GracefulCart~Server for GracefulHosting Services

A few months ago marked the 1 year anniversary of GracefulHosting. It came as a huge surprise to me; seems like just yesterday when I had my first client. Over the past months I have learned a LOT. I have learned that customer service will make or break your business, a business can be lots of fun but takes lots of dedication, and pricing is key!

In this postI will discuss the pricing aspect of business. Not only is this post to assist people in running their own business, it will stand to explain why I have recently increased my web hosting prices.

Personally, I have grown up and ran my business with the principle that the better the price, the more customers you’ll have. While that may be absolutely true, it can quite often be a poor way to run your business. “Why?” you ask? Think of it this way. Why are you in business? For fun? Of Course! For independence? Absolutely! However, ultimately you are in business to make a profit. If you make YYYY product for 9.99 with a profit margin of $3.00 and sell 30 units of YYYY product you will have made $90 profit minus the amount of time it took to make, package, and ship 30 units. However, if you make the exact same product and sell it for 14.99 but only sell 15 units (because your price is higher) you’ll make $120 minus the time it took to make, package, and ship 15 units. Which sounds better to you? Of course, the higher price but fewer units! You make more money and spend less time preparing product.

Often people stray away from raising their prices. However, if  you offer a quality product that you stand behind 100% your customers won’t mind a price increase.

With this concept in mind, I have recently increase the prices of my services. While this price increase will only apply to new clients, I feel it will make a huge difference in the way my business operates. A higher profit margin means eventually I will be able to hire more staff. More profit means I can also afford to spend more on promotion and development. On top of these two points, a higher price will make people rethink a purchase of this type. My old prices were, well, laughable. People passed me by because my prices were too low. Now I feel my business will stand as a more serious contender amongst web hosts in my niche.

Please let me know what you think about this change. It is truly something I have battled over for months.

Regards,
Adam Grace

First off, sorry for my lack of presence around the blog. Quite often my absence is due to a lack of what to write about, which is the case this time.

The other day, yesterday to be exact, I was reading a forum that I quite often vist when I stumbled up on a post about someone whose  hosting account was hacked. She said that somehow the hackers managed to get her password and replace her index page (home page) with a page that would collect credit card numbers. She gave some very good advice: “change your hosting password often !”

I built upon the advice she gave with this:

“Nothing can completely replace changing your password often but there are things that can be done on the Web Host’s end to help prevent accounts being compromised.

Chances are, your hosting account was hacked by someone who managed to get your password from someone/somewhere OR the hacker used a brute force attack ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brute_force_attack .) Brute force attacks typically take a while to work. The attacker is literally trying hundreds & thousands of passwords. Our server uses a firewall that quickly detects and blocks these type of attacks as well as several others attacks that are used by hackers. All web hosts should utilize some sort of software that secures data on their server.

A web host also has to make sure that their passwords are secure. So many times security issues are blamed on other people when in all actuality it was the hosting company’sfault (not saying that this was the case with GoDaddy but issues have come up recently where a security breach was blamed on a software developer when poor password management was the true issue.)

Another suggestion, make sure you keep whatever software you use up to date… (eg. ZenCart, osCommerce, Magento, CubeCart, X-Cart) These people release updates often to help take care of security holes that are found. So many times things go bad simply because someone wasn’t keeping up with updates (and this includes your Anti-Virus software…. these updates contain information regarding new viruses that the anti-virus software needs to help keep you protected.) Don’t assume that since your software is secure just because you don’t see any ways for people to access anything they shouldn’t be. These people sit around for hours and days at a time analyzing code and environment variables to find these flaws. Also, an SSL certificate does NOT mean everything is secure. It simply means that things sent from your browser to the website’s server are secure. It doesn’t mean that the software itself has no flaws or exploits that can be used to access things you’d normally want kept private.

Anyhow, to add to your statement about changing your password for your hosting account often.. You should change ALL passwords often. Also, do not use the same password for everything. If someone gets your password for XXXXX then they are going to try and use it a YYYYY. Never write down your passwords. All it takes is someone locating this common source of passwords and you are in for one crazy ride. Last but not least, get rid of information that tells exactly what websites you use, especially the ones that give your username and/or password. If someone managed to get access to your email then they are probably going to read it. Don’t leave behind a little trail of all the sites you use. Yeah, they may know you use TTTTTT email provider but that doesn’t mean you have to let them know that you use eBay, PayPal, Facebook, MySpace, forums, blogs, etc.”

I just thought that this would be good advice to pass along to anyone that reads my blog (if there are such people :-)…I wouldn’t know because I only receive comments from spammers… hint hint!)

Anyhow, I hope this information helps you keep your personal information secure and, furthermore, your clients’ personal information secure. 

