There are many benefits you and your business can reap from publishing your own newsletter.
1. Keeping In Touch -
Your customers and clients are the lifeblood of your business. What better way to stay in touch with your existing customers than through a newsletter? A newsletter allows you to add personal touches to your relationship and celebrate milestones, both your own and your client's. In addition to furthering your relationship with your clients, a newsletter can also allow you to introduce new products, offer special sales or discounts to your existing client base, and encourage referrals.
2. Hook In New Customers -
Unless they have an immediate need or came to you through a powerful referral, most potential customers won't buy right away. Often they will shop around and compare which means you will likely never see them again. However if you have a free newsletter that offers interested clients the opportunity to learn more about you, your business, and your products for free and they can also learn more about your interaction with your existing customers. A newsletter can be a very simple strategy to turn a one-time visitor into a lifetime customer.
3. Establish Your Expertise -
No one knows more about your business than you do which makes you an expert. Likely the construction of your own business has further left you with a great deal of expertise in your field. Share your nuggets of knowledge through your newsletter to deepen your relationship with your existing customers and convince potential customers that you are the answer to their problems.
Now that I have convinced you that you need to publish your own newsletter, I want to go over a few questions that budding editors and publishers always ask.
What exactly is an electronic newsletter?
Just like their paper counterparts, electronic newsletters deliver written messages usually relating to a common theme or topic. The main difference is that an electronic newsletter transcends paper and ink and most likely only ever exists on a computer screen.
Some electronic newsletter are delivered only via email while others are delivered only on the web. Most are delivered in some combination of the two. Most of my ezines and newsletters are delivered via email but also available immediately via web page (or rather blog page) and RSS feed. You can choose the method is most suited to you and your audience.
How do you publish an electronic newsletter?
It is much easier to start publication of your own electronic newsletter than it is to start up a print publication. You simply need to decide on a topic, name your publication and start writing. It is easy to find an audience (beyond your own customer base if you choose) through the various ezine and newsletter directories around the internet as well as going directly to the source, for example discussion boards for people interested in your topic.
You will need to determine a delivery method, which means most likely setting up your own web site or page on your existing web site; creating an archive for your issues once they are created, which could mean setting up a blog; and tracking your readers, which likely means setting up a mailing or autoresponder service. However you can use free tools to do any of these things.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
3 Easy Yet High Impact Fixes For Your Marketing Woes
How many times has a competitor gotten one over on you? The feeling of being left behind just eats away, until you do something about. The problem is that we often feel that we've got to come up with some grand plan in order to get our business skyrocketing again. Don't be fooled by this thinking! Getting back on top of the market isn't as tough as it seems with these high-impact, easy-to-use fixes.
1. The Magic Number
Implement a "advertise 1 item at a time" motto for your advertising strategy. Does that mean you can't SELL more than one item at a time? No... but wait until AFTER the sale. When a customer sees more than one of a product offered at unbelievably low prices, he's confused. Which one is the better deal? Which one does he prefer? These questions encourage procrastination - one of marketing's greatest thieves. Instead, offer the consumer a product that compliments his purchase. You'll make extra profits instead of losing a sale.
2. Outsmart Your Competitors
Your competition is looking for you in all of the usual places. The answer - Don't go there. Quietly look for new methods of advertising and new markets to target.
Niche markets provide the perfect sneak tactic for reaching new clients. Here's they key... sub-divide your current market into smaller, more specific niche markets. Familiarize yourself with the needs and concerns of the niche, then present yourself as the pro in their corner. Leave your competition in the dust with the intensity of new prospects that will come your way.
Modernize an old marketing technique that still carries a wallop - postcards. Yeah, these small, inexpensive marketing tools still carry a personal message that is quick and easy to read, but with new high-impact colors and designs that capture the attention of readers. Your competition won't even know that you're using them!
3. Encourage Communication
Communication is crucial to understanding your consumers. Encourage questions before the sale, during the sale and after the sale. Make it easy and make it comfortable.
Provide convenient contact information on all of your sales materials, including Websites. If you find yourself overloaded with questions, create a frequently asked question page where clients can get the answers they need without claiming as much of your time.
Confused customers, tough competitors and communication mishaps won't steal profits from your account when you fix things up with these 3 quick tips.
