Managing client websites when they all have different hosting accounts can make life more difficult than it needs to be. With multiple providers, logins, billing dates and support arrangements, the admin can soon build up. For agencies, developers and freelancers looking at reseller hosting UK options, centralised hosting offers a cleaner way to manage client websites. In this post, we explain how it can simplify day-to-day management, help you provide a more consistent service and reduce unnecessary work.
Contents
- The problem with separate hosting accounts
- What reseller hosting is
- Centralise client website management
- Turn hosting into an ongoing client service
- Keep client websites organised
- What the agency still owns
- When reseller hosting UK makes sense
- Questions to ask before choosing agency hosting
- Conclusion
The problem with separate hosting accounts
When every client arranges their own hosting, you often end up dealing with multiple providers, control panels and logins. It can also mean different hosting environments, with some clients potentially having plan restrictions that affect the work you do for them.
In addition, if there is a hosting issue, you may also have to work out which support team to contact and what information they require. As your business takes on new clients, this fragmentation means routine administration can take up more time, preventing you from working on other tasks.
What reseller hosting is
Reseller hosting enables you to create and manage multiple client accounts from within a single, centralised hosting account. Depending on the platform, you may be able to keep your clients’ hosting accounts separate, letting you manage the accounts centrally, while enabling clients to access their own accounts if required.
In terms of responsibility, this means you would manage client relationships and the hosting service you provide, while your reseller hosting provider manages the underlying infrastructure.
Centralise client website management
As centralised hosting allows agencies, developers and freelancers to manage client websites from one place, it reduces the need to shift between various providers and control panels. As a result, teams can work in a more consistent environment, making it easier for them to carry out routine tasks and keep track of accounts.
Additionally, centralisation can make onboarding simpler, as new client accounts are created within the same system, and resources and access are set up using a familiar process. Moreover, if there’s a hosting issue that needs escalating, you already know which provider to contact and how their support process works.
Turn hosting into an ongoing client service
From a business perspective, reseller hosting allows you to broaden the range of services that you already provide, such as website design, development or maintenance. Rather than simply building a website and leaving the client to arrange their own hosting, you can offer hosting as part of your extended services.
For instance, by combining hosting with WordPress maintenance, software updates or general website support, you can make things simpler for clients. Not only does this reduce their management workload; it also means they can use your business as a single point of contact for more aspects of their website.
Offering hosting also creates the potential to earn recurring income in addition to your project work. This, however, is not guaranteed, as commercial viability will depend on how your service is priced, managed and supported, as well as on the number and type of clients who use it.
Keep client websites organised
Managing client accounts consistently can make central management even more effective. This can be achieved by:
- Keeping client accounts separate: Where the platform allows, use separate accounts rather than mixing unrelated client sites in a single account.
- Allocating resources by need: Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all service, match storage and other resources to the needs of each client.
- Recording access and ownership: Keep records of who controls domains, website accounts and hosting access.
- Planning for offboarding: If clients decide to leave, make sure there is a process for handing over files, access and relevant account information.
With platforms like WHM, resellers can create hosting packages with defined account settings. This can make setting up client accounts more straightforward and consistent.
For more information, read How to Design a Package in your Reseller WHM
What the agency still owns
While reseller hosting means the underlying hosting infrastructure is provided by the host, agencies, developers, and freelancers remain responsible for all aspects of their client relationships, such as communication and billing.
In addition, you will be responsible for other areas included in your service, for example, website maintenance, content creation and site development.
One area that will need clarity is infrastructure support. As the scope of this may vary depending on your hosting provider, it is important to understand which areas the provider will handle and which are your responsibility.
When reseller hosting UK makes sense
Reseller hosting can be a sensible option for agencies, developers and freelancers who manage multiple sites and need central control over their hosting accounts. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a standardised hosting setup that uses the same tools and procedures for adding new sites.
For those looking to expand their offer, an ongoing service like client hosting fits naturally alongside website development, maintenance and support. However, as reseller hosting brings admin tasks of its own, any decision should consider how many sites you manage, how much control you need and whether hosting fits the services you already provide.
For more guidance, read 8 Things to Look for in a Reseller Hosting Package.
Questions to ask before choosing agency hosting
- How many accounts and websites can you host?
You should check the account limits and the resources those accounts have available, including storage. - Which control panel is provided?
If control is important, make sure the platform provides the level of central administration and client separation you need. - What backups and support are included?
When managing clients’ websites, it’s crucial that you check backup arrangements, support availability and what the provider helps you manage. - How are migrations and offboarding handled?
Find out what assistance the provider offers when onboarding and offboarding client sites. - How can the service grow, and what will it cost?
Check upgrade options, scalability, current pricing and renewal terms before you purchase a plan.
Conclusion
For agencies managing multiple client websites, reseller hosting can simplify day-to-day admin, letting you manage sites from a single place instead of dealing with a range of providers and accounts. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to add hosting to your existing services. When comparing reseller hosting UK providers, it is important to check the account limits, resources, backups, support and upgrade options to ensure the package is right for you and your clients.
Looking to host client websites? Webhosting UK’s Reseller Hosting comes with cPanel, WHM and 24/7 technical support.
