Turning Your Website Into A Moneymaking Webstore

Once in a blue moon, they phone or send an email. Sometimes, late at night when they're looking for information or help, they'll drop by for a quick visit.

No, they're not your grown-up kids. They are your web guests.

Trouble is, in most cases, you won't even know they've visited and "shopped" at your site, or whether you helped them find what they were looking for.

And, if you're like over 95% of North American businesses with traditionally
designed websites, your website isn't really helping or impressing your web guests, which means you aren't taking advantage of their visit.

It's time to get your online visitors excited about your website! Whether new or existing, your site can be turned into an engine that powers the growth of your business. It can help you sell products and services, attract leads, widen your customer base and improve your bottom line. Here's how.

Grab Their Attention Right Off the Top

First impressions are measured in milliseconds on the web. A boring home page means they have already moved on.

Your home page needs to hook and hold your customer. A strong marketing message and powerful imagery can make all the difference. Right away, they know who you are and what you have to offer them.

Compel Them To Take Action

Once they are in your website's front door, motivate that customer to take
action. Give them something to do. Get them to sign up, register, take a quiz, or email you for a consultation.

Give them a website experience that engages them to interact, chat, and,
ultimately, to buy.

Show Them You Know Them

Are your customers affluent retired men or working women with small children? Figure it out, then target that customer very clearly. Speak their language. Show them you understand their needs and interests.

When they see themselves on your website, they will also see themselves as one of your customers.

Make It Personal

Include features that create personalized experiences for returning member customers. Every time they log on, ensure your website addresses them by name and shows them only what interests them.

A friendly website will put customers in the buying mood.

Do The Work For Them

Create an easy-to-use website. Be consistent from page to page and use clear navigation tools.

Be straightforward. Tell your customers what you want them to do; buy here, review this, or book now.

Be sure to show pictures, offer crisp descriptions, and list prices. If you deal with U.S. and Canadian customers offer both currency options. Make it easy for them to shop and buy.

Give Them More Than They Bargained For

Your website doesn't just have to be a place to shop. Make it a useful resource for your customers. Offer them links to related websites. Share free advice, tips, inspiring stories, or e-cards. Send them a monthly newsletter.

Become their very own, personal expert.

Keep It Fresh

There is nothing worse than visiting a website that has not been updated in a decade. Keep your website alive and kicking. Add an article or new survey once a month. This gives your customers a reason to check in. It also let's them know you are there, working for them, keeping your website relevant.

Make Them Believers

If your website builds trust, it builds business. Don't hide behind fancy graphics. Let your customers know who you are by including pictures and biographies of your team.

Use testimonials, reviews, awards and media coverage of your company to
reinforce your credibility and expertise.

Make sure your website is professionally written. Nothing turns off a customer more than poor spelling and boring copy.

Create Great Experiences

Win your customers over, one at a time. Word of mouth from one satisfied
customer can travel far and wide on the web.

Do the little things that, surprisingly, not everyone does. Make it easy for your customers to contact you. Respond to their inquiries right away and deliver what you promise.

Ask Not What They Can Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Them

Creating a website that generates new sales and new leads is all about your customers. What matters is what happens when they step inside your online shop. Do they buy or not? You can create a website that ensures they do buy, and often!

Make sure your website grabs their attention, encourages them to take action, speaks their language, gets personal, keeps it simple, adds value, stays relevant, projects credibility and treats them right.

Use these tips to turn your website into a money maker and flip that virtual sign from closed to open for business.

Marketing Breakthroughs is Ottawa's breakthrough marketing, branding, advertising and event planning company focused on helping clients grow their business. For more information about our search engine positioning and website marketing services, phone the experts at 877-721-3335.

Request a meeting with us to learn how we can help your e-business.

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