1. The Magic Number
Implement a "advertise 1 item at a time" motto for your advertising strategy. Does that mean you can't SELL more than one item at a time? No... but wait until AFTER the sale. When a customer sees more than one of a product offered at unbelievably low prices, he's confused. Which one is the better deal? Which one does he prefer? These questions encourage procrastination - one of marketing's greatest thieves. Instead, offer the consumer a product that compliments his purchase. You'll make extra profits instead of losing a sale.
2. Outsmart Your Competitors
Your competition is looking for you in all of the usual places. The answer - Don't go there. Quietly look for new methods of advertising and new markets to target.
Niche markets provide the perfect sneak tactic for reaching new clients. Here's they key... sub-divide your current market into smaller, more specific niche markets. Familiarize yourself with the needs and concerns of the niche, then present yourself as the pro in their corner. Leave your competition in the dust with the intensity of new prospects that will come your way.
Modernize an old marketing technique that still carries a wallop - postcards. Yeah, these small, inexpensive marketing tools still carry a personal message that is quick and easy to read, but with new high-impact colors and designs that capture the attention of readers. Your competition won't even know that you're using them!
3. Encourage Communication
Communication is crucial to understanding your consumers. Encourage questions before the sale, during the sale and after the sale. Make it easy and make it comfortable.
Provide convenient contact information on all of your sales materials, including Websites. If you find yourself overloaded with questions, create a frequently asked question page where clients can get the answers they need without claiming as much of your time.
Confused customers, tough competitors and communication mishaps won't steal profits from your account when you fix things up with these 3 quick tips.
3 Easy Tactics That Stop Customer Buying Objections Cold
There are a lot of excuses floating around about why people don't buy. Maybe you've heard some of them: it's too expensive, it's not at the top of my "must have" list right now, or even when a deals too good to be true... it's too good to be true. Customer objections are more easily overcome than you might imagine. Let's take a look at 3 simple ways to stop those objections cold.
1. It's Too Expensive.
Don't be fooled into buying this one! If you want something bad enough you'll find a way to get the money to buy the product... it's not a matter of having enough. Let's face it... what they're really saying is that they can get a better deal somewhere else, or a deal that gives them a better value for their buck.
Now, don't give in to the temptation to drop your prices to "rock bottom" just because you hear them say it's too expensive. There are ways to wipe out these objections without wiping out your profits!
Make it look like a better deal. I mean, take a really good look at your product. How can you increase the perceived value? Maybe you can add a manual, a CD, or a downloadable book full of information about the product. Let them think they are getting more for their buck, and the deal seems a lot sweeter to them.
Think about this... we all expect to pay more when we visit a specialist. Sure, Wal-Mart is great if we're looking for a generic product, but when we want something from someone who knows what they're talking about we head for a market "specialist"... and expect to pay a little more as part of the deal.
How can you become a specialist who demands respect, and can get away with slightly higher prices?
Find niches within your market to address. If you look closesly you'll discover groups within your market that stand out... businessness men and women, young mothers, retirees, etc. Dig in, do a little research and figure out exactly how your product relates to the special needs of these niche groups. Speak to them as someone in the know. Revise your sales materials to address the specific needs of each group. Let them know you understand what they want and need, and watch your profits skyrocket.
2. I Have More Important Things To Get Right Now.
Yeah, buying now doesn't seem too important until... the deal's too sweet to pass up, and you have to get it today to get the deal.
What I'm talking about is banning the option of procrastination. Really what your customer is saying is ... I have no reason to buy today. Make the deal irresistible, and put a deadline on it. It'll spur them into making the purchase a priority, NOW.
3. I'm Skeptical... It's Too Good To Be True.
Most customers have been burnt by deals that seem too good to be true... they ended up costing more than they were worth. The only way you'll ever overcome the skepticism is to build a relationship of trust.
Unconditional money back guarantees eliminate the risk of loss, and show the customer that you are truly concerned with their satisfaction.
Let testimonials speak for you. Evidence that you've delivered and gained customer satisfaction in the past goes a long way toward banning customer fears.
Be available. Customers feel like everything is okay if they can pick up the phone or send an email and get quick answers to their questions.
It really doesn't take a lot of rocket science to get through the shell of hard core customers and these 3 tips will get you off to a good start.
