Alright, so I don't quite have an MBA, or any degree for that matter(yet). But I'd like to think that I have a very good head on my shoulders when it comes to business. I've started and managed multiple companies on & offline, sold a few, lost a couple, and currently maintain 3 that are doing quite well.

Speaking of hosting business there's the basics: Quality/value service, support, uptime, etc.. Such things can make or break a company, but let's say you have all those qualities.. What REALLY gets people to sign up?!

Personally I think your image has a lot to do with it. Business/domain name, logo, site design, slogan, etc. But I'd like to get some other opinions if I may. The reason I ask is because I woke this morning with an amazing idea, company name, slogan, vision of logo/site.. Everything! But it wouldn't be recreating the wheel or anything, though it would be on a much larger scale(200k+) then I'm a custom to.

You already have the basics in place. I don't think there's a magic bullet that REALLY gets people to sign up. All the pieces need to be in place, starting with a professional website - a great offer, options, revelant content - the works. A comprehensive business plan helps lay out the process.

Yes, as I said "the basics". But say you're looking at 2 different companies, both have identical offers, support and reviews.. What sets one apart?

In the eyes of the consumer? Or in one company's ability to generate more sign ups? Given your parameters, branding sets the two apart. Which one 'owns' that niche?

I think it would come down to the website design too. My website right now is not good at all but my prices are good and so is my niche. Once I finish my new design I think I will get more sign ups. here what I got so far http://www.cyberworldhosting.com/gnomes

You're absolutely right. A professionally designed website lends the perception of value and credibility.

If you've got them, put them in front of the customer in some form. Public monitoring statistics (uptime, CPU load etc.), ticket reply and resolution time statistics, even "live last 24 hours statistics" etc.

Then there's the old fashioned marketing stuff: customer testimonials.

New site looks good, and that's really what I was getting at..
Your brand, and the image you project to potential customers has a lot to do with it from my experience. And from that I'm curious why more don't invest more in it.

Thank you Siforek for that nice comment. I am really excited about the new design. I hear what your saying and I think image/brand is very important to any company in general. I look at my domain name as the name of my company and my website is foundation of my company.

Isn't that good for us that do invest in the image/brand of our company and it makes us stand out more.

I guess you're right. Though I'd rather get business based on the good things I do rather than the things others neglect to do, I won't complain with more business due to others lack of image.

I don't mean it like that also they are a lot of web hosting companies that stop operating each day because some are run by teenagers who have no idea what they are doing. Don't get me wrong they are teenagers out there that do know what they are doing look at host-monkey the owner is 17 years old.

I started hosting when I was 14. Looking back I wouldn't risk hosting anything with the 14 year old version of myself. For 17 host-monkey isn't bad. Something about the "Banana Unlimited Plan" that just makes me smile.

I can see a customer calling up.. "Oh hi, I just have some questions about your Banana Unlimited Plan.." LOL Makes me wish my business was more fun.

While I completely encourage and support entrepreneurs, there's a perception of value going with a business that has been around awhile. The Banana concept is rememberable. On American Idol, Simon Cowell often says stuff like, "Your performance was just not rememberable." You need some angle to 'own' your niche in this market.

Exactly! & for a 17 year old he's done a good job making even me remember.

Branding your self and becoming a name that people will remember helps out a lot. Also, a professional design, and quaility of service and support will set you apart as well.