If you’re like most small business owners, you’re not capitalizing on the wealth that the Internet has placed right at your doorstep. The success of eBay clearly demonstrates that you can sell anything on-line. Last year, total Gross Merchandise Volume for eBay (the value of all successfully closed listings) was over $60 billion. Today, more than $2,000 worth of merchandise is sold on eBay every second.
With so many people willing to send their money away for something sight unseen, why aren’t you getting spectacular results through your website? Perhaps you don’t know the secrets, which really are not secrets at all:
- Get Found: You’ve all heard of Search Engine Optimization, but have you incorporated the principles into your website? If your answers are yes to the questions below, then you may already be receiving substantial traffic to your website.
- Does your page content contain appropriate keywords? Keywords are the words and phrases that your market uses to search for your products or services. How do you know?
- Do your page titles contain the most important keywords for each phrase, and are they unique for each page?
- Are other websites linking to you? How many inbound links do you have? In some industries, a handful of links may be adequate. In other industries, you may need hundreds of links.
- Build Trust: For many visitors, landing on your website is like meeting a stranger on the street. Why should they trust you? Here are some tips to earning their trust:
- Does your website convey professionalism? You only have a few seconds to make that first impression, so make it a good one. Make sure your site exhibits the key elements of an effective website. At a minimum, use a clean layout that’s easy to navigate, and include high quality photos and images. Check out the fascinating Web Pages That Suck for some lovely examples of what not to do.
- Make it easy for your visitors to contact you. Include a feedback form. Display your phone number on every page, and include a mailing address to improve your results on local searches.
- Provide plenty of useful information that clearly demonstrates your expertise. A simple listing of your services will convince no one. Show examples of your past work. Include tips, FAQ’s, or a resource section. Testimonials are extremely powerful. If appropriate, include a list of clients who have used your products or services. Add any articles or postings that you’ve written, or list them with a link to the source.
- Clearly display your professional memberships, certifications, and awards. Join the Better Business Bureau and display their logo. If you sell products online, be sure to prominently display the appropriate seals and certificates.
- Demonstrate Value: It’s your website, but it’s not about you — it’s about your audience. Ask yourself the following questions, and carefully craft the answers. Remember, this is the heart and soul of your website. If you can’t answer these questions quickly and easily, your website certainly isn’t getting the message across.
- What do your website visitors need? What is causing their pain?
- How can you solve their problems?
- Why should they choose you over your competitors?
- What makes you or your company special?
You now have the 3 key secrets to a successful website: Get Found, Build Trust, Demonstrate Value. How important is an effective website to your business? Two current figures may help you answer that question:
- Last month, Americans conducted 14.3 billion core searches on the internet.
- 4 of every 5 individuals and businesses online use the Web to research products and services.
The Web is indisputably a well-traveled marketplace, and the market you serve is undoubtedly online. Do you want to remain a stranger to your potential customers? If you’re struggling with any of the secrets, give me a call or search the web for some resources that can help you. It’s time to turn your website into a powerful marketing tool for your business.
Tammy Hartweg
Spritz Web Solutions
847.510.5987
Tammy – Outstanding blog! This shows potential clients that Spritz is more than just a technical design resource for a web presence. You help them by serving as a marketing partner hat enables them to truly expand their growth potential in the e-world.
What is also terrific is that your recommendations mirror the approach any business needs to practice throughout their relationships with prospects and clients whether it is in person, in print,on the phone or online. Thanks for the ‘secrets’.
Tammy – I learned a lot from your article and realized what I have been doing wrong. Thanks!
This blog really got my attention! Very informative. Spritz knows and understands what clients are looking for and how to help them. Thanks for sharing the secrets!
Tammy-thanks for the informative posting. I too learned a lot!