If you have your own business website and you are trying to sell something, then it is imperative that you are able to establish and maintain credibility. Why is this important? If you are going to ask someone to make a purchase from you, then you need to show them why they should purchase from you rather then your competitor on another site.
If you are able to achieve credibility then you will be miles ahead of your competition. So many websites are missing this vital element of doing business. A fancy website with bells and whistles is nothing if it cannot make a sale. I will show you 10 simple things that you can do on your site to establish credibility.
10 Credibility Tips:
1. Be consistent in everything you do and say on your website. If you change your policies all the time people will mistrust you. State your values and policies clearly on your website.
2. Put your customer first. This is done by writing specific text geared toward your customers about satisfaction guarantee, refund policies, frequently asked questions, and any other pertinent information. Tell them why they should buy from you and not someone else. What do you have to offer that the others do not.
3. Only offer high quality products and services. You do not want to sell substandard items as although you might make an immediate sale you will not gain repeat business. Repeat business is the key to profits. Offer guarantees and refunds.
4. When advertising state the truth. Do not embellish and make claims that are false. If your customer is not satisfied at the end of the sale because of overstated claims you will loose trust and future business.
5. Use testimonials. Contact past customers and ask for their opinion and post it on your site. Testimonials add validity to your products and make it easier to justify the purchase.
6. Establish yourself as an expert in your field. One way to do this is to add a discussion board on your site and be a regular contributor. Another is to post articles weekly on your site related to your topic.
7. Make your presence known. Create your own ezine and offer valuable tips, articles and insights into the topic your website specializes in. This gives people free valuable information, and will keep your business in their mind so when they need another product they will think of you.
8. Make sure you have prompt delivery of your products. People who make purchases do not want to wait long their items. If you are selling a digital product offer immediate download. If you are shipping an item get it in the mail within a day or two. You can even offer different shipping methods- its all about customer service.
9. Make sure your site has contact information. Include a valid email address, and/ or a contact form, business address, and phone number on your site so if your customer has questions or concerns they can contact you. Make sure you respond back in a timely manner.
10. Include an about me page. Tell them about yourself and how you got into the business. Include pictures. This humanizes you and makes the potential customer feel more at ease in purchasing from you.
Remember strong credibility takes a long time to be developed. It can take seconds to destroyed. Be honest, personable and put the customer first. By following these 10 ideas above you will beat out your competition and on your way to having a successful business.
Laurie Winslow is the owner/ webmaster of http://www.internetmoose.com, a website business dedicated to helping other online internet businesses succeed by offering free webmaster tools, articles, wholesale directories, auction tips, ebooks, and software.
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..Why do some web sites reap huge benefits while others... Read More
Knowledge is power.And undoubtedly, it is the key to making... Read More
We all start out the same. Some have budgets, some... Read More
A professional online reputation is essential to the flourishing of... Read More
Starting a business online is no longer as difficult as... Read More
If you ever want to create a state directory, article... Read More
I can't think of any business alive today that couldn't... Read More
This simple question can take on several different forms, but... Read More
A company must earn and keep trust or sales don't... Read More
A website is like an information flow, with you as... Read More
Revenues are often lost because many business owners don't see... Read More
Does My Web Site Require A Web Database?If your web... Read More
Web sites are not just places to sell things; they... Read More
In the big, wide online world there are millions of... Read More
Everywhere you look these days, people are telling you that... Read More
In 1995 a new era of accessibility for disabled people... Read More
Your site is getting traffic, but conversion rates are horrible.... Read More
With the New Year upon us yet again, it's time... Read More
The internet is a sea of knowledge. Getting your information... Read More
Failure, just like success, is measured differently by each and... Read More
Profiles are one of the best kept secrets around regarding... Read More
Many small businesses have the misconception that their business can... Read More
When building a relationship, listening is more important than talking.A... Read More
Web accessibility has so many benefits that I really do... Read More
The Internet has opened a whole New World of opportunity... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..The process of Web application development is critical to the... Read More
If you're anything like most small business owners, you probably... Read More
To the starting internet entrepreneur, there is nothing more discouraging... Read More
RIVERSIDE, CA August 4, 2004 ?- "Historically, small business owners... Read More
When I started my company in 2002, I knew I... Read More
A PHP Redirect automatically transfers a web user from one... Read More
Selecting the Perfect Domain NameThe first issue I have with... Read More
Every online entrepreneur I talk to is asking the same... Read More
After years of working with entrepreneurs who developed their first... Read More
Web accessibility has so many benefits that I really do... Read More
When visitors add your web site to their Favorites or... Read More
When you purchase a new item from a Yahoo! Store,... Read More
1. Choose a big enough font size. A size 12... Read More
Did you know that hosting companies overcrowd their servers despite... Read More
Part of the success of most home-based businesses is their... Read More
"'Page Not Found' on this Server. Check the URL and... Read More
A lot has changed in the way sites are optimized... Read More
1. As the first step, "Hire a web designer."First create... Read More
Cost Effective Advertising. Online selling. Increased geopgraphic range. Wider... Read More
When people think about the Internet, they think about technology.... Read More
"What's in it for me?" you ask. "Why should I... Read More
Huge Mistake #1: Creating a Website with Flash -- Did... Read More
A company must earn and keep trust or sales don't... Read More
One of the most useful features offered by some web... Read More
What is the point of having a website, you may... Read More
Web Development |