Get interactive
The internet offers an ideal opportunity to interact with your visitors, be sure to make use of that. One way is a newsletter, to keep in touch with your customers. A contact form is another must, making it easy for people to contact you.
Or think up a contest. Organize a raffle: everyone who signs up for the newsletter may win the prize. People love that and you can build your list of email addresses, full of potential customers.
Be personal
Especially when selling handcrafted products, you may consider telling a bit about yourself. People love to read about who made the items, and it makes you more of a person to them, instead of just a site.
How to sell online
So now you have your webshop, it's looking swell and you have added your site to several search engines. You are getting a modest stream of visitors but not a lot, let alone that they are buying.
Some possible scenarios.
© Armande Borghardt
Solution to a problem.
The key is that your site has to offer a solution for a problem or search of a visitor. What do you have to offer? And can the visitor tell what your site is all about, straight from the homepage? Your first page should draw the visitor in, convincing them you have a unique thing to offer. Make it short and sweet. Certainly don't make it into a formal introduction of your company.
The rest of the site can be more elaborate, giving background information. Before purchasing anything, a potential customer would like to know more, have several options, and generally as much information as possible.
Gain people's confidence
Potential customers are not likely to buy from a shady site. Your site has to be reliable, trustworthy. So do everything you can to gain that trust. Such as:
- full contact information, including your adress, on the site.
- clearcut conditions of sale
- a privacy policy
- a return policy
- referrals from other customers. Try to get written referrals from people who already ordered so you can post those on the site.
How to buy and pay
Make the ordering process as easy as possible. It should be very clear how people can order. A shopping cart is best but if you don't have one, make an online form. This helps people give the information you need. It is not as far fetched as having to email.
Be sure to post your prices and information on shipping. Visitors will not email you about prices, they will simply go to someone else.
Keep your site updated
Refresh your site regularly, I'd say at least once a month. Add a few new products and mention the date of your last update on the frontpage. That way visitors can tell you are in business and updating frequently.
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