My Advice on Setting up an MC Hosting Company:
Hi there,
Before we begin, grab a coffee, a pen, and paper and sit back and relax, as this will be a long read. I apologize in advance Just think it takes me longer to write than you read.
Now before we begin. Setting up a Hosting company is possible where you’re sat right now, at your desk on your PC. However, it takes time, investment and dedication to setup and to become successful.
This Guide is on Reselling, owning your hardware is a whole other story
I myself am a small host but I like to think I know what I am doing, so far, I have got nothing but positive feedback from my clients, from MC Server Hosting to Voice Server Hosting and even to Web Hosting.
However, I did not long what I know today all in one night, you learn as you go. It is similar to running a Minecraft Server in that perspective, you will learn as you go. You may be thinking why is this guy giving tips on how to be his competition? Well, New Server Hosts pop up on a Monthly basis, I learned the hard way, by myself, but was fortunate to get things right. However, other Hosts don’t and so displease their clients and upset Server Owners and ruin great community’s and so to protect the community of Minecraft I want to ensure ever Hosting Company has the potential of getting it right.
Now like last time I will do the Guide in Stages.
Stage One:
Now before you read on, ask yourself these questions.
- Do you have the experience? – The best way to gain experience is too well, run a Minecraft Server, learn the insides out, then follow my guide but avoid charging to host for others until you feel you’re ready for that commitment and can provide support and a stable system at a professional standard.
- Do you have the funds? – Now with my guide, I will be using a “loadout” if you will which will cost $70 USD Monthly. However, your setup may be more expensive or cheaper, depending who you get your Hosting from and what Billing system you use etc...
- Do you have the time? – Now Setting up a Hosting business can be done in your pajamas at home, and if successful can be your source of income without having to leave the house. However, it takes up a lot of your time (trust me). As your clients will most likely be in different time zones to you and will need support at the most awkward times. This does happen. Where-ever at dinner or while climbing into bed, it will happen. The key ingredient to managing this is Dedication and support from others.
- Will you be committed enough? – This is a big one, you will need the commitment to be able to manage and run your Hosting business, in the first few Months do not expect to turn profit, this isn’t a quick buck scheme, if you’re looking to make a quick buck I suggest to leave this Article and look elsewhere, this is for long term individuals who are prepared to put in all they got, which will pay back in the long term.
- Do you have patience? – This is a vital one, your target audience for MC Server Hosting can be anyway from 8 years old to 25 years old. You will get questions from a 9-year-old asking what a Domain is, or how to OP himself, this will happen, and they may struggle to do the simplest of tasks, but think to yourself, these young individuals are setting up an MC Server at their age, and so show potential, help them and if they turn out successful you can think to yourself, you helped make that happen.
- Do you have honor? – This may sound silly and medieval like, but it too is important, do not think about ripping your clients off my charging ridiculous amounts and by overselling a lot. It is more than just a client and provider relationship, it can be a community.
Stage Two:
Now you need to select your “loadout”
You Hosting business will need two essential things.
A website
A billing System
Now because of advertisement reasons, I cannot advertise my own Services and so you will just have to find a Web host out there, (There are loads).
Web Hosting can be anyway from $5 from a trusted Host. With a stable uptime and good support.
Your Billing System should be WHMCS located here: https://www.whmcs.com/pricing/
As you can see, this is one of your main expenses. They start from $18.99 Monthly USD.
However, some Hosting companies like myself, sell WHMCS Licences at a cheaper rate for Internal use only. Meaning it can only be used on a website hosted by themselves. (This is due to WHMCS’s Terms of Service).
For example, due to buying in bulk, I am able to sell them at $13 saving my clients $5.95.
You will be able to offer this to your clients too later down the road when/if you decide to buy the licenses in bulk to get a discount per one.
This Billing System is vital, this handles your Storefront, your invoices, automated processes, Security, payment methods, your Knowledgebase and your Support Ticket System, pretty much all Hosts use this including myself.
You will need to first make your site and install WHMCS onto your site if your Web Host has one-click installer this will be an easy process.
Setting up WHMCS is easy too but time-consuming so be sure to do this before buying your Server to re-sell as it will be wasting time and so wasting money.
