Secrets of Successful Online Businesses

It’s been said that 96% of businesses fail within their first 10 years of operation. With that in mind, will you be part of the 4% that succeeds? Having an effective website and well rounded website promotion strategy will take your business to the next level.

If you’d like to drastically improve your website traffic and sales here are some tips that may turn your small business into a future success story.

Turn more of your visitors into actual customers:

1.) The average user spends 10 seconds on a home page, you have that amount of time to gain their attention. Keep this in mind.

2.) Always show your company name on each page.

3.) If you have a logo, place it on each page as well. Your logo doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy but it helps build your brand recognition over time.

4.) Include a tag line on your home page that explicitly summarizes what your company does. Be brief and specific, for example “We write great resumes.” Or “Your personal travel guide for New York City.” Don’t be vague, this is one of the best ways to gain a users attention and they will remember your company down the road if you use an accurate and detailed tag line.

5.) Always have an easy way to find your ‘About Us’ page. People like to know who they are doing business with and will be more likely to buy from you.

6.) Always have an easy way to find your ‘Contact Us’ page. If possible include multiple methods of contact such as your address, phone number, fax and email. In the online world these things have become even more important.

7.) Make your business hours known. It will help your potential client to know when you will get back to their inquiries and they won’t be frustrated when they don’t hear back from you when you are closed or on holiday. Of course, make sure you get back to your clients in a timely manner. If it will take you 3 business days to respond to an email, write that on your website’s contact-us page as well so that your clients know this.

8.) Keep your website uncluttered. Chances are your visitors are not looking to be entertained, they want the facts about you and your products and services and they usually want it fast. Make them happy and they will buy from you and recommend you to others.

9.) Ask your visitors to review your website for you. They will tell you what they like and don’t like, and you can improve your website on an ongoing basis. Remember, business is an ongoing process.

10.) Spend time each day reading books, articles and even taking courses to improve your skills. You never know when your innovation will be the next big hit in the business world.

Drive more potential customers to your website:

1.) Remember, website promotion is a long-term strategy; you need to have a vision for the long term and put out regular effort.

2.) Hire a website promotion company. Overflow Cafe promotes websites for $29 per month. (www.overflowcafe.com)

3.) Offer free advice to your clients about your product or service. They will always remember you and will be more likely to buy in the future. You may want to limit your consultation to 15 minutes per person or whatever works best for you.

4.) Purchase Pay Per Click advertising. You’ll get instant visitors and you can set your budget and see instant results. It’s expensive and it works better for some than others. Try it and see if it’s right for you.

5.) Request word of mouth promotion from your current clients and even potential clients. Chances are if your clients are happy with your service they will gladly recommend you to their friends.

6.) Find out where your customers spend time online and then purchase advertising on those websites. Go out and find your clients, don’t’ just wait for them to come to you.

7.) Partner up with clubs, groups and other websites that are related to your product / service but not competing with you. You can pay a commission to the club owner for every client they sends your way.

8.) If your product or service is newsworthy hire a publicist to send out press releases. This can cost anywhere from $250 - $1,000 and if you are newsworthy you can gain a lot of attention this way.

9.) In every email, letter, phone call and correspondence you have – mention your business. Eventually people will promote your business for you.

10.) Spend more time and money on what works for you and less time and money on what doesn’t work. 

Use the above tips and you’ll find your online business will do much better and will improve over time. Keep improving your business and you’ll reach your goals. Thank you for reading this article and we hope that in 10 years you’ll be one of those 4% of small businesses that succeed! We have confidence in you!

Overflow Cafe is a website marketing company serving clients in the USA and Canada and Worldwide. They’ve been in business since 1995 and their goal is to help small businesses grow and become popular by promoting their websites. www.overflowcafe.com