Believability is what's missing, and the majority of all businesses have the same problem. They advertise Institutionally, they fail to inform and educate their potential customers, they believe (and sometimes it's true), that they have the best product/service in their field. Trouble is, the customer usually doesn't appreciate that fact! Big Problem.
Having an online business is not unlike having a shop in the high street. Both have to be advertised. The shop distributes flyers, brochures; mailers, advertisments etc. and hopes for a percentage return on their investment (usually poor, but that's another story). However, the shop has one small advantage, it has a physical presence, customers can visit it, view the product, the decor; the furnishings; even the owner!
This allows them to at least judge for themselves whether the business is all it is said to be. There is at least an element of credibility and believability here that you as an online business owner don't have.
So what do you do? Well, there are several ways you can build belief, but to begin with, you have to realise that in the minds of your potential customers, Perception is reality! What they see when they visit your site, how easily (or otherwise) they were able to navigate it; how informative and content-rich the information was, all and more of these aspects of your site contribute significantly to your visitors perception of you as a business.
So the first way to build belief, is to ask yourself, does my site offer visitors the right Perception of my Product/Service.
Secondly, do you tell the truth? I don't imply you lie, but do you tell people what you are about, do they know your USP, your purpose for being in business; the source of your products? Realise this, people love to be informed. The more you tell them about you, your business, your product/service and why you believe these to be the best people can buy; the more likely they are to do business with you.
Thirdly, Build Rapport with them. View your business from the point of view of the potential customer. Understand their concerns, see the perceived problems they may encounter when trying to order; understand the doubts they may have. Ensure that your site is structured in such a way as to eliminate, or certainly minimise these problems BEFORE visitors arrive. Simplify at the beginning, not when the problems arise.
Where possible, Include documentary proof (in the form of photos and/or documentary evidence) to support your product/service claim. If you claim that a certain investment strategy will make me £10,000 pa, PROVE it to me. If a certain pill will eliminate my hair loss (or whatever), provide evidence to support the claim.
Where possible, provide a FREE sample of your product/service. This is really the ultimate belief builder (in some cases it this is not true eg if you tell me you sell the tastiest apples in the world, but I dislike the taste - you see my point). Generally speaking though, this is an essential aspect of marketing.
Where possible, provide a demonstration. The internet is great for this because you can utilise audio, video; interactive etc to allow your potential customer an insight into your product/service.
Strangely enough, if your product or service has a flaw, admitting this is more likely to endear a customer to you, because by admitting your flaw, you are being honest. This will increase their belief in you as someone to do business with. Believe it, honesty is very powerful, it can only do you good.
In terms of your product, be Specific. Tell people the nitty gritty of your product or service. The more you tell, the more you sell. They ARE interested in detail, they base their purchases on the amount of information they are given. The more doubts you address, the more likely they are to purchase. Inform them!
Try also to make comparisons. Don't knock your competitors, but do compare what you are offering with that of the competition and highlight the benefits they will get if they purchase from you. Ask yourself, given the competition WHY should someone purchase from me? Answer that question and you answer your customers question.
Give a Guarantee. The bigger the better. Give it in writing, the stronger the guarantee, the likely they will buy.
By utililising the above tools, you will build Believability with your potential customers. Many businesses loose customers simply because they fail to instil Believability.
Look at it like this, if you told me you had the best product in the world for (anything), then you would think that I would buy it, right? Wrong, truth is I am Jo average and I hesitate to buy, why? Because I don't believe you!
Michael's website can be found at http://www.CashPool4U.Com. His newsletter is a MUST for both online and offline marketers.
At times, marketing your business online can seem incredibly complicated.... Read More
Link exchange is one of the many Internet marketing strategies... Read More
Had I known in 1985 what I know now about... Read More
With the years competition online, has become fierce. Studies shows... Read More
Yeah, TOO ethical!? Lately, with some of the issues I've... Read More
The Internet Contains Billions of Website Pages - All Clamoring... Read More
Critical Mass Website Promotion is the elite goal rarely attained... Read More
Most people looking to do business online have heard of... Read More
Online advertising is necessary for your computer business to grow.... Read More
I hate reciprocal linking.It is such a hassle. Even specialized... Read More
As we look at building our online businesses, many of... Read More
After years of gut wrenching work and stress the home... Read More
An Internet marketing strategy is important if you plan on... Read More
You read that right. There's a new law in California... Read More
Here's another great idea that the gurus are using to... Read More
When I first heard of the term Viral Marketing I... Read More
If you want an email campaign to succeed, you don`t... Read More
When I mention, "flavor", I mean the appeal of the... Read More
Once you have decided on your ideal business to create... Read More
What if you could send out all the information that... Read More
A back-end product is a product that you attempt to... Read More
(1) Create a Direct Response Website, with the minimum number... Read More
I've had numerous conversations with web entrepreneurs about this topic... Read More
The use of free, relevant and meaningful content can single... Read More
So you've started your business and you have a website... Read More
That is a great question!We all know by now that... Read More
If you have zero budget then this is the article... Read More
If you've been utilizing the Internet for any length of... Read More
Business thrives on competition.You've to be aware of your competition... Read More
For some reason, people who look to the internet to... Read More
As a web business owner you will be well aware... Read More
I'm sure everybody has received an email from a company... Read More
Whatever your business resolutions may be for this year, you... Read More
You and I know that whenever you have a business,... Read More
Developing a successful web site takes more than simply building... Read More
The deluge of people wanting to make money on the... Read More
So you've decided to take the leap into deep water... Read More
Everyday people ask me if they will make money with... Read More
It is important that anybody with a significant online presence... Read More
As a marketer you are engaged in a "War" with... Read More
The advent of the Internet has made this world an... Read More
Instant Messaging is rapidly becoming accepted in the business community... Read More
Most people in a new year make resolutions to make... Read More
How many times have you heard that posting on FFA... Read More
What You Won't Learn in Business School----------------------------------------We all know the... Read More
The number one concern for Internet sales is your marketing... Read More
In the last year I have met people that have... Read More
There are many ways to initiate traffic to your website,... Read More
Viral Marketing and Communications, Buzz Marketing, and Word of MouthMeans... Read More
Find a niche; pick a niche, niche markets will make... Read More
Internet Marketing Internet Marketing |