Stage Three
Once your WHMCS is setup and your Site is setup, which you can use a theme/template to work off from, a great site for templates is: https://themeforest.net/
You will now need to make your site more secure and look more legitimate by having SSL.
Now in the future, if your clients want SSL on their Website, you can recommend them
https://letsencrypt.org/ which offers free SSL Cerf’s, great for MC Server Websites and Community’s but not practical for a Server Hosting Company as you want a warranty.
I would suggest Name Cheap: https://www.namecheap.com/security/ssl-certificates.aspx
I believe they come with at least a $10,000 warranty and start from $10 Yearly.
Now obviously you would have linked you Domain to your site you do the same with your SSL Cerf.
Stage Four
Now is time to purchase a VPS for your Panel for your clients to use, you may use any panel you wish, Multi-Craft is popular but I suggest Pterodactyl Panel.
Why?
Well Pterodactyl can host anything with a Docker, meaning Voice Servers such as TS3. Any source game like TF2, Garry's Mod, ARK, games such as Arma 3 etc...
Pterodactyl's interface is also better than TCAdmin, which also costs money (from $15.95 Monthly). This will widen your market significantly at no extra expense. My clients prefer the interface especially with Voice Servers, and source games to TCAdmin, and they save money as there is no expense for the Panel on the Hosters behalf meaning the prices can be cheaper.
It is also open source, very secure and easy to install.
It will also be easier for you to manage your clients from on Panel, and like I said it is free
If you wish to see a demo for what the panel looks like PM me. I’ll be happy to show you.
Now you install the panel onto your VPS, this is where your clients manage their servers
From, so a 1GB VPS would be good at first, I would suggest OVH. ($5)
Stage Five
Demonizing. This is where you get your Dedicated Server and link it to your Panel for the
Servers to be hosted on, this is a simple process in Pterodactyl, as stated above I will be leaving all the required and related links below.
Stage Six
Linking the Panel by adding it as a Server and when making the product on WHMCS link it to that Server, In Modules.
Stage Seven
Advertisement, you’re ready to go obviously test everything out, if all is ok just start to advertise, a great method is offering some free MC Servers for life, to get some reviews, contact some critics on forums such as PMC, MC Forums, MC Market and Spigot, and ask them to leave you a review on trust pilot, and most importantly act on the feedback.
Don’t defend yourself, just fix what needs to be fixed. The best way of adverts is word of mouth, and so treat your clients well and they shall treat you well return.
Sponsoring YouTubers is also a good method of advertisement. As well as slots in featured on MC Forums sites.
Stage Eight
Treat your clients well. Be patient. Be respectful, and be the better man/woman. If you feel an argument is coming along remember the old saying “The Customer is always right” just smile and nod and move on.
Stage Nine
Be friendly to other Hosts, allies are better than foes, trust me, having a nice community of Hosts is better than a vicious one. Pass on your experiences and knowledge to others freely like I am.
There are enough slices of pie for everyone
There is no need for greed.
Few Tips:
- Take days off when you can.
- Enjoy what you do
- Hold your head up high and be proud whatever the outcome, there are many forms of payment two being money and experience. If you don’t get experience think, you have gained some knowledge and experience which holds value.
- Expand when you can at your own pace.
- Listen to your client’s suggestions they could make you a rich man
- Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
- Don’t let it take over your life.
- Write a proper TOS and Privacy Policy
Useful links:
https://pterodactyl.io/
https://www.ovh.com/
https://www.namecheap.com/security/ssl-certificates.aspx
https://www.whmcs.com/
https://www.spigotmc.org/
www.mc-market.org/
https://www.planetminecraft.com/
www.minecraftforum.net/
https://letsencrypt.org/
http://www.freenom.com/en/index.html?lang=en
https://www.multicraft.org/
http://www.tcadmin.com/
Guides:
How to install Pterodactyl Pane: https://docs.pterodactyl.io/docs/server-requirements
How to install Pterodactyl Daemon: https://daemon.pterodactyl.io/docs
Pterodactyl Discord Support Server: https://**********/FugBKrq
My Discord: Husky#4518
My Discord Server: https://**********/QXqyt3M
Hi there,
Before we begin, grab a coffee, a pen, and paper and sit back and relax, as this will be a long read. I apologize in advance Just think it takes me longer to write than you read.
