Website Savvy: 10 Key Steps to Turn Your Customers ON!

"How to turn "slightly interested" customers into "I've got to have it!" customers!"

I am truly amazed as to the lack of information websites contain. You would think that a business would realize that a potential customer would at least like to know how to contact the customer service department. But, you'd be astonished at how many times I've actually come across NO information on the business except "place your order here". That truly leaves the customer with a feeling of abandonment. Since I visit so many websites throughout the year, I wanted to list some of the top 10 things I look for when making the decision whether to purchase or not.

Number 1: Include some type of contact info.

You need to make sure the customer has some type of information to contact you after the sale. If you happen to work out of your home, think about getting a post office box or a mail station. I realize that still doesn't tell the customer your physical address, but it's always nice to know the city, state, or even country of the company involved. And by all means, add a phone number to this list.

Number 2: Update your website often.

If you list your copyright or other dated information, make sure it is changed on a regular basis and includes the current year. Nothing is more frightening than to purchase from a website selling e-books or software that is older than a few years old. It always makes me think I'm getting old information that was written for a different set of problems. Now I know that copyrights should have the year they were developed, but list the year it was established plus the current year. For example, list your copyright like this - © 2000 - 2004. Customers won't enter their personal information (especially credit cards) on a site that looks like it's been abandoned. So, take a long look at your site and see if something needs to be freshened and brought up to date and then do it.

Number 3: Make your benefits clear.

Most companies will list the product or service features, but that doesn't tell a potential customer how this will help solve their problem. The best sites I've visited, not only list the features, but have a separate list detailing the benefits for each. It's easy to say you're the best in your field and you're the only ones that do "this" - whatever your "this" is, but go a step further and tell the customer what that means to them. In other words, what's in it for them? If you have trouble defining your benefits, ask the one person that would know best - your customers! If they are happy with your products or services, they will be able to tell you what problem it overcomes and the benefit they receive. Besides, what better way to find out how you're doing in servicing their needs?

Number 4: Watch for broken links.

How many times have you tried to click on a link and it goes nowhere? It's sometimes hard to believe that when we develop our websites and include working links, in a short period of time the links become broken. Why would this happen? Well, if other sites are like ours, they are always changing the information included on the site. In other words, the page link you have listed on your website might get renamed without the benefit of a redirect link attached. Then if your customer clicks on that link, they will be left to wonder just how old this information might be. The best way to stay on top of this is to check your links often and ask the visitors of your site to report back to you if they find a broken link.

Number 5: Make it easy to purchase.

If you're doing business on the internet, you'll need to have some way for your customers to pay. The best way is to accept credit cards. If you don't have a merchant account already, the easiest way to get set up immediately is through services like Pay Pal, Clink Bank, and 2Checkout. But, you still need to add other convenient ways to shop for those that prefer not to purchase online. Make sure you list a mailing address, a phone number, or even a fax number they can send their payments. You'd be surprised at the number of individuals and companies that would prefer to send their payment (even if it's a credit card purchase), rather than send their personal information over the internet.

Number 6: Don't use pushy sales talk.

You'd be surprised at how many times I'm shopping on the internet that I find people using the old tactic "buy right this minute or you'll never see this price again". I know that's now going to make me buy immediately, in fact, it will probably cost that company my business. I don't like to feel "bullied" into buying anything. Now that's not to say that you shouldn't run a sale occasionally. But, if you do, list the time period of the sale for everyone to see. Just make sure you don't tell every customer that visits that they must purchase now (today), because most customers will price shop and compare products before they purchase.

Number 7: List your guarantee.

Everyone wants to feel that if a service or product they've purchased is not up to the standards or expectation they thought, that the company will take care of them. And because of that, you should always list a guarantee. It doesn't have to be a lifetime warranty, but it should be a reasonable amount of time or a reasonable procedure to follow in order to return an item. And better yet, if you have the type of service or product that you could allow a limited amount of time for a "test drive", it will decrease the apprehension some people have about doing business with someone they don't know.

Number 8: Include your privacy policy.

This is one of my big pet peeves. I want to know how my personal information or email is going to be used. I always read the privacy policy before entering any of my information. If I feel like my privacy is not going to be protected, then I move on to the next company. So make sure you list yours and make it easy to obtain.

