Hits, Hits, & More Hits! But, What's Wrong?
You can get all the hits you want, but if it doesn't translate
into customers and sales, then you have hits and that's it! The
average surfer spends about 26 seconds on your web page. So, how
do you turn those hits into customers and sales? 1,2,3,4,Score!
1) First, take a look at your web site. Get a professional
opinions. Put function, professionalism, and speed, ahead of
flashy slow loading animated, audio, video designs. Sure some
are great. Make sure all of your links work, and you don't have
any of those red x's. Granted, not everyone's browser is going
to be working right all of the time, but you should try to have
your site compatible with multiple browsers. At least Netscape
and Internet Explorer. All the flash, and fancy styled designs
does not mean the customer will stick around and buy. Make sure
you have a product or service that is in demand, with good
quality, and value. Do the research, find out what your
demographics for your site are, and ask yourself, if this is
something you would buy. Compile the stats into useful marketing
knowledge.
2) Next qualify your customers and target your traffic. After
you have done your research, homework, compiled all your stats,
and information, then start advertising your site geared toward
these prospects. People that need and want your product and
services. Use the directories, search engines, ezines,
newsletters, banners, classified ads, press releases, and
partnerships wisely to reach your target audience. Make sure
your meta tags, and title pages are setup properly. Many sites,
like bcentral.com allow you to target your demographics, like
age groups, locations, gender, certain groups, sub groups,
directories, sub directories, financial groups, etc. You will
soon see your average site session times increase dramatically.
3) Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up! Learn how to write
exceptional, professional sales letters, and emails. Again, ask
a pro to critique, tear them apart, help you to make them the
best action oriented sales letters. Stay with your customers
that inquire, and overcome their objections. Ask if the customer
has any questions. Answer the questions, sell your products, or
services, use features and benefits. Remember the top four:
Gather information(Facts), benefits and features, and closing
the sale. (Features Tell),....(Benefits Sell!) Keep in mind,
WIIFM - " What's In It For Me?" A benefit clearly spells out
WIFFM for the prospect. However, it is possible to overdo the
benefits. Do not oversell your potential customer. Focus only on
those benefits that will be of interest. Don't forget to ASK FOR
THE SALE. you can't overcome objections, if you don't ask for
the sale.
4) Finally, Use a personal approach. Online or in the store,
customers want individual attention, and are willing to pay for
it. Autoresponders, done right, save a ton of time, but you
still can take a individual approach. You like knowing your
business is highly valued, and so do your customers. The other
half of your job is Customer Satisfaction!
So, there you go, 1,2,3,4,Score! Turn your hits into sales, and
satisfied customers! Educate, and develop your customer and
sales skills. With a great web site, and following the above
steps, you really can score! (Financially that is:)