A One-Minute Marketing Plan?
Whether you're planning a new site, or your site is already
up and running, here's some inside information you need to
know...
Web surfing is a fast-paced sport. Some surfers (including
myself) can hit 10-20 sites in a ten minute span. Yikes!
That leaves each site about a minute (and sometimes much
less) to reach three objectives EVERY business website
should be after...
1. A unique and positive image
2. An irresistible reason to stay past that minute
3. A lasting relationship
Here's exactly how you accomplish those objectives in that
tiny time frame...
#1: Impress your unique and positive image in your visitors'
minds immediately, by showing off an "attractive" home page.
C'mon, "attractive?" What is this a beauty contest?
Well, sort of. You see, a HUGE percentage of visitors judge
your entire business within those first 10 seconds of
visiting your site. If they are presented with a handsome
page that loads quickly and looks professional, they may be
compelled to stick around. (At least long enough to see
what's in it for them.)
Let me ask you this... How many times have YOU clicked away
from a site even before it finished loading? Yeah, that's
what I thought. Me too. Web surfers looking for something in
particular not only want the right info, they want it from
the right source. If your site looks like it was designed by
a 12 year old, you're in big trouble.
And no, you do not need fancy graphics, java and the like.
Just make sure your home page is a place that YOU would be
impressed by. You do this with a professional logo, a crisp,
fresh look and simple navigation links.
#2: Get right to the point and give your visitors an
irresistible reason to stay past that minute...
Be sure the first thing your website displays is a reason
for visitors to stick around. When someone comes to your
site it needs to be glaringly obvious how the site can help
them. Remember, they probably came looking for something in
particular. If they are forced to "search" for how your site
may help them, it's too late, they're gone.
You can pull this off by displaying a few lines of text
prominently, where your visitors will see it right away.
Examples...
"This site has helped thousands of webmasters design a
professional website. Come inside and learn how to design
your own site now."
"Do you need advice selecting stocks? Put our 10 years of
experience to work for you. Browse our past picks and
current recommendations."
And my own example which pops up in the first two seconds...
"Anyone can start a home-based business online and earn high
income. I've been doing it since 1996 and I'll show you
exactly how -- for free."
#3: Get them onto your opt-in list(s) so that you can form a
lasting relationship with them...
This is the single most effective way to hang onto your
visitors. Hey, getting traffic is tough, don't let visitors
get away without offering to stay in touch. And no, you
don't have to publish a full email newsletter, but offer
something! Here's a great example...
A few years ago I visited a retail site which offered a
"monthly specials" email list. Sign-up was free so I took a
few seconds and joined. Every month for three years I
received their monthly email. Out of 35 or so I received,
I probably deleted 30 without even reading them. Yet one
month I noticed a product I had been looking for, and at the
right price, right in the subject line. Guess what? I opened
the message, clicked to the site and bought it. While I was
there, I also spent $300 on a digital camera.
As you can clearly see from that example, regular email
contact pays off. If not today, maybe next week - or next
year. The cost of staying in touch is tiny compared to the
long-term rewards.
As to exactly how to get them signed up, there are lots of
ways to do it. A simple "formmail" fill-out form will allow
you to add their email address to your private in-house
list. Or, you can try using a pop-up window that gives
something of value in exchange for their contact
information. However you decide to pull it off, just do it!
And one last tip on this... don't ask a million questions in
your sign-up form. Visitors may be interested in what you're
offering, but may shy away if they have to reveal too much
information about themselves. A lead is a lead. Ask for
their name and email address only. If you scare them away,
they may never be back.
In closing...
Remember, your web site is the first thing many people will
ever discover about your business. Make your first
impression unique, irresistible, and make it last for years!
About the Author
Article by Jim Daniels of BizWeb2000.com
Jim's site is packed with free help for anyone trying
to start or grow a business online. Visit Jim today at:
http://www.bizweb2000.com