Your business isn’t like any other business on the net. Sure, you
may offer the same kinds of products or services that many
others do but that’s where the similarity should end.
Your business should reflect your personality and your values. If
it doesn’t you have nothing to offer that can’t be found on a
thousand other sites. If you want to be successful you have to
make sure your customers see the difference between you and
your competition.
If, for example, you sell ebooks why should someone buy an
ebook on your site rather than on my site? The product is the
same isn’t it? So what makes your ebooks better than mine?
Probably nothing!
It’s how you present it...
If what you sell isn’t unique you have to present it in a way that
is. There are several ways you can do this.
• Unique Selling Point (USP)
Find the one major thing that sets you apart from your
competition. Maybe you offer a 30-day money back
guarantee on all of your ebooks. Maybe you include a
special report with each purchase. Maybe your prices are
always discounted. Whatever your USP is, make sure you
promote it consistently and effectively.
• Sales copy that sizzles...
If your sales copy sounds just like everyone else’s why
would anyone want to read it, much less respond to it? If
your ad copy or sales page doesn’t excite your prospects,
your business is dead in the water. It’s critical that you
either learn to write stand-out copy or invest in the
services of a good copywriter.
• An inviting website...
Your website is your store or office; make sure it’s
welcoming and comfortable. You don’t need to create a
flashy website just one that looks professional and makes your
visitors feel confident about buying from you.
There is one feature that’s worth its weight in gold. That’s
YOU! Personalize your site... include a photo and
information about yourself. This is the only way your
visitors can get to know you. In order to trust you they
have to feel they know you. So tell them your story,
honestly and warmly. It will increase your sales!
Your business depends on your integrity so make sure you
treat your visitors with respect and honesty. Don’t promise
them anything you can’t deliver. Publish your policies and
stick to them. Make sure that everything on your site
reflects your honesty and integrity. Deserve to be trusted!
• Outstanding service...
Give your customers more than they expect!
Let them know how important they are to you. Listen to
what they have to say. Take care of their questions or
problems immediately and courteously. Stand behind your
product or service 100%. Issue any necessary refunds
quickly and with a smile.
If it’s possible add a personal touch to your customer
service. Send a little thank-you note via email ~ don’t rely
solely on your thank-you page to do it for you. Check back
with them later to find out if they’re satisfied and if there
is anything else you can do for them.
Make your customers feel special and they’ll come back
again and again.
Don’t be satisfied with a poor imitation...
Your business should be just as unique as you are! If you’re going
to the time, trouble and expense of building a business make sure
it reflects the things that are important to you. Unless you bring
your dreams and personal creativity into your business and brand
it as only you can, you’ll never feel the pride of ownership you
need to be successful.
Your business starts out like an empty canvas on which you can
paint anything you want. Give it thought, give it soul and give it
life ~ make it your own unique creation.
About the Author
Linda Offenheiser is the owner of Stress-Free Copy where sales
copy comes alive! Always the right words with no stress, no
hassle, no time wasted. She also publishes a weekly marketing
ezine, All the Write Stuff!, that’s informative, friendly and fun!
You can visit her at http://www.stress-freecopy.com or subscribe
at http://www.stress-freecopy.com/subscribe.htm