1. It's Too Expensive.
Don't be fooled into buying this one! If you want something bad enough you'll find a way to get the money to buy the product... it's not a matter of having enough. Let's face it... what they're really saying is that they can get a better deal somewhere else, or a deal that gives them a better value for their buck.
Now, don't give in to the temptation to drop your prices to "rock bottom" just because you hear them say it's too expensive. There are ways to wipe out these objections without wiping out your profits!
Make it look like a better deal. I mean, take a really good look at your product. How can you increase the perceived value? Maybe you can add a manual, a CD, or a downloadable book full of information about the product. Let them think they are getting more for their buck, and the deal seems a lot sweeter to them.
Think about this... we all expect to pay more when we visit a specialist. Sure, Wal-Mart is great if we're looking for a generic product, but when we want something from someone who knows what they're talking about we head for a market "specialist"... and expect to pay a little more as part of the deal.
How can you become a specialist who demands respect, and can get away with slightly higher prices?
Find niches within your market to address. If you look closesly you'll discover groups within your market that stand out... businessness men and women, young mothers, retirees, etc. Dig in, do a little research and figure out exactly how your product relates to the special needs of these niche groups. Speak to them as someone in the know. Revise your sales materials to address the specific needs of each group. Let them know you understand what they want and need, and watch your profits skyrocket.
2. I Have More Important Things To Get Right Now.
Yeah, buying now doesn't seem too important until... the deal's too sweet to pass up, and you have to get it today to get the deal.
What I'm talking about is banning the option of procrastination. Really what your customer is saying is ... I have no reason to buy today. Make the deal irresistible, and put a deadline on it. It'll spur them into making the purchase a priority, NOW.
3. I'm Skeptical... It's Too Good To Be True.
Most customers have been burnt by deals that seem too good to be true... they ended up costing more than they were worth. The only way you'll ever overcome the skepticism is to build a relationship of trust.
Unconditional money back guarantees eliminate the risk of loss, and show the customer that you are truly concerned with their satisfaction.
Let testimonials speak for you. Evidence that you've delivered and gained customer satisfaction in the past goes a long way toward banning customer fears.
Be available. Customers feel like everything is okay if they can pick up the phone or send an email and get quick answers to their questions.
It really doesn't take a lot of rocket science to get through the shell of hard core customers and these 3 tips will get you off to a good start.
3 Things To Make An Ad Successful
When was the last time you bought a car based on need? Chances are the one you were driving was still running when you bought the car you have now. We Americans rarely buy anything because we need it... we buy because we want to experience the feeling that comes with buying.
Americans enjoy purchasing things. We are a country based on credit. Sure, we often convince ourselves that we really needed a new something or other, but if we're totally honest we'll have to admit that would could've got by without it. What does this mean to your advertising campaigns?
1. State The Benefits Of Your Product or Service
Capitalize on the ways a customer will improve his lifestyle by making the purchase. Will he/she increase their own business profits by 50 percent? Say so in the opening statement of your sales letter, or at the top of your Web page.
Don't obsess with the features of the product itself or your credibility. Frankly, customers could care less. Let's face it... they're a bit selfish when it comes to dishing out their hard earned money. All they want to know is what's in it for them.
2. Paint A Picture That Lets Them Experience the Benefits
Something like "Wake up tomorrow, with no boss! You can spend the day with your family or on the golf course... there's nobody to tell you what to do."
A Multi Level Marketer may want his audience to feel the freedom of having no one to answer to if they become successful in the business. He'll dramatize that desire, and put the listener in the seat to inspire it to take hold until the listener is ready to sign up and get started.
3. Inspire Immediate Action
Let's face it... the longer a customer lolly gags, the greater the chances he'll never take the plunge. Don't let him off the hook that easily!
Set a deadline. Put on the pressure to buy now, or miss out on the deal. Chances are pretty good that the procrastinator will get with it just to save a few bucks.
What about your sales materials? Have you taken a good look at the things you are advertising? Make sure you are focused on the benefits the consumer will experience from the purchase, and not on the features of the product or service. Remember, buyers want to know what's in it for them. It's the whole reason why people buy things and we Amercians love to buy things!
Americans enjoy purchasing things. We are a country based on credit. Sure, we often convince ourselves that we really needed a new something or other, but if we're totally honest we'll have to admit that would could've got by without it. What does this mean to your advertising campaigns?
