Comparison Shopping-The cold, hard facts!
| Category: Market Research | Date: 2002-01-16 |
We all know that we have to do our research when it comes to our business success. We must know what the "cold" facts are. By "cold" facts, I mean those statistics that relate to market trends. Those are facts we need to help us price our products and services. They also guide us in finding our perfect customers. Cold facts will tell us what to prepare for in the future.
But, there is one area we really need to concentrate in when searching for data in our field. This is the one that will lead us to the "warm" bodies we need to make a sale... our CUSTOMERS! The facts we really need to have now and on a continuing basis is how we compare to others in the same field.
We all need to go "comparison shopping" routinely. This is the only way we are going to know what our customers have to choose from and why they buy from "them" and not "us". We need to "shop" several different ones each week for a true picture. Perform this search just like your customers would.
It is dangerous to assume that price is the only issue that sways a consumer. We must look beyond that to make a true comparison. As you review the same choices your customers have, how do you compare? Look at the quality of what you offer for the price you find from your competitors. If they compare, then also examine what incentives are being offered. Go beyond what these added bonuses or specials are, and see HOW they are delivered. If YOUR customers have to jump through more hoops to get the same discounts, then you may need to change.
Another comparison that your customers will make is how easy it is to get what they came there for. Are your items easy to find at your site? Is your site clear and simple to navigate compared to the sites you compete with? Layout is very important, so make special notes on what you'd see if you were a prospective customer of your competition.
Now, let's say that you compare to all the other businesses you just examined. This is your opportunity to take ACTION! You can't succeed today by being the SAME as everyone else. Today's consumer wants something MORE. This is where you need to build the "warmth" that will create sales. Explore ways to make your business STAND OUT from the crowd! Take steps to involve your visitors in what you offer. Find out how to make it more convenient for them. Give them more ideas on how to use it. Create the feeling that they already own it.
Only by comparison shopping can you really determine what your customers WILL NOT find anywhere else. Then you can BURST onto the scene and FILL THE VOID your competition is leaving unfilled.
About The Author
Kris has helped many folks with her Ad Writing and Marketing techniques. She teaches you how to effectively use these elements and many more in the Netpropelled Marketing System. Now, you can have step-by-step procedures in marketing your On-Location and On-Line Business. FREE e-book, Ad Writing...Hitting Your Mark! and more with FREE subscription to the Netpropelled Newsletter ~Ideas that PROPEL your NET PROFITS. You are invited to learn more at: netpropelled.com
webmaster@netpropelled.com
http://www.netpropelled.com
But, there is one area we really need to concentrate in when searching for data in our field. This is the one that will lead us to the "warm" bodies we need to make a sale... our CUSTOMERS! The facts we really need to have now and on a continuing basis is how we compare to others in the same field.
We all need to go "comparison shopping" routinely. This is the only way we are going to know what our customers have to choose from and why they buy from "them" and not "us". We need to "shop" several different ones each week for a true picture. Perform this search just like your customers would.
It is dangerous to assume that price is the only issue that sways a consumer. We must look beyond that to make a true comparison. As you review the same choices your customers have, how do you compare? Look at the quality of what you offer for the price you find from your competitors. If they compare, then also examine what incentives are being offered. Go beyond what these added bonuses or specials are, and see HOW they are delivered. If YOUR customers have to jump through more hoops to get the same discounts, then you may need to change.
Another comparison that your customers will make is how easy it is to get what they came there for. Are your items easy to find at your site? Is your site clear and simple to navigate compared to the sites you compete with? Layout is very important, so make special notes on what you'd see if you were a prospective customer of your competition.
Now, let's say that you compare to all the other businesses you just examined. This is your opportunity to take ACTION! You can't succeed today by being the SAME as everyone else. Today's consumer wants something MORE. This is where you need to build the "warmth" that will create sales. Explore ways to make your business STAND OUT from the crowd! Take steps to involve your visitors in what you offer. Find out how to make it more convenient for them. Give them more ideas on how to use it. Create the feeling that they already own it.
Only by comparison shopping can you really determine what your customers WILL NOT find anywhere else. Then you can BURST onto the scene and FILL THE VOID your competition is leaving unfilled.
About The Author
Kris has helped many folks with her Ad Writing and Marketing techniques. She teaches you how to effectively use these elements and many more in the Netpropelled Marketing System. Now, you can have step-by-step procedures in marketing your On-Location and On-Line Business. FREE e-book, Ad Writing...Hitting Your Mark! and more with FREE subscription to the Netpropelled Newsletter ~Ideas that PROPEL your NET PROFITS. You are invited to learn more at: netpropelled.com
webmaster@netpropelled.com
http://www.netpropelled.com
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