I'm trying to raise money for my non profit lit magazine. I was thinking of getting a reseller hosting account and offering hosting. I would make the prices like high because all the money would go to the magazine like a fundraiser. is this a dumb idea? Think people would not even buy because of it will be higher than most hosting accounts?? I'm trying to come up with some creative way to fund-raise. any unique ideas would be super!
Yes its a good idea. The most important part is marketing strategy. If you have good marketing team,i'm sure your fundrising will success.
Not too sure mate... Could be a brilliant "out-of-the-box-tinkering" move, could be a massive failure too. I mean, its def worth a try. Have you tried the conventional route though? Like setting up PayPal donation buttons, applying for crowd micro crediting, crowd based investment (there are a couple of networks around, PM me if you need help with this), creative support? Those kinds of things. Cheers
This is a very good idea. But there are few hiccups and they are common in every business especially in the implementation stage. You need to clearly mention that you 'll be making no profits with the hosting service and the money 'll be used to donate for a cause. Webhosting business is fully cluttered and living off the edge is very much necessary to sustain. If you go with big players, the reseller hosting costs whole lot of money. So, choose a web hosting provider that has reasonably good support, reviews, feedback and affordable prices. Gaining trust and reliability is more important. So, initially you may find no business being a new entry. btw, I run a webhosting service and reseller plan starts at $4.99
The Idea is good but Making the Prices very HIGH is not , first set it up at some lower price after you get customers and some reputation you can increase the price , make sure the quality and the uptime of ur host is good , coz most people prefer that , and the most important role for you would be marketing ur webhost services best of luck
Thanks so much for all the advice ... I am still considering this , I know it's not going to be easy. I know I won't make the prices like super high but I can't charge like $1 for a large hosting plan you know. I have a few donation links on the website itself. Just trying to come up with more ideas on how to raise money both online and offline. Thanks again!
Fund raising is always nice! Try networking and socializing more to get yourself out there. You can try to raise money offline by contacting local companies in your area and online through some of the social websites. Let me know how it goes..
Its risky so draw up a detailed plan and have a few people (maybe on here?) have a good look at it. It could work but also flop so be prepared for that. What is there to lose though? The potential results could be rewarding enough for you to take the risk
You're embarking on the road less traveled. If you do it, be sure to let us know how well you do. Best of luck to you!
Yes. Even if you don't have a marketing team in the beginning, a perfect marketing strategy is a must! Nice idea indeed. Good luck!
You just have to offer an edge that would justify your higher hosting plans. Like on call tech support, same day tech support or something like that. you could even link you lit magazine withyour hosting plan, like say get this hosting plan and get free advertising on this magazine... etc.
I was thinking I could just ask a host to create a custom plan for the non profit and share like 70% of the profit with the company. It might be easier since I am not a pro at webhosting. Just not sure how I could find a company to do that.
sweetcrabhoney18 Contact that hosting provider and explain your idea how you are going to rise money for your non-profit magazine. I guess they can make a discount for your referrals.
Its all in the marketing. You have to make sure your costs stay low. I have a dedicated server I could share some hosting if you want.
The real question is, are you going to spend money on Reseller Hosting account? Because if you will, you might be spending more than your profit.
Try this suggestion. Your cause is a worthy one but the idea you are considering does not support it well.