Number 9: Include a terms and condition.

This is also a way to convey to your customers and potential customers how your company does business. This is the place to list exactly how you do business and in what condition you will offer a refund or replacement. You have to take into account that the majority of your customers or not looking for something for nothing. Now I will admit there will always be a small percentage of your customers that will try to take advantage of you, but you'll find most customers just want to be treated fair and know you'll take care of them.

Number 10: Explain all the steps in making the purchase.

After they've purchased, do you tell them what the next step will be? Will they be able to download their purchase? If so, how long before they'll know where to log in? Or, if you ship your product or service, when can they expect delivery? These are just a few of the things you should let them know as soon as they purchase. Nothing can be more frustrating than to make a purchase and then have to call the company a week later wondering where your order is. Make sure you explain each step and show them what great customer service you provide right from the beginning.

That's my favorite list of how I like to do business online and I hope these 10 key steps will help you as you develop your company online. Just remember, treat your customers with the same great care you like offered to you and they'll keep coming back for more.

About The Author

Website Savvy: 10 Key Steps to Turn Your Customers ON! by - Carmen Wisenbaker, President of Penworth Publishing, http://www.penworth.com Carmen has been in the publishing industry for more than 23 years. Because she has so many subjects that have to be researched, she spends a good deal of her time on the internet. Many times when looking for products to purchase, she comes across many websites that tend to hinder the sale. This article covers her favorite pet peeves about what to do and what not to do, in order to get your customer to purchase online. You may use this article in your newsletter as long as the contact information is included and the article is used "as is" with no alteration. © 2004 Carmen Wisenbaker.

This article can be viewed online at http://www.penworth.com/web_savvy.htm or sent by an auto-responder at article622@penworth.com

carmen@penworth.com

MORE RESOURCES

Profit By Outsourcing, The Web Design India Company Sought to Sculpt The ... DigitalJournal.com (press release) The Web Design India company is also incorporating an authenticated “Wiki” on the lines of online free encyclopedia, the Wikipedia for user to post articles, have access to relevant information and keep themselves posted with the latest about the ... and more »

DC Web Design Firm Blue Water Media Launches a New Website for the Public ... PR Web (press release) A Leader in Creative Web Design, Blue Water Media Assists the Public Media Business Association in Their Mission to Establish a Comprehensive Digital Resource for the New PMBA and its Members. The Public Broadcasting Management Association underwent a ...

Indiana Web Design Company Radically Changes Approach to Web Development PR Web (press release) Effect Web Agency, an Indiana web design company, redefines their entire develop process to focus on achieving sales results for clients. Effect Web Agency says they know why websites do not work for many businesses. Steve Schmidt, President and Web ... and more »

New Digital Multi Media Program Coming to Brighton High School Patch.com By Nicole Krawcke Brighton High School Sophomore Evan Palmer works on an assignment during the first week in Web Design. Palmer said he took the class to learn how to make his own website. Brighton High School is getting a new career technical ...

HigherVisibility Named Eleventh Best Web Design Company by topseos.com for ... Press Media Wire The independent authority on Search vendors, topseos.com, has named HigherVisibility the eleventh best web design company in the online marketing industry for the month of February 2012. Their position in the rankings of top web design companies is ... and more »

EQuicknews

Web Design Tips EQuicknews Launching а website іs bоth exciting аnd potentially rewarding. A wеll planned site can have а positive effect оn уour business, wіth online sales bucking thе trend in an othеrwisе downbeat economy. Creating a website can аlѕо bе a daunting task, ... and more »

Industry Today (press release)

Calgary Web Design Firm Offers Exclusive Content Management System Industry Today (press release) Understanding the increasing demand for this system in today's business world iDesignit.ca a Calgary Web Design Company, is offering innovative solutions to small businesses in Calgary, Alberta and surrounding areas. iDesignit.ca specializes in ...

LeanPort Software Named Second Best Android Development Company by ... Press Media Wire The independent authority on web design and development, bestwebdesignagencies.com, has named LeanPort Software the second best Android development company for the month of February 2012. The list of the best Android development companies contains ... and more »

Web development company in Indiana wants to increase businesses' sales The Creative Department Many small businesses struggle with search engine optimization and making their websites easily navigated, and an Elkhart, Indiana, web design company wants to help them. In a recent statement, Effect Web Agency outlined some of the main problems that ...