1. State The Benefits Of Your Product or Service
Capitalize on the ways a customer will improve his lifestyle by making the purchase. Will he/she increase their own business profits by 50 percent? Say so in the opening statement of your sales letter, or at the top of your Web page.
Don't obsess with the features of the product itself or your credibility. Frankly, customers could care less. Let's face it... they're a bit selfish when it comes to dishing out their hard earned money. All they want to know is what's in it for them.
2. Paint A Picture That Lets Them Experience the Benefits
Something like "Wake up tomorrow, with no boss! You can spend the day with your family or on the golf course... there's nobody to tell you what to do."
A Multi Level Marketer may want his audience to feel the freedom of having no one to answer to if they become successful in the business. He'll dramatize that desire, and put the listener in the seat to inspire it to take hold until the listener is ready to sign up and get started.
3. Inspire Immediate Action
Let's face it... the longer a customer lolly gags, the greater the chances he'll never take the plunge. Don't let him off the hook that easily!
Set a deadline. Put on the pressure to buy now, or miss out on the deal. Chances are pretty good that the procrastinator will get with it just to save a few bucks.
What about your sales materials? Have you taken a good look at the things you are advertising? Make sure you are focused on the benefits the consumer will experience from the purchase, and not on the features of the product or service. Remember, buyers want to know what's in it for them. It's the whole reason why people buy things and we Amercians love to buy things!
2 Words That Work Like Magic
In his classic best-seller, How To Win Friends And Influence People, Dale Carnegie's second chapter is entitled The Big Secret of Dealing With People. The secret is summed up in this principle: Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Carnegie said there is only one way to get anybody to do anything -by making the person want to do it. How can you encourage customers to say good things about you and give you referrals? By giving them what they and all human beings crave: honest and sincere appreciation.
The Two Magic Words
The big secret of dealing with people (or customers) is often overlooked or forgotten. It's simply saying "thank you" consistently, personally and, above all, sincerely. These two words work marketing magic because customers want to feel important.
Saying "thank you" is an act of kindness, besides. But don't say "thank you" for the sake of flattery. It must be sincere. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "You can never say anything but what you are."
"Thank You" Promotes Referrals
The uncertainty of referrals can be disconcerting. Can you control them? No. Can you influence them? Absolutely.
First you must provide a valuable product or service for customers. (Hopefull you're already doing this!) But perhaps you can make an even bigger difference in their minds by your continued interest after you've delivered the product or service.
Each customer has a different level of satisfaction with your products and services. However, all customers to whom you say "thank you" are satisfied that they're important to you. This can determine whether you'll continue a relationship with them and get referrals.
"Thank You" as Direct Mail or E-mail
If you've never used direct mail and are considering it, start a thank-you correspondence program. If you've used direct mail or e-mail but haven't sent thank-you letters or e-mails, start now.
The thank-you letter or e-mail to your customers is targeted (you know them, they know you), personal and effective. It's guaranteed to receive a positive response.
Furthermore, it's a pleasant surprise if it's snail mail. They see your envelope. They think, this must be something for me to review, to sign, or worse a bill. Surprise! They're appreciated; they're important. And you're the one telling them so.
Write a thank-you letter or e-mail at every opportunity. But don't send one with an invoice or other correspondence. Always send it separately.
Writing the Thank-You Letter or E-mail
The thought behind a thank-you letter or e-mail may seem simple, but writing one can be tricky. Here are 9 tips for writing a winning thank-you letter or e-mail:
1. Keep it brief. A half dozen lines (or fewer) are sufficient.
2. Make it sincere. This is crucial. If you aren't careful, it can sound awkward, even when you're trying to be sincere.
3. Start with "thank you."Dear Ms. Johnson (or first name, if appropriate): Thank you for ...
4. Make the tone warm, but professional. Be friendly, but keep it businesslike.
5. Reinforce a positive. Jog their memory of a positive aspect of the relationship.
6. Offer your continued support. If I can help, please call ...
7. End with "thank you." Thanks again for ...
8. Use an appropriate closing. Sincerely, Best regards.
9. No ulterior motive. Make it a pure "thank you," otherwise sincerity is jeopardized.
Remember: Saying "thank you" is part of building strong customer relationships over time. Use these two magic words consistently and watch your repeat business and referrals grow.
