StartUp Internet Business

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Let me ask you this, “have you ever thought of your customers while you were building your website? Have you ever thought of what people want to on a website?”

It will take you most probably a few seconds to answer with a huge resounding, “No, I did not think of what people want on a website.” Well, this is not applicable to all more often than not this happens to newbies in the online industry.

The good thing about small business is that they have more flexibility to change their website and format it into something to what people want in a website. Since your customers / prospects are the people who will visit your website, more than anything else you need to know what people want in a website.

I mean, personally would you browse through a website that does not contain what you want? Of course not, right? So it is always an important thing to keep in mind that we need to present something that people want in a website and for sure you will be on your way to a successful online business.

So let us go over some things that are important and things that people want in a website:

What People want in a Website #1: Tell them what makes your business unique

The first thing to remember when thinking of  what people want in a website is make sure that you tell them how unique you are. Let us face the fact that there are probably thousands of other website out there selling the same product / service as yours. So what sets your business apart?

People would like to know why makes your online business special and this is what people want in a website. You need to point out your area of expertise, number of years in the industry and any unique attributes or details that may set you apart from others.

What People want in a Website #2: Be clear when telling people what your company offers

One time or another you might have visited a website but you were not sure as to what exactly the website is offering. This happens a lot, and clearly this is something that you do not want for your business.

What people want in a website is that it can provide a clear-cut picture of what it offers. What you can do is provide general information on your products / services, then add links that goes straight to your products web page. The information that you provide people has a big influence in their buying decision.

What People want in a Website #3: Business information (how and where they can reach the business)

The third thing that people want in a website is the contact information. This is already a given, since you are doing business then you need to provide people on how they can contact you.

As obvious as this tip is when it comes to what people want in a website many companies still fail or they provide vague information about their business. In doing so it would make their business some sort of myth or a fly-by-night business. Including your contact information will build trust and credibility.

So even if you are sure that no one will ever visit your business location, include it because that is one of things that people want a website to mention.

What People want in a Website #4: Validation from a third party

The fourth item in our list in what people want in a website is some sort of validation. Validation does not necessarily mean it comes from professionals only, validation refers to testimonials coming from your customers, a list of your clients, case studies done on your business,  awards that you have received etc.

Naturally your prospects want to see your track record, and they want to know what customers have to say about you. This again has a huge effect on the buying decision of people.

According to experts that indulging in social media websites and blogging are some ways wherein you gain validation from your customers.

What People want in a Website #5: Usage of SSL (Secure Socket Layer)

Security is one of the most important things that people want in a website. And using SSL will for sure ease your customers. SSL is basically an encryption system that websites use to protect the privacy of information exchanged between a customer and a website.

If your website accepts credit card payments then of course customers want to make sure that their credit card information is not available for everyone to see. Having an SSL is essential nowadays when online theft is rampant; you want to assure customers that if they choose to shop on your website then their information is kept safe.

There you have it, some simple things to keep in mind when building your website. These things are definitely not the only things people want in a website. I am pretty sure there are some other things that people look for, so if you have any other ideas feel free to share it with us.

 

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We all know that providing freebies to customers / prospects is a good way to attract and build relationships. Providing freebies to customers has a huge impact on your business in general. We all know that people love it when the websites they visit provide them with something for free.

You will find that there are plenty of websites out there providing freebies to their customers / prospects to attract more people and generate more sales. The word “freebies” has a magical effect on customers and prospects alike. Driving traffic to your website is one of the main goals when you provide freebies to your customers / prospects.

Providing freebies does not always mean that you are going to send physical products to your customers or prospects. The term “freebies” does not necessarily mean that you are going to provide free gadgets, iPods, etc.

Providing freebies can also mean giving away free eBooks, screensavers, icons, etc. For your freebies to be a success there are some things that you need to know and should be aware of. Here are some very important things that you need to remember when providing freebies:

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #1: Create something unique

The first tip in providing freebies to customers is to make sure that it is unique. Of course if a customer can download your freebie from some other website which is much faster then naturally they will go there. Providing freebies that are unique will let your business achieve distinction, especially against big and established websites which have been giving away these sorts of things successfully for years.

Soon enough you will find that people will find or even recommend your website to get the freebies you are offering.

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #2: Make sure that you are giving something of value

You can offer “ordinary products” however you need to make sure that whatever freebie you offer has high quality. I mean, if you cannot create something unique at least make sure that your freebie is far more superior when in comes to quality.

Say for example you are providing a freebie in the form of eBook. Of course people will expect to see some tips on the topic. However, throwing in something extra on top of the tips you give out will be highly appreciated by your readers. Adding something to your freebies will give it an “edge” compared to others offering the same stuff.

