A Marketing Group Joint Venture
"Out Of The Ashes Of Deceit, Comes A Name You Can Trust"
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A Marketing Group Joint Venture
"Out Of The Ashes Of Deceit, Comes A Name You Can Trust" |
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6 Tips To Improve Your Business Website
Copyright 2004
Mike Moorefield III
There are six important characteristics that can play a
major role on the impact your website has on prospects.
Outlined below is the importance of each characteristic
and tips on how to maximize your potential. It is always
important to tailor everything you do to what your
customer is expecting, doing so will help keep you one
step ahead of the competition.
Convenience - Allowing your customers
to make decisions at
their convenience is a very powerful element. Nobody wants
to feel pressured or hurried into making a buying
decision. When a customer can go to your website, browse
your products and services, and make a purchase at their
convenience, you are satisfying a crucial consumer
obstacle -- time. They don't have to keep returning to
your storefront every time they wish to evaluate your
value. In fact, most customers do not buy something the
first time they see it. Instead, they must see and
consider it several times before they finally talk
themselves into purchasing. A website allows customers to
quickly review their reasons to purchase something,
leading to a greater number of impulse buys.
Information - A website can allow you
to communicate much
more information about a product or service than an
in-store display or advertisement. You can also control
the way the information is presented. Supplying
information in an orderly step-by-step process can greatly
improve the chance of a purchase.
Evaluation - Many customers will not
purchase something
without searching for the best value. The internet allows
your customers to obtain the information they need to feel
like they are making an educated buying decision. Make
sure you are using your website to take advantage of this
opportunity. Inform your customer why your product or
service is of the best value compared to their other
options. Always acknowledge the competition instead of
acting like your product or service is the only one out
there.
Guidance - The pages of your website
should guide the
customer towards the specific solutions they are looking
for. They should serve to help them quickly locate what
they came to find. Think of it as a store map located at
the entrance of a department store. The customer can use
this directly upon entering the store to get to the
department they are interested in, instead of wandering
around looking for it. Get their relevant information in
front of them quickly while they are still the mood to
purchase. People buy on impulse. If they have to spend 15
minutes searching for what they are looking for, that
impulse may very well fade away.
Contact - The internet also allows
for another form of
contact with your customer. Some people can be hesitant
about talking to a representative in person or on the
phone if they don't feel very knowledgeable about the
product or service. Email allows them to carefully collect
their thoughts before sending them. They feel less awkward
about their lack of knowledge. Again, use this opportunity
to gain an edge over the competition. Go out of your way
to educate them about the product or service.
Entertainment - Use the informal
atmosphere of the
internet to entertain your customer. The internet is used
by more people as a means of entertainment than as a means
of business. If used effectively, entertainment can
significantly improve the business relationship. Provide
clever facts, amusing presentations or even a witty
character or mascot to assist them. However, be sure that
the entertainment is used appropriately. Be sure that is
does not obstruct the information or value you are trying
to bestow upon them.
Always use your competition to your advantage. Research
how your competition uses these characteristics to improve
their customer relations. Your website does not have to be
boring just because it is informative. Create an appeal
that will set you above the competition. The internet can
be an extremely powerful tool for your business, reaching
a greater audience than ever before. A successful business
uses a complete arsenal to reach its market.
About the Author:
Michael Moorefield is one of the founders of ThirdWeb
Solutions, a digital multimedia company specializing in
creating and improving the internet presence for small
businesses. Working with a range of businesses to
establish a prosperous web presence keeps Michael up to
date with online trends not only in a design & development
aspect, but a business aspect as well. Visit
http://www.thirdweb.com for more info.
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