Carnegie said there is only one way to get anybody to do anything -by making the person want to do it. How can you encourage customers to say good things about you and give you referrals? By giving them what they and all human beings crave: honest and sincere appreciation.
The Two Magic Words
The big secret of dealing with people (or customers) is often overlooked or forgotten. It's simply saying "thank you" consistently, personally and, above all, sincerely. These two words work marketing magic because customers want to feel important.
Saying "thank you" is an act of kindness, besides. But don't say "thank you" for the sake of flattery. It must be sincere. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "You can never say anything but what you are."
"Thank You" Promotes Referrals
The uncertainty of referrals can be disconcerting. Can you control them? No. Can you influence them? Absolutely.
First you must provide a valuable product or service for customers. (Hopefull you're already doing this!) But perhaps you can make an even bigger difference in their minds by your continued interest after you've delivered the product or service.
Each customer has a different level of satisfaction with your products and services. However, all customers to whom you say "thank you" are satisfied that they're important to you. This can determine whether you'll continue a relationship with them and get referrals.
"Thank You" as Direct Mail or E-mail
If you've never used direct mail and are considering it, start a thank-you correspondence program. If you've used direct mail or e-mail but haven't sent thank-you letters or e-mails, start now.
The thank-you letter or e-mail to your customers is targeted (you know them, they know you), personal and effective. It's guaranteed to receive a positive response.
Furthermore, it's a pleasant surprise if it's snail mail. They see your envelope. They think, this must be something for me to review, to sign, or worse a bill. Surprise! They're appreciated; they're important. And you're the one telling them so.
Write a thank-you letter or e-mail at every opportunity. But don't send one with an invoice or other correspondence. Always send it separately.
Writing the Thank-You Letter or E-mail
The thought behind a thank-you letter or e-mail may seem simple, but writing one can be tricky. Here are 9 tips for writing a winning thank-you letter or e-mail:
1. Keep it brief. A half dozen lines (or fewer) are sufficient.
2. Make it sincere. This is crucial. If you aren't careful, it can sound awkward, even when you're trying to be sincere.
3. Start with "thank you."Dear Ms. Johnson (or first name, if appropriate): Thank you for ...
4. Make the tone warm, but professional. Be friendly, but keep it businesslike.
5. Reinforce a positive. Jog their memory of a positive aspect of the relationship.
6. Offer your continued support. If I can help, please call ...
7. End with "thank you." Thanks again for ...
8. Use an appropriate closing. Sincerely, Best regards.
9. No ulterior motive. Make it a pure "thank you," otherwise sincerity is jeopardized.
Remember: Saying "thank you" is part of building strong customer relationships over time. Use these two magic words consistently and watch your repeat business and referrals grow.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Are You Turning Away Customers and Losing Money?
Are you your own worst marketing enemy?
Most people don't intentionally turn customers away, but we all make mistakes. So here are some tried and true ways to lose sales and kiss your profits goodbye!
1. You Distract Them
You know what I'm talking about. You've been to Web pages where there were a TON of clickable links. You start clicking away, get 10 screens open... and yeah, you forget which is the original site and why the heck you were there in the first place!
This one is especially true for Internet marketers. Let me ask you... how many clickable links are on your Web page? Don't send your customers to other places before you've made a sale. Once a prospect heads out for greener pastures, they'll probably never find their way back.
2. You Give Them An Unpleasant Surprise
You've probably made a purchase, got set to write the check and discovered extra fees that you weren't counting on paying. No one even mentioned them until you were sitting there with pen in hand. Maybe it was that vacation package you've been dreaming about for a while. You're left with a choice... grin and bear it, or walk off without the vacation.
Nothing leaves a bad taste in a customer's mouth like last minute add ons to the price they pay. Yeah, sometimes they go ahead and go through with the purchase, but next time they'll think twice before they trust you to give them the real scoop on the price... if they ever return.
Be up front! Are you planning to charge shipping? Don't wait until they've already made the purchase. Let them know right up front. When they already know it's part of the deal, they won't have a problem with the fees.
3. You Confuse Them
Eenie meenie minie moe. We've all been there. Trying to decide which item is the better buy and the right one for you? It could be that you walked out without making up your mind, thinking you'd return later. But did you make it back?
Customers who leave without making a purchase are at high risk for changing their minds about making the purchase at all. That's why it's important to keep the decision as simple as possible. Make it a "yes" or "no" choice and you've effectively guaranteed they walk out with the item in a bag.
