The Internet can be a confusing place to do business. It often seems like there are a million 'gurus' on the Net, all speaking at the same time, and telling you how they have "the" road map to success.
The truth is ... there is no one map. There are many roads to the destination we call success. How long the trip will take depends a great deal on the choices you make.
They say that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So here are five steps to get you started on your road to online success.
1. Sell What People Want To Buy.
For a thousand years (or more) small business has thrived on one motto. Find a need and fill it. The Internet is no different that Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart didn't sell what people want they would go out of business in short order.
The best way to find what people want is to ask them. Contact the people you know and ask them what their #1 problem is today. Then tally the results and look for a pattern. Once you find the pattern, find a product or service to meet that need and contact them again.
When you do, good things will begin to happen.
2. Follow Up With Everyone
The people who come to your website will fall into two broad groups. Those who buy and those who don't buy yet. Create a follow up system for the people who don't buy and you will make time your ally, not your enemy.
You don't have to be a great writer to do this. Just jot down the five top reasons people should buy your product and create a short message for each reason. Then put those in an autoresponder and offer people more information. Over time, many will buy your product.
It's equally important to follow up with those who do buy. Be sure to offer them products and services that compliment your own.
For example, it's only logical that someone who buys a car will eventually need their oil changed. In a like manner, people who buy your offer may want products or services that enhance your product's benefits.
3. Use A Simple Sales Site
There is a lot of discussion about how many words should be on your web site. While this debate will continue to rage on, the sites that sell the best seem to be one-page, very simple sales sites. After all, why use more words than necessary.
People are in a hurry today so give them what they want. Tell them clearly why they should buy your product, ask for the order and offer them more information if they choose not to buy now. Simple.
4. Use Automation To Your Advantage
'Automation' is simply a fancy term for letting a computer do the work you would normally do. Perhaps the best example is an autoresponder.
A sequential autoresponder is a program that sends emails out over a period of time. Rather than having to remember who should get which message when, the computer remembers and sends them for you. That is how you are going to follow up with the people are aren't quite ready to buy yet. And you'll use a separate sequence for your customers - to offer them complimentary products and services.
There are ways to process orders, send email follow ups, ask for referrals, place ads and more - all using the power of automation.
While it is important to maintain a personal touch, automating everyday tasks means you will be able to respond faster to inquires and have the time you need to follow up with clients and expand your business.
5. Give Yourself Time
Just as in any business, it takes time to succeed in an online business. Since time is going to march on anyway, why not make time your ally?
Using tools to automate your business will help you save time every day. Having clearly defined goals and objectives will help you have 'staying power' for the long haul.
Using time wisely and being committed to long term success are both vital to your online business.
Success is simple if you keep it simple. One key is to find people who are successful and learn from what they are doing.
When you are offering a popular product using a simple sales page website, are following up using automation to your advantage and are patient enough to let your business grow, you will find that the path to success is short indeed.
Dr. Jeanette Cates is an Internet strategist who works with experts who are ready to turn their knowledge and their websites into Gold. Her reputation as a speaker and trainer has earned her the title of The Technology Tamer. Jeanette shares her news and views in onlinesuccessnews.com
family-safe home cleaners Morton Grove ..Everyone would like an increase in traffic to their website... Read More
Contests and Sweepstakes.They are web advertising magnets that draw huge... Read More
It is estimated that it can take the average consumer... Read More
1. Generate Targeted Traffic from Online Discussion Forums.Online discussion forums... Read More
Do you know why your website is not making money... Read More
Stop wasting your time and having your energy sucked dry!... Read More
WEB DIRECTORIESDirectories play an important role in aiding a site's... Read More
1. Tell people you have a siteThis might seem blindingly... Read More
1. Directory Linking Create a directory of web sites on... Read More
Hardly a day goes by that I don't get an... Read More
Would you attempt to use a cell phone with a... Read More
Until recently, audio, video, Flash, and static graphics were all... Read More
You have invested your time and money into putting up... Read More
1. Give Away An Electronic Information Product The product could... Read More
In many cases when you start a new website you... Read More
Hundreds of millions of people have spent thousands of dollars... Read More
After you have built your website the next natural step... Read More
Have you ever submitted your ad to an FFA page?... Read More
For the first time internet entrepreneur [newbie] the best ways... Read More
You may have created and established the best Web site... Read More
Though it's wonderful to get all those hits to your... Read More
Creating a new website is only the first stage in... Read More
Webmasters are always looking for ways to increase their traffic... Read More
When I first began attempting to make money on the... Read More
So you have your website and you've done everything right... Read More
home cleaning services Wilmette ..Here are some simple and easy tips on how to... Read More
Do what I did. Learn these 10 insiders' ad writing... Read More
Google is the most popular and most used search engine... Read More
I was writing the final chapter of my book on... Read More
On the Internet, links are very important for websites to... Read More
We have a running joke in our office that one... Read More
Managing your online business from home is a great way... Read More
Have you noticed lately how savvy webmasters are using simple,... Read More
So what is all the talk about having a lot... Read More
I just reviewed a new website and I'm in shock.... Read More
According the National Association of Realtors(R) ("NAR") surveys completed between... Read More
So you have a new website but the phone isn't... Read More
Joe Nogood owns a small but thriving gift store. He... Read More
If you haven't visited the Google Labs lately, they have... Read More
How can one get a good ranking in the major... Read More
How to get your business exposed for free!Everybody in the... Read More
Many online business owners and marketers use a variety of... Read More
If you are like most webmasters, your goal is to... Read More
Culture and Website Localization With the rise... Read More
Personalized search is a hot topic especially since Yahoo! and... Read More
An important question to answer when creating or revising a... Read More
You have spent hours creating a HTML masterpiece, you have... Read More
Does your web site's visitors keep on hitting the back... Read More
Most webmasters are familiar with the concept of reciprocal linking.... Read More
Who me? Track?Now I realize some turn a blind eye... Read More
Web Site Promotion |