Hosting for other people's clients.
THE ARRANGEMENT
A designer builds sites and does not want to handle hosting. You provide it, either directly to their client or through them.
TWO MODELS
The designer resells your hosting to their client and holds the relationship. You hold the client relationship, and the designer refers.
Decide which, explicitly.
WHY MODEL ONE IS AWKWARD
Two layers between the client and the server. When something breaks, the client asks the designer, who asks you.
Slow, and the designer becomes a relay rather than adding value.
WHY MODEL TWO WORKS BETTER
Clear responsibility. The client knows who hosts and who designs.
A referral fee or commission compensates the designer.
WHAT TO AGREE
Who supports what Who the client pays What happens when the designer's involvement ends Whether the designer retains access
THE COMMON FAILURE
A designer disappears and the client does not know who hosts their site or how to reach them.
Establish a direct relationship with the client regardless of the model.
WHAT THIS IS WORTH
Designers produce recurring referrals. It is one of the better acquisition channels available.
