There’s so much misconception when it comes to entrepreneurs that sell products online. Most people think that having an online presence is easy. “I’ll just build a website, and they will come” type of mindset is just being naive. Sure, you can build a blog or a website, but then what? Do you really think that you can sit back and collect the orders, that they will just start rolling in? Think again. There’s so much work that needs to be done to bring customers to your site, keep them engaged and then keep them coming back. Below I’ve listed a few tools/techniques that I use on one of my websites that help me get customers to my site, help them while they’re there and make them feel welcome to come back and shop again.
1. Learn Search Engine Optimization – this will get them to come visit you. However, it takes a great deal of trial and error to get it right. How long you ask? It took me 4 years to get on the first page of Google for the keyword that I wanted to be found on. This was my first attempt at SEO. I had a little help from a few books, one being written by Michael Monahan titled, “Search Engine Optimization Secrets (2010)” it was very simple for me to understand. While I don’t recommend that you get that version of the book because things have changed since then.. I would suggest getting one of his newer editions. How will you market your website once it has been built. Will you pay for ads through google? Will you advertise locally? So much to consider.
2. I have Live Chat installed on my website. This allows me to help my customers while they’re on my site. I sell a product that people seem to have a lot of questions about. Having Live Chat on my site has given me the opportunity to respond to my visitors and let them know the answers to their questions, without them having to leave and search elsewhere for the information. Yes, I pay a monthly fee for this type of service but since it’s a vital part of my business, I am glad to pay it and write it off at the end of the year.
3. Mailchimp. This keeps them updated and invites them to return. I have tried a few different mailing services. Most are too simple and not enough functionality for me. Madmimi is great for the new newsletter creator, since it’s a very simple drag and drop type of newsletter creator. But the newsletter body is very narrow and there’s not enough options for me and the themes are very limited, which makes it unattractive. Constant Contact was a little better, however I kept feeling like I was missing something and the flow was odd. Mailchimp has always been my go to application for my newsletters. I’ve been a customer so long that I’m able to create a customer newsletter in 10min. Also, a drag and drop type newsletter, but with some bells and whistles to help you along the way. Reports, analytics and segmented lists, oh my. I started with the free version, but over the years have grown so much that I’m now a paying customer and it’s worth every penny.
4. Google Analytics – This helps you run reports to figure out what they do when they’re visiting with you, what pages do better than others. Free. Simple. Quick. The Best.
Based on the information above, are you ready? Do you think you can do it? Anyone can.. How bad do you want to succeed?
Contact me if you’d like help with your current project, I’ll let you know if I’m able to help or refer you to someone who can!
