I find this a most interesting and somewhat complex subject,
as there has to be TRUST in any business relationship before
any exchange is made. This can be quite difficult to achieve,
when you have never met your customer (prospect) face to
face in another part of the country...or even the world.
Having been on the www over five years, here are a few
pointers that we find helpful in the online sales process:
1. Have your OWN DOMAIN NAME
(not expensive - less than $20 a year from www.000Domains.com
We have three of them at:
http://www.craiglock.com)
http://www.nzenterprise.com and
http://www.novelty-gift.com/
2. Offer GUARANTEES (money-back) on your products or services
N.B:
3. Emphasise transaction SECURITY in the form of a secure
payment system and a secure server.
4. OFFER TESTIMONIALS
5. Have a PRIVACY POLICY for your online business.
Offer a Privacy Statement
6. Have CONTACT INFO on your web site. People then know to
get hold of you, if they want further info... or if there is a problem
(they do occur from time to time, but a problem is only an
opportunity in disguise!).
7. Offer a BRIEF BIO - a little bit about yourself and how you are
qualified to offer your product or service. This builds trust in your
abilities.
8, Have a FEEDBACK FORM on your web site for visitors comments
about possible improvements... and finally and most importantly,
9. BE YOURSELF, YET BE PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR WRITING
(on your web site). Just be YOU, when writing script on your
website or in your ezine articles. Ensure the information is accurate -
write with absolute integrity and honesty. Also suggest using a bit
of HUMOUR in your writing. I try to use a "dollop", as I believe
reading a computer screen is not a very exciting pastime (except to
"geeks"). It's also a sedentary (big word) activity; so the least I can
do for our site visitors, as a reward, is attempting informing and trying
to entertain at the same time with doses of my "rather strange/wacky/
zany" humour. Hopefully it works!
and finally,
10. "GIVE AND THOU SHALT RECEIVE."
GIVE FREE INFORMATION... AND YOU WILL SURELY RECEIVE FAR
MORE IN RETURN.
(Everybody has unique knowledge and expertise in certain areas -
specialised skills, which can help others through SHARING). This is the basis
of "the Golden Rule", the Law of Giving, which is the basis of all the religions
of the world (I think!).
Become a "busy internet marketing bee" in building your online credibility
Follow all these steps and people then will be attracted to your web site
(and regular TRAFFIC is THE BASIS/KEY FOR/TO SALES), like bees to a
honey-pot (that's a simile, by the way!).
Here's to finding your "pot of gold" at the end of the internet marketing
"rainbow".
About the Author
Craig Lock has been successfully marketing products online for
the past five years. Craig is a writer, who believes in sharing
information, as well as encouraging and helping others to find
their talents and gifts, to strive for and accomplish their dreams
in life - whatever they may be.
Creative Writing Course
http://www.nzenterprise.com/writer/creative.html