Do your friends or clients ever ask you, “How do I get my business online?” It feels great to help, but what if you could turn that advice into a legitimate source of income?
At 1-grid, we offer two distinct paths to help you monetise your digital expertise. Whether you’re looking for a simple side hustle or you want to build a full-scale web hosting brand, there is a way for you to earn while helping others establish their digital presence.
This guide breaks down exactly how each programme works, helps you decide which path fits your goals, and provides a clear plan to start earning.
The Affiliate Programme: Earn by Recommending 1-grid
The 1-grid Affiliate Programme is designed for simplicity. Think of it as a “thank-you” fee: when you refer someone to us, and they make a purchase, we pay you a commission. It’s an ideal way to generate passive income by sharing products you already use and trust.
How It Works: The Power of the Link
Our system uses a unique affiliate link to track your referrals. Once you sign up, you’ll receive a dedicated web address that belongs only to you.
When a user clicks that link and purchases a hosting plan, our system automatically attributes the sale to your account. This ensures you get credit for every referral without any manual effort or follow-up required on your part.
Example in Action:
Imagine a lifestyle blogger writing an article on starting a side hustle. When they explain the need for a website, they include their personal 1-grid affiliate link. If a reader clicks and signs up, the blogger earns a commission. It’s a natural way to add value to your content while creating a consistent income stream.
Where to Share Your Link Effectively
The most successful affiliates don’t just post links randomly; they share them where they provide genuine value. People appreciate authentic recommendations that solve a specific problem.
- Write a “How-To” Guide: Create a blog post like “How I Started My Website in 5 Simple Steps.” When you reach the section on choosing a host, include your 1-grid link with a brief explanation of why you chose them.
- Create a “Resources” Page: Add a page to your website called “My Favourite Tools” or “Recommended Resources.” List 1-grid as your go-to for getting online.
- Be Helpful on Social Media: If you see someone in a community group asking for advice on web hosting, share your experience. A simple, honest comment like, “I used 1-grid and found it really easy. Here’s a link if you want to check them out,” is both helpful and highly effective.
- Refer Your Business Network: In your professional circles or LinkedIn network, you likely know other business owners or entrepreneurs looking to digitise. When discussing growth or overheads, mention how a reliable local partner can simplify their tech stack. A direct referral to a colleague not only helps them avoid the headache of choosing a provider but also positions you as a resourceful connection in the industry.
The Reseller Programme: Start Your Own Web Hosting Business
For those who want to move beyond recommendations and build their own brand, the Reseller Programme is the perfect fit. With reseller hosting, you buy a large amount of hosting resources from us at wholesale prices, then create and sell smaller, individual packages to your own customers.
Essentially, we provide the “building,” and you “rent out the apartments” under your own terms.
The Advantage of White-Labelling
The real power behind this model is white-labelling. This means you can sell our reliable hosting services entirely under your own company name. To your clients, you are the hosting provider. You set your own branding, your own pricing, and your own service levels.
This approach is perfect for freelance web designers or digital agencies. Instead of finishing a client’s website and sending them elsewhere for hosting, you can offer it as part of your complete service package. This not only makes your business look more professional but also creates recurring revenue and predictable income you earn every month as long as your clients stay online.
Is Reseller Hosting Profitable?
As a reseller, you act as the first point of contact for your clients. While you handle basic support, like password resets or cPanel guidance, 1-grid manages all the complicated server maintenance and technical heavy lifting in the background.
The Earning Potential:
Imagine your reseller package from 1-grid costs you R300 per month and allows you to host 10 accounts. If you sell each of those accounts to your clients for R80 per month, your total revenue is R800. After subtracting your R300 cost, you’re left with R500 in profit every single month. As you scale and add more clients, that profit grows exponentially.
Affiliate vs. Reseller: Which Path is Right for You?
Deciding between these two paths comes down to one question: Do you want to recommend a service or build a business?
Choose the Affiliate Programme if: You want a hands-off side income, you prefer to avoid customer support, or you are a content creator/influencer looking for passive revenue.
Choose the Reseller Programme if: You want to build your own brand, you want to set your own profit margins, or you are a web developer/agency looking to offer a one-stop-shop for your clients.
| Feature | Affiliate Programme | Reseller Programme |
| Effort Level | Low (Set and forget) | Moderate (Business management) |
| Income Type | Ongoing commission | Recurring monthly profit |
| Branding | Promoting 1-grid | Promoting Your Own Brand |
| Best For | Bloggers, Influencers, Referrers | Designers, Developers, Agencies |
Your Next Step: Start Earning Today
Whether you choose the simplicity of the affiliate route or the scalability of the reseller model, 1-grid provides the tools you need to succeed.
To start earning from referrals: Visit the 1-grid Affiliate Page, sign up for free, and grab your link.
To build your own brand: Explore our Reseller Hosting Packages and find the plan that fits your vision.