Thanks for reading!
Adam

PS. Thanks “jennifer” from Craftserver.com for bringing up the topic!

Dealing with Dwindling Economy is a challenge that every one is having to face. People are cutting back, that just that. With all of the cutting back, businesses are having to do the same. Below are a few things that we feel will help you deal with the cut backs and keep your doors (or your website) open.

First off, we highly suggest you check out http://gracefulcart.com/wordpress/?p=189 . This post is about low cost marketing tips and strategies.

Now, on to the new tips and strategies for keeping your doors open.

First, if you aren’t advertising, reconcider. You HAVE to get the word out about your business. There are tons of way to accomplish this. You can place ads in local publications such as newspapers, mail out flyers to clients, place your banner in shopping directories, give google adwords a try…. There are SOOO many options, you just need to evaluate them and see whats best for you.

Second, have sales. People are always “go” for a bargain. If that means you have to cut your prices %30 to get them to buy, go for it. You might find you may more selling your items at a %30 discount than you did at full price just because of the increase number of orders. You might also offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount.

Third, try other sales venues. Try local markets and shows. Wholesale markets are a great place to get new business. You might also try selling other places online such as Etsy, 1000Markets, or ArtFire. I know of several people who’ve had great success with Etsy (it just takes some time to get some traffic.)

Fourth, cut cost. Are you paying hundreds of dollars worth of membership fees that do you absolutely no good? Cut them out. You can always join again later. You might also search for lower cost items and supplies. You’d be highly surprise how much you can save just by shopping around. Another big saver…. web hosting. So many people out there are paying upwards of $20 per month just for a website. There are much more affordable options out there. For example, we save clients an average of around %50 when they switch to our affordable hosting plans.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Be creative. You’re sure to find other ways to keep your business up and running. If you have some that you’d like to add just place them in the comments area below.

Craft shows, wholesale markets, and other vendor style venues are becoming a big thing in today’s dwindling economy. Small (and large) business owners are using these venues to reach markets they normally would not. We decided we would offer up a few tips and hints to assist you in achieving success at these challenging venues.

1. Do Your Research Never choose to participate in a show you’ve never attended before as a buyer. Attending a show will allow you to scope out the competition, find the best booth locations, get a feel for the crowd, noticed the positives and negatives, and more. You might even get a few ideas on ways to display your items. Also, note pricing strategies, marketing materials, utilities, etc. You want to make sure you won’t be over or under priced. You also want to make sure you have the right signage. Those utilities are going to be important….you can’t plug in that credit card machine with no power.

2. Do the Math Make sure you can afford the show and, even more important, that you will gain something from participating in this show. Some shows can cost you as much as $500 to participate in. On top of that you have traveling expenses, advertising, equipment, merchandise, and so much more. When you Do Your Research ask vendors how well they do. Most vendors will have no issues telling you how the turn out is if you explain why you are asking. Figure up your “break even” point and keep it in mind while you are at the show. You want to at least break even. Even though you are gaining exposure you don’t want that exposure to cost too much.

3. Start Small Choose smaller shows with which to begin. This will allow you to “get your feet wet.” It will also help build your client base.

4. The Price is Right Shows vary in attendance and price ranges. For example, you wouldn’t take a $10,000 painting to sell at the local craft show where the average item is priced at $10. Make sure you price your items for the show. If you have to shave three dollars off of your price to be competitive, do so (if you can afford to.)

5. Take a Friend (or two) Shows are a lot of work! You have to unpack and setup. This can wear you out on its on. Then, you have hours worth of customer service to provide. Answering questions, ringing people up, packaging, restocking…. On top of that, what if you have to go to the restroom? to grab a bite to eat? Friends are going to be a great help. Make sure you choose carefully. You want someone who will represent you and your business well. Make sure they are reliable. Drill your product knowledge and sales technique into their head.

6. Look Busy and Professional Always appear attentive and busy. Forget books or portable media or things of that sort. If possible, take a few raw materials and work on some of your items. If that’s not possible, stay on your feet and offer your customers assistance. Smile and greet all customers. Look nice, wear comfortable shoes. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before. Keep your breath fresh!

7. Build a Marketing Database Offer people the chance to add their email address or mailing address to your list. Even better, offer a drawing for a gift basket or a gift certificate. This is a good way to obtain mailing and email addresses.

8. Its All About the Looks Yep, that booth has got to look nice. You need to look professional but unique. Set yourself from others somehow. Dress nice. Make sure you have plenty of merchandise for you customers to see, touch, interact with.

9. Bring the Right Stuff This is the most important part. Remembering to bring everything you need. Below is a brief list of the things you might want to bring along.

