Web Hosting
How to scope web hosting services for your clients
If you sell web hosting services, then you know how important it is to present your hosting plans clearly to clients. Many clients don't understand the difference between shared hosting and dedicated servers, and they need help choosing the right option for their needs.
The line item below shows you how to structure hosting service proposals. It demonstrates how to break down different hosting tiers into clear, understandable options that help clients make informed decisions. This is exactly the kind of structure you need to create proposals your clients can understand and approve.
Sample Line Item
Breakdown
Okay, let's break this down—what's included, potential upsells & some limitations to consider.
Examples of What to Include
Here are some key components you should consider including in your web hosting service packages. These are the foundational elements that make hosting reliable, secure, and user-friendly. Think of these as the essential services that will help your clients maintain professional, high-performing websites without technical headaches.
Domain setup and configuration: Complete domain registration, DNS configuration, and domain management tools for easy client control.
SSL certificate installation: Automatic SSL setup with Let's Encrypt or premium certificates, ensuring secure HTTPS connections.
Email hosting setup: Professional email accounts with your client's domain, including webmail access and mobile configuration.
Basic security configuration: Firewall setup, malware scanning, and security monitoring to protect client websites.
24/7 support access: Round-the-clock technical support for hosting issues, ensuring minimal downtime for client sites.
Potential Upsells and Add-ons
Here are some ideas of what you might include as potential upsell opportunities for your hosting projects. These add-ons can significantly increase your project value while providing real benefits to your clients. Think about which ones make sense for each specific client based on their security needs and performance requirements.
Advanced security monitoring
$50/month24/7 security monitoring with real-time threat detection and automated response.
This is a high-value upsell that addresses a real pain point for many clients. Security threats are constantly evolving, and most businesses don't have the expertise to monitor for them effectively. You can position this as essential protection for any business that relies on their website for revenue or customer engagement.
Performance optimization
$75/monthCDN setup, caching configuration, and server tuning for maximum speed.
Website speed directly impacts user experience and search rankings, making this a compelling upsell for performance-conscious clients. CDN and caching can dramatically improve load times, especially for clients with global audiences or image-heavy sites. This is also great for demonstrating ongoing value since performance optimization requires regular monitoring and adjustments.
Backup management
$25/monthAutomated daily backups with one-click restore and off-site storage.
Backup management is often overlooked until disaster strikes, making it a perfect upsell for risk-averse clients. Automated backups with off-site storage provide peace of mind and can save clients thousands in recovery costs. This is especially valuable for e-commerce sites or businesses that can't afford downtime.
Limitations to Consider
These boundaries help prevent scope creep and clarify what's outside the core hosting setup.
No website development or design: Hosting setup only, client provides the website files.
No content management system setup: Basic hosting environment, CMS installation requires separate scope.
No ongoing maintenance or updates: Initial setup only, ongoing management requires separate agreement.
Scoping hosting services the smart way
Hosting is often an afterthought until something breaks—then it becomes the most important part of your client's business. Scoping hosting services early protects your timeline, your margins, and your client's online presence. It also sets your client up for long-term hosting success.
Use this line item as a foundation to scope, price, and sell hosting work with clarity. Whether you're working with startups, growing businesses, or enterprise clients, a well-defined hosting solution is essential in your service toolkit.
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"No longer the days of tedious static proposals. SPT makes drafting proposals a breeze, and the line item modifications allow for effortless upsells."
— Kyle Hurley, Owner, Managing Partner @Propaganda
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