How Can I Generate More Sales From My Web Site?

Trying to sell products and services online is not the same as having a brick and mortar store. Although marketing strategies used offline also work online, you do not have a sales person on your web site to greet each customer who walks through your door. You have to separate yourself from the hundreds, thousands or millions of online businesses who are doing the same thing you are.

What makes your product or service unique?

What separates you from the rest of the web sites or online businesses out there? Is it:

• lower prices?

• better service?

• better quality?

• better selection?

• better return guarantee?

• better customer care?

When writing your copy for your web site be clear and concise. You don't have to be cute or have lots of animation to get your visitor's attention.

• Use language that is at a 4th or 5th grade level - unless your web site is technical in nature, such as a legal site for attorneys. Make the text easy to read.

• Use lots of bullets

• Turn your features into benefits. What problems are solved or what emotional need is filled by purchasing your product or using your services?

• Use the word you in the text. Talk to your visitors rather than about your company. Eliminate the 'I/we' words and replace them with 'you' words.

Make sure your customers see the Value in the price or quality of your product or service

• Display sale prices prominently. Use a slash through the Regular price. Make the Sales price stand out by making it Bold or Red or both. Tell the visitor how much they are saving (Example: Save $10 or 15% OFF)

• Throw in extra items to build value. Bundle products together. (Example: a Hat, Scarf and Gloves set would sell for $25 but sold separately would sell for $40)

• Display a comparison chart showing the benefits/features of your product compared to a lesser quality product

Use "Social Proof" to increase customers

• Testimonials - people will purchase from someone who has happy customers
• McDonalds touts how many billion happy customers?
• Let your customers know what your top 5 best selling products or services are.
• Whenever possible, use authority figures to enhance the credibility of your product or service. An example would be an author who had the quotes from other known authors on the cover.
• Display associations you belong to

Use the Scarcity/Sense of Loss Principle

• 30 day limited offer!
• Only 5000 being made!
• One Day Only!
• The price is going up January 15

If you use the scarcity/sense of loss principle don't say that the sale is a limited time offer if you actually plan to extend it indefinitely. How many times have you seen "Going out of Business" Sales that lasted for years? People will loose enthusiasm if they feel they are being duped.

Special Offers

• Bundle products
• Offer free shipping

Offer something free to your site visitors in exchange for their email address

• Trial Membership
• Free download
• Free sample
• Free e-course
• Free chapter

Now - go get 'em tiger!!