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #3: Provide something that is suitable

The third tip in providing freebies to your customers, make sure that your freebie is suitable for your customers / prospects. Say for example your website is all about building a rock-hard body then it is only fitting that you provide some work-out videos. I mean work-out videos are very suitable for your target audience.

It would be a total waste of your customers’ time if you give them a video on how to apply make-up. Not only is your freebie out of line it is totally useless to your target audience.

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #4: Provide freebies through samples

Before we purchase something online we ask ourselves, “Okay, so what am I going to get from this?” As a customer ourselves, we want to know what we are going to get for the money we are going to pay; your customers / prospects are no different. People would like to know what they are going to pay for so a freebie via samples of your product is a good idea.

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #5: Learn how to sacrifice

If you are one of those marketers who are willing to pay for something then give it away to your customers or prospects then you are definitely providing a freebie that is of high significance. If a marketer is willing to sacrifice something of value for the benefit of his customers then just think of the product he is selling; it of course has higher value than the freebie of course.

Learning how to sacrifice something will not only increase your product’s value but it will also earn your customers’ trust that you will not rip them off.

Providing Freebies to Customers Tip #6: Be honest

It is truly annoying to download something that was guaranteed as a freebie but then you end up paying for it. This strategy although it does give the marketer “sales” for sure people will not come back and get some more, worst they will let everyone know their experience.

This is not a very good practice, if you are providing freebie to your customers then make sure it is free, because if it is not then people will not trust you anymore and the success that you are looking for will never come to fruition.

These are very simple and do-able tips when it comes to providing freebies. Follow these them and for sure you will not only build trust you will also earn the respect of your customers and prospects. If you have any other ideas as to how freebies should be done feel free to share it to the community. Comments regarding the topic is very much welcome, so do not hesitate.

 

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Online communities represent a great opportunity. When you join an online community you get the chance to convert relationships with other community members into revenues. Joining an online community can be proved fruitful if you know how to go about it and also if you know the right way to engage other members.

Not only will an online community increase your sales it can also save you a lot of money when it comes to advertising. Next to blogging, joining an online community is one of the less expensive ways of getting the word out about your business. The success of your online business centers on its capability to produce a well-built community with its customers / prospects.

So without further ado let me give to you the benefits of online community. Hopefully by the end of this article you will be enlightened as to the benefits of joining an online community.

Benefit of Online Community #1: Gives your business worldwide exposure

One of the benefits of online communities is that it gives your business a worldwide exposure. Reaching out to people from any part of the world, from all walks of life is the first benefit of online community.

Just keep in mind to be successful in an online community you should not do a hard-sell to members of the online community. An online community was developed so that people have a common place where they can share information on significant topics. What you should do to be able to achieve the first benefit of online community is to educate people on the product you are marketing. You are not selling what you are doing is just educating, and in the process you poke your prospects’ interest.

Benefit of Online Community #2: Gain knowledge from other online community members

The second benefit of online community is that you gain knowledge (useful) from other members of the online community you will join. Of course we are not “all-knowing” however we can learn some useful things from other people.

That is why you need to take advantage of the knowledge of other people who are members of your online community and put their principles into practice, whenever it is appropriate.

Benefit of Online Community #3: Form a formidable partnership

The third benefit of online community is that you get the chance to form a formidable partnership with other members.  The trick is to find someone who best complements your business; that is the easiest way to success. Approach people / businesses, which complement yours and ask them if they are interested in working with you towards a common goal.

Of course no entrepreneur in his right mind would say, “Yes,” right away hence the need for an online community. The online community is where you will build your credibility as an entrepreneur, before you approach complementing businesses.

Benefit of Online Community #4: Maximize your presence in your online community

Keep in mind that you are not only building a relationship when you join an online community you are also marketing your business in a subtle way. So as a marketer be sure that your online profile is complete, which means that you need to include more information about yourself and of course your business.

Benefit of Online Community #5: Be wise in choosing your online community

Remember the old adage, “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are?” This is something that you need to think about when joining an online community. You need to verify who the members are in the online community you are planning to join. You need to be selective with the online community you will join; you do not want to be mixing in with the wrong type of people / business.

It would be to your advantage if you go with people / businesses that are highly relevant to your business. Also be sure that the other members of the online community you will join have enough in common with you and your business and are really excited about interacting with you online.

Benefit of Online Community #6: Builds relationships

The last and probably the most important benefit of online community is that it gives you a chance to build a relationship with people. We all know the importance of relationships when it comes to business. And one of the least expensive ways to build a relationship with customers / prospects is through the use of online communities.

The more comfortable your customers/prospects are with your business the bigger opportunities that you will get. Just keep in mind that this relationship that you build is not for a one time sale only, you are building a relationship through online communities for the long term.

So there you have it, the benefits of online community. I do hope you learned something from this post. If you have any other benefits of online community that were not mentioned here, please feel free to share it with us by posting your comment below.