a customer purchases service from a provider and then sells hosting package to customers of their own.  This has become a popular and affordable way for entrepreneurs and small businesses to profit from the web hosting market.

Shared Hosting - Shared hosting refers to a hosting arrangement where multiple websites are stored on a single server.  This is the most affordable and common type of web hosting there is.

Web Host – The web host is the company who provides you with the e-commerce hosting solution.  They run computers known as severs that have dedicated lines to the internet.  The purpose of a web host is to serve your pages to internet users and assure its availability.