Creativity in the Industry

[Artashes]

I was pondering about how big the creativity factor is in the industry. Does a hosting industry include more of a chain of standard procedures? It certainly doesn't seem like you can pull much creativity in day-to-day operations, not including marketing campaigns or other promotional means.

If you know of a great creative examples you use in your business OR you've seen done by someone else, please post.

Best,

 

[CrazyTech]

I'd say overall it's probably at an all time low at this point.

I think overall the industry is quite standard. As you said, putting aside marketing there is not much you can do creatively. I suppose you could offer courtesy calls from time to time or something of that manner for a smaller business might be possible, but for the most part it's standard IMHO.

 

[Blue]

These days those courtesy calls would most likely be considered spam.

Outside of marketing I don't see where the industry allows for a lot of creativity. As it's a technical industry, most things are pretty cut and dry.

 

[CrazyTech]

I don't mean calls in the term of call anyone, I mean as an option when you sign up with set host. However, even then they probably would. It's just my example of something you could do (theoretically) to be creative.

 

[Blue]

The idea is a good one Denver, it's one that probably would have been appreciated by the clients a few years ago. These days there are just too many sleazy operators out there cold calling and sending spam that the consumer can't differentiate anymore.

 

[hostjunkies]

Well where we are limited with what we can do on that end, like you said we still have the chance to be creative from a marketing perspective.

Our other "non hosting related" sites hold monthly chat parties, where we offer prizes, awards, things like that.. It creates a strong sense of community and keeps people coming back to our site. We are going to do the same thing with Host Junkies. Have a monthly "members only" chat party where we can just get to know one another, throw up some trivia, prizes and things like that. We also have an online radio, so we give away free advertising of some of our clients websites..

You could also award someone with a month's free hosting, or perhaps a gift certificate where they can invite a friend (or obtain a second account themselves) where the first month or two is free.. after that, you have a new paying customer.

It's worked in every other industry we're in.. now, it will be our first time trying this out in the hosting industry, and even though not every webmaster has the time or energy for this type of thing, we expect a good turn-out.. people love the chance to win free stuff, and it gives them the feeling that we really care about our community.

 

[johnder]

Throw a local party at a popular spot -- invite local web designers, developers, graphic artists -- make contacts, schmooze with 'em.


JP

 

[ANMMark]

Well while I'm not sure how creative it is....

We are sending out AvidNewMedia Brand wine this Christmas to our resellers.

We found a very fine local winery in our area to bottle and label brand the bottles, with our company logo in gold leaf, and a Seasonal theme.

The best part was we had to sit through a 2 hour long wine tasting 😀

In any case we figure that this will be a nice gift for our resellers, and a great way to solidify our brand even more, in the minds of our clients.

 

[sweetz]

well that sounds nice ANMMARK......there are many companies that do little things like that for their customers. Im speaking oustide the hosting industry tho. I dont know if any other hosts have done such.

 

[Zachary McClung]

ANMMark,

I really do like the idea. One of the more creative ideas that I have heard is to send out Christmas cards. Our larger hosting customers and web design clients will be having a nice gift for Christmas and our small plans will be receiving Christmas cards.

The only issue you have to watch out is for the whole religion thing and how individuals perceive it. It might be better to send New Years cards out. I do not know we will see when we get there

 

[ANMMark]

A tip is to never say "Merry Christmas"

As not every religion celebrates "Christmas".

However, the chances that your customers will appreciate a card that says "Season's Greetings" is much much better.

 

[Zachary McClung]

A tip is to never say "Merry Christmas"

As not every religion celebrates "Christmas".

However, the chances that your customers will appreciate a card that says "Season's Greetings" is much much better.

Mark, that is exactly what I was thinking too. Thank You!

 

[Naeem|THB]

Well while I'm not sure how creative it is....

We are sending out AvidNewMedia Brand wine this Christmas to our resellers.

We found a very fine local winery in our area to bottle and label brand the bottles, with our company logo in gold leaf, and a Seasonal theme.

The best part was we had to sit through a 2 hour long wine tasting 😀

In any case we figure that this will be a nice gift for our resellers, and a great way to solidify our brand even more, in the minds of our clients.

Thats sounds like a very great idea, And for sure it will make your clients happy!
:dance:

 

[intek]

Creative is to inovate, We are always looking for new products services to add to our business.

 

[Naeem|THB]

Creative is to inovate, We are always looking for new products services to add to our business.

Yes and so does every company, We all try and be different from the crowd :agree:
Regards,

 

[dubs]

Well Said, Naeem. Every once and a while a company will come along and just be very successfull in a short amount of time. When this happens, it is truly something remarkable and the owner(s) should be congratulated.

 

[Naeem|THB]

Well Said, Naeem. Every once and a while a company will come along and just be very successfull in a short amount of time. When this happens, it is truly something remarkable and the owner(s) should be congratulated.

Its not just the owner of the company who should be congratulated, The whole work force who drive the company along on a daily basis should also be congratulated 😎
Regards,