Nov 04 2008
Great websites Market themselves
Take a look at your competition from the start. Could you easily sell your product or service if you were setup at a trade show in a booth beside the three companies listed as 1st 2nd and 3rd on Google. What makes you better than them? If you can’t answer this question then how about this, What can and will you do to become a better choice. The basic first steps begin at Price, Service, Selection and lets also include Web Design.
Think price, if your price is higher than the competition there must be a reason for it. Make sure this reason is spelled out for your visitor. If there is no reason for it, either create a reason or consider pushing your price down some.
Service can always be enhanced to insure the shopper will be pleased with their choice to buy from you. If its a product, confirm with them the order and let them know you’ll be shipping it promptly. Once it’s shipped let them know and also confirm receipt. If its a service go the extra mile. If your a ghost writer and someone has just ordered 50 custom articles, consider giving them another 5 articles on the house throughout the month.
Selection, whether it be products or services, the better selection you offer, the more repeat business you’ll receive. If I buy a car CD player from onlinecarstereo.com and later down the road I need an amplifier, I know I could probably get one from the same company because of their price, service and wide selection. On Ebay price and service are questionable at times, but a vast selection is always a sure thing. This will keep Ebay alive for many years to come.
Design, Is your website designed to offer the best user experience? How quickly can a user find the information they need. Is the information presented in a way that will better accommodate the user’s needs. I always believe the inner landing page should provide enough information for the user to be able to remain on the page for a minimum of 2 minutes. Lets use the car audio example once again. Most top results have it to where the product has some details, specifications, pictures. A new audio store can provide a strong competition and keep their visitors landed by providing a video explanation with install advice. This will also attract repeat visits.
If you can manage to find a way on top of the competition, word of mouth advertising will push you to the top all on it’s own. Never forget the power of a good product.
