6 Tips To Improve Your Business Website
By 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.
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Copyright 2004 Mike Moorefield III
Michael Moorefield is one of the founders of ThirdWeb Solutions, a digital
multimedia company specializing in creating and improving the internet
presence. Working with a range of businesses
to establish a prosperous web presence keeps Michael up to date with
online trends. Visit http://www.thirdweb.com for more info.
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