• Business Cards (Bring LOTS!)
• Brochures/Order Forms
• Pens
• Snack
• Something to Drink
• Sun Screen (if outside)
• PLENY of Change. Make sure that the first $100 bill you receive doesn’t clean you out.
• Tons of Merchandise
• Camera (Take pictures so you can keep up with what works best.)
• Bags (Large ones with comfortable handles, preferable with your name on them)
• Tissue Paper/Packaging
• Garbage Can and Bags
• Breath Mints (No GUM! Smack Smack….)
• Tables
• Risers
• Table Clothes
• Signage
• Hand Sanitizer
• Calculator
• Receipt Book
• Paper Towels
• Cleaning Fluid
• Tall Chairs or Stools
• Take NOTES (What people say, what they like, what they look at first…)
• Spending Money (Buy from other vendors…leave your business card)
• Duster
• Tape
• Scissors
• Credit Card Machine

10. Things to Leave Behind There are things you should never bring to shows. Here they are.

• Children
• Pets
• Tobacco
• Complaining
• Bad Attitude

11. Count your PROFIT Count your money and make sure you made a profit. If not, reconsider doing this show next year.

Hopefully these hints and tips will help you out. This list is by no means complete. Feel free to make additions in the comments area!

Several months ago we published an article regarding low cost marketing tips and strategies. Over the past few months things have changed alot and new venues for advertising have opened themselves up. We decided we would like to add a few of those venues to our list.

12. Facebook- I know, I know. Facebook is for kids, right? Not in these days and times. Adults around the world are using Facebook to keep up with old friends, family, and life in general. Why shouldn’t they use it to keep up with their favorite small business? Thing is, they are. People are becoming “fans” of business facebookers everyday. Not only can you use the business profile to announce sales to your current clients, you can make new acquaintances. Its free to setup! Feel free to checkout our page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forest-MS/GracefulHosting/70715118095?ref=GracefulCart.com

13. Twitter- I just recently setup my twitter ( @gracefulhosting .) I can’t say that I’ve seen an increase in traffic but I’ve only been tweeting every few days and my profile hasn’t been setup but a few weeks. People who are hardcore twitterers are seeing tons of traffic coming from their profiles. Twitter is another way you can market to you current clients as well as meet new people.

14. Link Directories- Honestly, link directories really won’t gain you much direct traffic. Not many people decide, “Hey! I’m going to find a link directory to shop from.” Most decide to shop around at businesses they already use or ones they find using a search engine. Here is where directories help. Link directories help improve your search engine rankings so people are more likely to stumble upon your site. Now, I don’t suggest going out and dropping $30-40 to list your site in one directory but a nominal fee of up to $5 is very reasonable. One thing to keep in mind when listing your site in a directory is the directories rank in search engines….stray away from lower ranked directories.

Maybe these few new tips will boost your business during this difficult time.

In the hosting industry today there are many control panel systems available. They’ve pretty much become the standard but there are those web hosts that just don’t offer them. If you are with a web host who doesn’t offer a control panel system or won’t give you access to yours then you should take your business else where. Here is why:

1. Control! What is a control panel for? It is there so that you can CONTROL your website and features! If you don’t have a control panel how do you add email address? Email the hosting company and wait for them to add one for you? I think not! Exceeded your own email storage limits and need to give yourself more space in hurry so you don’t miss out on emails? You can give up on that one if you don’t have control panel software. Your going to have to wait for your hosting company to do it for you. Having a control panel allows you to configure what you need to when you need to.

2. Web Stats! If your with a hosting company that doesn’t offer a control panel then you are probably using a third party stats system that requires a backlink, etc. If you have control panel access you more than likely have the opportunity to choose from upwards of three web stats programs that require NO back link. These system are way more powerful and offer tons of different views that you won’t get from a third party system.

3. File Access! The standard in control panel software these days includes a built in file manager. This is great for on the go uploads. Need to add a few pictures or a couple files? No need to pull out the FTP software. Just log into your control panel and upload them right from your browser.

4. Speaking of FTP, what if you forget your password? You can just log in to your control panel and reset it…if you have control panel access. If not, your probably going to have to wait for your web host to do this…

5. Features! Many of the control panel systems out there offer a script installer which allows you to easily install things such as forums, blogs, calendars, and more. No control panel? Ask the host… and you’re probably going to have to pay for them to do it.

6. Security! Most control panels systems includes features such as password protecting directories. Great for those who want to upload files for family or friends only. Just give them the password. Noticed a suspicious IP address. One click IP banning will keep them from doing harm. No control panel? Email your web host…

7.Knowledge! You want to keep up with your bandwidth and storage space, right? With no control panel what are you to do? Email the web host?