Now before we begin. Setting up a Hosting company is possible where you’re sat right now, at your desk on your PC. However, it takes time, investment and dedication to setup and to become successful.
This Guide is on Reselling, owning your hardware is a whole other story
I myself am a small host but I like to think I know what I am doing, so far, I have got nothing but positive feedback from my clients, from MC Server Hosting to Voice Server Hosting and even to Web Hosting.
However, I did not long what I know today all in one night, you learn as you go. It is similar to running a Minecraft Server in that perspective, you will learn as you go. You may be thinking why is this guy giving tips on how to be his competition? Well, New Server Hosts pop up on a Monthly basis, I learned the hard way, by myself, but was fortunate to get things right. However, other Hosts don’t and so displease their clients and upset Server Owners and ruin great community’s and so to protect the community of Minecraft I want to ensure ever Hosting Company has the potential of getting it right.
Now like last time I will do the Guide in Stages.
Stage One:
Now before you read on, ask yourself these questions.
- Do you have the experience? – The best way to gain experience is too well, run a Minecraft Server, learn the insides out, then follow my guide but avoid charging to host for others until you feel you’re ready for that commitment and can provide support and a stable system at a professional standard.
- Do you have the funds? – Now with my guide, I will be using a “loadout” if you will which will cost $70 USD Monthly. However, your setup may be more expensive or cheaper, depending who you get your Hosting from and what Billing system you use etc...
- Do you have the time? – Now Setting up a Hosting business can be done in your pajamas at home, and if successful can be your source of income without having to leave the house. However, it takes up a lot of your time (trust me). As your clients will most likely be in different time zones to you and will need support at the most awkward times. This does happen. Where-ever at dinner or while climbing into bed, it will happen. The key ingredient to managing this is Dedication and support from others.
- Will you be committed enough? – This is a big one, you will need the commitment to be able to manage and run your Hosting business, in the first few Months do not expect to turn profit, this isn’t a quick buck scheme, if you’re looking to make a quick buck I suggest to leave this Article and look elsewhere, this is for long term individuals who are prepared to put in all they got, which will pay back in the long term.
- Do you have patience? – This is a vital one, your target audience for MC Server Hosting can be anyway from 8 years old to 25 years old. You will get questions from a 9-year-old asking what a Domain is, or how to OP himself, this will happen, and they may struggle to do the simplest of tasks, but think to yourself, these young individuals are setting up an MC Server at their age, and so show potential, help them and if they turn out successful you can think to yourself, you helped make that happen.
- Do you have honor? – This may sound silly and medieval like, but it too is important, do not think about ripping your clients off my charging ridiculous amounts and by overselling a lot. It is more than just a client and provider relationship, it can be a community.
Stage Two:
Now you need to select your “loadout”
You Hosting business will need two essential things.
A website
A billing System
Now because of advertisement reasons, I cannot advertise my own Services and so you will just have to find a Web host out there, (There are loads).
Web Hosting can be anyway from $5 from a trusted Host. With a stable uptime and good support.
Your Billing System should be WHMCS located here: https://www.whmcs.com/pricing/
As you can see, this is one of your main expenses. They start from $18.99 Monthly USD.
However, some Hosting companies like myself, sell WHMCS Licences at a cheaper rate for Internal use only. Meaning it can only be used on a website hosted by themselves. (This is due to WHMCS’s Terms of Service).
For example, due to buying in bulk, I am able to sell them at $13 saving my clients $5.95.
You will be able to offer this to your clients too later down the road when/if you decide to buy the licenses in bulk to get a discount per one.
This Billing System is vital, this handles your Storefront, your invoices, automated processes, Security, payment methods, your Knowledgebase and your Support Ticket System, pretty much all Hosts use this including myself.
You will need to first make your site and install WHMCS onto your site if your Web Host has one-click installer this will be an easy process.
Setting up WHMCS is easy too but time-consuming so be sure to do this before buying your Server to re-sell as it will be wasting time and so wasting money.
