1.) Get Their Attention!
How are people going to know that you want them to buy from you right here right now if you don’t tell them so? Extolling the virtues of your products and services is one thing, but a ‘Buy Now’, ‘Enquire Today’ or ‘Order Now’ button needs to be bright, beautiful, and begging them to click on it. Many small business websites separate the sections of their site in to Products or Services, where they reel off the wonders their company can provide, and then a Purchase section. Where ever your products are listed on your site, emphasise how quick and immediately available the purchasing process is.
2.) Give It Away Now
Your customers will feel special and appreciated if you offer them something for nothing on your website. Everybody loves a freebie! Make their visit to your website a special event they won’t forget, by sending them off with a smile and a virtual goodie bag. A discount voucher or a special promotion code not only encourages them to make a purchase, but it’s not just an online shopping experience - they’re getting special treatment. If those offers are changing each month or week, that’s even better – yet another reason for the customer to come back! If discounts don’t suit your business, provide free resources and information on your website. If you have a painting business, offer loads of information about different paints to help them make a purchase – even if the type of paint they use is nothing to do with you doing your job and earning income from their visit to your site.
3.) No-Nonsense Navigation
Your website needs to be a attractive, but most of all easy to follow. Make sure that the image of your company is well represented on your website with a fitting design, but don’t sacrifice usability. Simple navigation, direct links and clear information are vital. If a ten year old can understand your website and figure out the procedure to make a purchase, you’re on the right track.
4.) Watertight Security
Your website needs to be more secure than the FBI’s files. For a customer to trust your company and website enough to make a purchase, you need to show them with certifications and security seals that you have all the technology to keep their credit cards details safe. It needs to be clearly visible on any payment gateways that your site is too legit for your potential customer to quit now. Using a product like X-Cart makes it easy for people to buy immediately, and is proven to be trusted and secure.
5.) The Content Connection
If you took a potential client out to dinner, you would be watching their eyes glaze if you started rambling. You would have a clear focus: to build a relationship that leads to a purchase. Well, your website is your digital opportunity to wine, dine and impress your customer. The copy on your site provides the opportunity to connect with a customer as they read your words, so make it interesting. Be lucid and factual, but always ask yourself if the information is something you would bother to read on someone else’s site. In your content, have a clear point to make - giving examples of recent successful projects, for example - that leads to a sale, by explaining how that project was successful because you used products or methods x and y, which they can purchase right here. If you need a professional touch, NetRegistry would be happy to give you a hand.
6.) Make Yourself Available
You wouldn’t leave your store open with no one manning the floor, and nor should you leave your website floating around cyberspace without a salesperson always a click or phone call away. Concrete contact information is compulsory to increasing a customer’s feeling of security, and it gives a better impression of your service to add a personal touch. It adds to the image the customer holds of your business as a genuine proprietor and encourages them to trust you. Make sure to include your physical address as well as email and telephone.