WE are GLAD to offer one of the best control panel systems in the industry, cPanel. cPanel includes all of the features listed above and many that aren’t. Don’t get us wrong, you can email or call ANYTIME with one of the above requests but we want you to be able to do this when you want without having to ask anyone. We like foryou to have control.

So, if you are with a web host who doesn’t offer you a control panel system, we suggest you switch to a web host that does. You probably won’t pay anymore that what you are paying now. Have questions? Just email us…Support@gracefulhosting.com . We would be glad to assist you, even if you don’t use our services!

Thanks,
Adam Grace
GracefulHosting

With the new website design and big plans for GracefulHosting, I decide it was time that I took advantage of a client management system of some sorts. After researching I decided on a piece of software call ClientExec. This software is a billing and support system all wrapped into one. I’m going to give a quick overview of the features of the software and what I hope it will do for GracefulHosting.

First and foremost, the new system has tons of features. One of the most important is the billing feature. This system allows will automatically send you invoices, reminders, late notices, receipts, and other billing materials on its on. This will allow me to focus on the support and developement side instead of the billing side of the business. Now, thats just what the billing feature does for me. As for you, you will now have an area where you can login and see current invoice, previous invoices, and even future invoices. The system will allow you to pre-pay for your hosting services, it will allow you to upgrade or downgrade your plan, add paid features, cancel your hosting services, and so much more.  Another thing you guys may enjoy are the new payment methods that are already in the system. Of course, we will be accepting paypal. The system will even allow you to setup a subscription. We are also going to be accepting checks and money orders. You simply choose that as your payment method and drop your payment in the mail. The NEW feature, however, is our decision to accept credit cards via methods other than PayPal. You will also be able to setup a subscription for your credit card so it charges you automatically. On top of all of this, your private information is now protected by SSL. 

Now, the support side of the software(which really exites me!) The support side of the new system will allow you to create support tickets. Why support tickets? Tickets allow me to track the quality of support you are receiving. It will also allow multiple support members to assist you in the event that I hire a staff member. How do you open a support ticket? Simple! All you need to do is email support@gracefulhosting.com. All emails to this address are automatically converted into tickets. You can also login to the system and create a ticket. On top of the tickets feature, the new software has a knowledge base feature which allows me to create answers to common issues in a FAQ type format. Another great feature is that you will be able to login and view previous support tickets that you opened and the answers to them.

Again, these are just a few of that many features and benefits of this system. Take a few moments to login and explore for yourself. You should have receive your login details in an email but if you didn’t please email me at support@gracefulhosting.com and I will get them right to you.

Thanks,
Adam

In conjunction with a new link exchange site I am offer you guys free link placement on www.marketplaceforcrafters.com. The normal lifetime listing fee of $1 will be waved. To take advanted of this offer please visit www.marketplaceforcrafters.com and click on submit link. It will take your to a page where you should enter details about your site….fill them in completely. Take up every bit of space you can. I will tell you why in a moment. Now, when you get to contribution, leave it at $1 (you won’t have to pay it.) Now just click next step. It will bring you to a terms screen. Click agree. You are now done. Do not click the paypal button. I have provided a list of my current client’s domain names so you will be approved without payment.

Now as to why you should use this service and fill in all the details…. This service banks on listing your site to search engines for you therefor filling in as many search terms as possible is very important. The more people that use the service the higher your rankings will move up in major search engines so tell your friends about it. Even further, it can’t do your rankings any harm and its isn’t costing you anything. If you have any questions just email me.

Thanks and I hope this does you guys some good.
Adam

THE FREE LISTING OFFER IS FOR GRACEFULHOSTING CLIENTS ONLY IN CONJUCTION WITH MARKETPLACEFORCRAFTERS.COM.

Hi Everyone,
I’ve just launched my banner system and I am now accepting banners from CURRENT CLIENTS to display on my blog as well as other places AT NO CHARGE. Just send me your banner to support@gracefulhosting.com along with the link you wish for it to direct to. Not a current client? We will gladly add your banner to our rotation. Your banner will be given lower priority than clients’ and you will need to link back to our hosting business somewhere on your site.  We reserve the right to turn away anyone for any reason. Just email us with inquires.

You can see the banner display area below as well as in the upper right hand corner. Your ads will also be displayed on the MarketPlaceforCrafters Forum . I will also be posting your banner in several other places.

Email me at agrace@gracefulhosting.com with any questions.

Thanks
Adam

So, I love online interaction and the communities found around the net. I am part of several forums including Craftster and Craftserver.

Just recently I stumbled upon a new community…ACG. Since then I have been addicted. All of the people there are really kind. There are lots of pictures and even more valuable information. Right now there are around 300 members so it still has a way to go before catching up with craftster or some of the other large forums but I personally feel that it will go far.

Membership is totally free so go and check it out.
AmericanCraftGuide.ning.com