Hits, Hits, & More Hits! But, Whats Wrong?

You can get all the hits you want, but if it doesnt translate into customers and sales, then you have hits and thats it! The average surfer spends about 26 seconds on your web page. So, how do you turn those hits into customers and sales? 1,2,3,4,Score!

1) First, take a look at your web site. Get a professional opinions. Put function, professionalism, and speed, ahead of flashy slow loading animated, audio, video designs. Sure some are great. Make sure all of your links work, and you dont have any of those red xs. Granted, not everyones browser is going to be working right all of the time, but you should try to have your site compatible with multiple browsers. At least Netscape and Internet Explorer. All the flash, and fancy styled designs does not mean the customer will stick around and buy. Make sure you have a product or service that is in demand, with good quality, and value. Do the research, find out what your demographics for your site are, and ask yourself, if this is something you would buy. Compile the stats into useful marketing knowledge.

2) Next qualify your customers and target your traffic. After you have done your research, homework, compiled all your stats, and information, then start advertising your site geared toward these prospects. People that need and want your product and services. Use the directories, search engines, ezines, newsletters, banners, classified ads, press releases, and partnerships wisely to reach your target audience. Make sure your meta tags, and title pages are setup properly. Many sites, like bcentral.com allow you to target your demographics, like age groups, locations, gender, certain groups, sub groups, directories, sub directories, financial groups, etc. You will soon see your average site session times increase dramatically.

3) Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up! Learn how to write exceptional, professional sales letters, and emails. Again, ask a pro to critique, tear them apart, help you to make them the best action oriented sales letters. Stay with your customers that inquire, and overcome their objections. Ask if the customer has any questions. Answer the questions, sell your products, or services, use features and benefits. Remember the top four:

Gather information(Facts), benefits and features, and closing the sale. (Features Tell),....(Benefits Sell!)

Keep in mind, WIIFM - " Whats In It For Me?" A benefit clearly spells out WIFFM for the prospect. However, it is possible to overdo the benefits.

Do not oversell your potential customer. Focus only on those benefits that will be of interest.

Dont forget to ASK FOR THE SALE. you cant overcome objections, if you dont ask for the sale.

4) Finally, Use a personal approach. Online or in the store, customers want individual attention, and are willing to pay for it. Autoresponders, done right, save a ton of time, but you still can take a individual approach. You like knowing your business is highly valued, and so do your customers. The other half of your job is Customer Satisfaction!

So, there you go, 1,2,3,4,Score! Turn your hits into sales, and satisfied customers! Educate, and develop your customer and sales skills. With a great web site, and following the above steps, you really can score! (Financially that is:)

About the Author

The author, Steve Parke - Networks, CNA, A+, & MCPs, NT, NTWS, W2000 pro. and has written many articles on "Succeeding Online With A Home Business". His articles have been reprinted all over the net. You can write to him at author@centurysites or subscribe to his and Heather Parkes newsletter "Century Sites News Now!" or visit centurysites.com or www.csnnow.com

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