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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.
Article by
Laurie Winslow http://www.internetmoose.com
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