Stage Three
Once your WHMCS is setup and your Site is setup, which you can use a theme/template to work off from, a great site for templates is: https://themeforest.net/
You will now need to make your site more secure and look more legitimate by having SSL.
Now in the future, if your clients want SSL on their Website, you can recommend them
https://letsencrypt.org/ which offers free SSL Cerf’s, great for MC Server Websites and Community’s but not practical for a Server Hosting Company as you want a warranty.
I would suggest Name Cheap: https://www.namecheap.com/security/ssl-certificates.aspx
I believe they come with at least a $10,000 warranty and start from $10 Yearly.
Now obviously you would have linked you Domain to your site you do the same with your SSL Cerf.
Stage Four
Now is time to purchase a VPS for your Panel for your clients to use, you may use any panel you wish, Multi-Craft is popular but I suggest Pterodactyl Panel.
Why?
Well Pterodactyl can host anything with a Docker, meaning Voice Servers such as TS3. Any source game like TF2, Garry's Mod, ARK, games such as Arma 3 etc...
Pterodactyl's interface is also better than TCAdmin, which also costs money (from $15.95 Monthly). This will widen your market significantly at no extra expense. My clients prefer the interface especially with Voice Servers, and source games to TCAdmin, and they save money as there is no expense for the Panel on the Hosters behalf meaning the prices can be cheaper.
It is also open source, very secure and easy to install.
It will also be easier for you to manage your clients from on Panel, and like I said it is free
If you wish to see a demo for what the panel looks like PM me. I’ll be happy to show you.
Now you install the panel onto your VPS, this is where your clients manage their servers
From, so a 1GB VPS would be good at first, I would suggest OVH. ($5)
Stage Five
Demonizing. This is where you get your Dedicated Server and link it to your Panel for the
Servers to be hosted on, this is a simple process in Pterodactyl, as stated above I will be leaving all the required and related links below.
Stage Six
Linking the Panel by adding it as a Server and when making the product on WHMCS link it to that Server, In Modules.
Stage Seven
Advertisement, you’re ready to go obviously test everything out, if all is ok just start to advertise, a great method is offering some free MC Servers for life, to get some reviews, contact some critics on forums such as PMC, MC Forums, MC Market and Spigot, and ask them to leave you a review on trust pilot, and most importantly act on the feedback.
Don’t defend yourself, just fix what needs to be fixed. The best way of adverts is word of mouth, and so treat your clients well and they shall treat you well return.
Sponsoring YouTubers is also a good method of advertisement. As well as slots in featured on MC Forums sites.
Stage Eight
Treat your clients well. Be patient. Be respectful, and be the better man/woman. If you feel an argument is coming along remember the old saying “The Customer is always right” just smile and nod and move on.
Stage Nine
Be friendly to other Hosts, allies are better than foes, trust me, having a nice community of Hosts is better than a vicious one. Pass on your experiences and knowledge to others freely like I am.
There are enough slices of pie for everyone
There is no need for greed.
Few Tips:
- Take days off when you can.
- Enjoy what you do
- Hold your head up high and be proud whatever the outcome, there are many forms of payment two being money and experience. If you don’t get experience think, you have gained some knowledge and experience which holds value.
- Expand when you can at your own pace.
- Listen to your client’s suggestions they could make you a rich man
- Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.
- Don’t let it take over your life.
- Write a proper TOS and Privacy Policy
Useful links:
https://pterodactyl.io/
https://www.ovh.com/
https://www.namecheap.com/security/ssl-certificates.aspx
https://www.whmcs.com/
https://www.spigotmc.org/
www.mc-market.org/
https://www.planetminecraft.com/
www.minecraftforum.net/
https://letsencrypt.org/
http://www.freenom.com/en/index.html?lang=en
https://www.multicraft.org/
http://www.tcadmin.com/
Guides:
How to install Pterodactyl Pane: https://docs.pterodactyl.io/docs/server-requirements
How to install Pterodactyl Daemon: https://daemon.pterodactyl.io/docs
Pterodactyl Discord Support Server: https://**********/FugBKrq
My Discord: Husky#4518
My Discord Server: https://**********/QXqyt3M
- Type
- Offering
Last edited:
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