PR Web (press release)

Algonquin Studios Shares Thought Leadership Reports on Web Design, SEO ... PR Web (press release) These are people who have started successful businesses, built enterprise-level software systems, and work hard to actively keep abreast of changes and advancements in technology, software development, web design, and online marketing,” says ... and more »

People Locator find anyone in the USA

RELATED WEB SITE DESIGN ARTICLES: How to Make the Online Sales Copy for Your Website More Conversational It has been said that the best online sales copy is one that talks to your prospect as if you are in together in a conversation.But for some of my subscribers to my newsletter, they find it difficult to accomplish. Website Design Info - Part 1 What Will My Site Do?This is the first of eight articles about website design. Our discussion will deal with some of the issues which need to be conidered when developing a new online presence. Is Your Site Too Slow? Why Image Optimization Is Critical Graphics are fun, but if you put in too many bells and whistles when you create your web site, you may lose a potential audience whose Internet connection can't handle lots of graphics, and that means you'll be losing potential customers. According to UK website experts Boommm. User Experience and Search Engines: If Your Home Page Could Only Talk Dear web site visitor.I can't tell you how glad I am that you found my website. Top Six Ways To Make Your Visitors To Hate YOU! We will take a look at why your visitors may hate you maybe already do! There are many things that make YOUR visitors dislike you, but we take a look the top sex things that make your click the back button on their browser.1. Color and Web Design Color is one of the most important but least understood elements of web design today. Whether they know it or not, visitors to a site respond to colors and other visual elements on the site on a psychological level. What Drives Repeat Visitors To Your Site? There can be zillion of reason why your visitors return to your web site. One might be very interested in seeing your animated photo on your main page, but kidding aside I've gathered 12 elements that invites your visitors to repeat their visits. Don't Overdo it! Have you ever been to site with so much ad clutter that you wanted to just leave? Odds are you have, and odds are even better that you did in fact leave! Always refer back to the KISS philosphy. Keep It Simple Stupid!1. Web Design for Dictators No question about it, web design is an art. Finding the right blend of style and usability is a delicate balance that few, if any, fully master. Give Your Website A Chance I often wonder how serious people are when it comes to their websites. I thought that most everyone knew that the phrase "Build it and they will come" no longer applies on the internet but I'm not sure how many people really believe it. Small Business Website Design - How to Get Professional Results on a Shoestring Budget Just because you are a small business with an even smaller website design budget, does not mean that you cannot have a professional looking website and presence on the web. All it means is you will have to do some of the work yourself instead of paying some design firm to do it for you. Website Checklist 10 Basic Things Your Website Should Have .. Good Web Design - What Is It? There is unlimited possibilities when it comes to designing a website. Flash, Database, content management, Client Login, etc,etc. Create Favorite Icon Favorite icon appears to the left of your link in either address bar or in favorites menu of your browser. It gives your website more personality, better visibility in favorites menu and is easy to create. Why Not To Use Web Design Templates For Your Website In today's age of fast food and high-speed Internet, a business may be tempted to take the "more convenient" route in launching a website - buying a template and customising it.Website design templates are like off-the-shelf websites and are targeted at people who believe that launching their own, unique and differentiated website is costly and time conuming, which need not be the case. Why Should You Care About Your Web Site Colors? **How Colors are Used in web design:**Demarcates screen elements into groups- You can pu a blue background for your navagational bar and white for rest of your page. This tells the visitor that the blue area has different elements and grabs his attention. The Contrast And Similarities Between A Web Designer And Web Programmer The concept of web designing based on the nature and rapid growth of the Internet is nothing to boast of any more. This is because of the large number of web sites published to the Internet everyday, so as to showcase one's presence and dominance on the World Wide Web. No Matr How Goud The Infomation... Typos, misspellings, hideous grammar, exclamation overkill and run-on sentences all undermine a Web site's message. Your reader will have to work too hard, and you won't have that reader long. 6 Tips To Improve Your Business Website 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. Give Your Web Site a Small Business Marketing Tune Up Your web site is like your car. Both are significant investments that require the right features and regular and proper maintenance to ensure maximal satisfaction and performance.