Approximately a decade has passed by since the birth of Internet commerce and online service users and shoppers have grown up.

They know what they're looking for, they know where to get it from and they grab it in an instant. They're in and out of your virtual shop in a second. They're fast and furious...especially if the can't find what they were looking for.

So how can we make them stick? How can we make them coming back?

Well, here are 7 crucial elements which can significantly help to solve this basic problem if applied properly.

1. Consistency in layout and navigation

According to multiple online surveys visitors prefer sites where pages have a white background, and the colour text is black. Consistency in navigation is a must.

People get used to the navigation system on your web page very easily. During their multiple visits they are looking for the same navigation points, and if they can't find them where they were at their previous visits, they get confused and leave.

Use the same colour scheme all the way through your pages. Try to match colours and design your pages simply but tastefully. If you are not a designer type, don't be shy to ask for help or to purchase a simple pre-designed template.

Nowadays lots of sites offer beautifully designed web page templates. They can be easily modified,handled and tailored to your needs.

2. Clear Copy, More Sales!

Try to be as clear as you can. Don't use jargon or complicated expert language. That would definitely scare your visitors away.

Highlight benefits but also show features if necessary. Write from the heart. You need to show your visitors that you are an expert, and also an authority. In other words, they need to feel that you know your stuff.

3. Fast Loading pages

Stay away from image heavy design, use text navigation and if your sales copy or page happens to be too long, break down your pages into small tables. This will significantly speed up your web pages loading time.

4. Headlines, taglines, logos : Brand It!

Use shorter headlines or calls to action on every page if possible.

Headlines will make your visitors read further down your copy.

Use taglines all the way through on your pages to brand your site and highlight your unique selling proposition.

Show your logo on each and every page to give a better chance to further brand your product, service or company.

5. Personal photos, addresses, phone numbers: Build Credibility!

Online commerce is a faceless process. People still pretty reluctant to pull out their credit card and give you a buck or two. You need to ease their reluctance as much as you can.

The easiest and fastest way is to put your company address and phone number onto each and every page. That would immediately show that they're dealing with a real company or person.

Put up a about us page and upload a personal photo of yourself.

That will definitely build instant credibility.

6. Audio greetings and customer testimonials.

With nifty little audio tools now you can create a short audio greeting and put it up to your web site. The human voice will significantly build more credibility ands help to turn visitors into buyers.

Collect testimonials from your previous customers and put up the best ones to you web pages. New visitors will see that you have been in business for a long time and made dozens even hundreds of people happy with your products or services.

7. Be available and answer enquiries promptly

Whenever you receive a customer enquiry via email answer as fast as you can. Fast prompt enquiries will convert to sales very soon and will separate you from the lousy pack. Collect generic enquiries write up the answers and put up a page as your FAQ center.

Copyright 2005 Peter Lenkefi

About The Author

Peter Lenkefi is the co-founder and CIO of Australia/USA/Hungary based online marketing consulting firm http://www.WebFoxMedia.com, the home of the Online Selling System. Peter and his team have helped dozens of small online business owners to get their ventures off the ground fast and on budget