Marketing is tough enough without making things tougher on the customer. Avoid these three keys to sending customers away and you'll avoid wiping out your own profits.
Most people don't intentionally turn customers away, but we all make mistakes. So here are some tried and true ways to lose sales and kiss your profits goodbye!
1. You Distract Them
You know what I'm talking about. You've been to Web pages where there were a TON of clickable links. You start clicking away, get 10 screens open... and yeah, you forget which is the original site and why the heck you were there in the first place!
This one is especially true for Internet marketers. Let me ask you... how many clickable links are on your Web page? Don't send your customers to other places before you've made a sale. Once a prospect heads out for greener pastures, they'll probably never find their way back.
2. You Give Them An Unpleasant Surprise
You've probably made a purchase, got set to write the check and discovered extra fees that you weren't counting on paying. No one even mentioned them until you were sitting there with pen in hand. Maybe it was that vacation package you've been dreaming about for a while. You're left with a choice... grin and bear it, or walk off without the vacation.
Nothing leaves a bad taste in a customer's mouth like last minute add ons to the price they pay. Yeah, sometimes they go ahead and go through with the purchase, but next time they'll think twice before they trust you to give them the real scoop on the price... if they ever return.
Be up front! Are you planning to charge shipping? Don't wait until they've already made the purchase. Let them know right up front. When they already know it's part of the deal, they won't have a problem with the fees.
3. You Confuse Them
Eenie meenie minie moe. We've all been there. Trying to decide which item is the better buy and the right one for you? It could be that you walked out without making up your mind, thinking you'd return later. But did you make it back?
Customers who leave without making a purchase are at high risk for changing their minds about making the purchase at all. That's why it's important to keep the decision as simple as possible. Make it a "yes" or "no" choice and you've effectively guaranteed they walk out with the item in a bag.
Marketing is tough enough without making things tougher on the customer. Avoid these three keys to sending customers away and you'll avoid wiping out your own profits.
3 Golden Ways To Outsmart Your Competition
Let's face it... if your in business you will have competition. There will always be someone trying to woo your customers away from you into their own pockets. Quite frankly there isn't a way around it, but if you embrace it competition CAN be a good thing. Savvy marketers are always on the lookout for new ways to outdo the competition, and here are 3 ways you can minimize the impact competition will have on your business.
1. Implement Unconventional Marketing Strategies
Standing out from the crowd is sometimes difficult, especially with so many businesses mimicking the marketing campaigns of their competitors. You can tell who the leaders are because they are the ones that others are following. Sure, we all want to be successful, and when we see others using a method that works, there's an urgency to jump on the band wagon so we can enjoy the same success.
Rather than joining the pack, look for creative ways to advertise that no one else is using. Internet marketing is a perfect example. Most Internet marketers use... you guessed it - the Internet to market their products. Why not try high impact postcards and use them to direct people to your Website? Postcards typically enjoy a 1-3% response rate and most people don't use them to direct traffic to the web.
2. Discover Hidden Markets
Your competitors are missing out on something! Dig around until you discover what it is, and get a corner on that market niche. Once you've discovered your secret gold mine, revise your sales copy, and Website to address the specific market you've uncovered.
If you're a Multi Level Marketing representative you might want to consider the following niches.
Employees: The freedom that comes with being your own boss is a dream that many employees hope for, but never experience. Go ahead...let them know that dreams do come true...there's an opportunity to be their own boss waiting just for them.
Stay-at-home Moms: Most stay at home Moms are sacrificing finances for the well-being of their children. Why not jump at the chance to raise their children and make a little money too?
Retirees: What does the future hold for someone looking at retirement? It could be that there is a lot of spark, and dreams still pulsing inside...and now...they'll have the time to invest their long time dreams!
3. Become the Expert
We all respect the opinions and insight of someone who really knows a particular subject inside and out. So take the time to research and get to know all of the ins and outs of your industry/product... then emphasize your expertise in your marketing campaign. True knowledge can't be faked. Consumers will know who the expert is.
You don't have to put all of your eggs in one basket and zero in on just one product, but you can emphasize your expertise in one area. Remember that people often expect to pay more for expert advice! You may want to raise your price a little bit, get testimonials, and find another expert to endorse you.
People don't fail because they plan to fail, they fail because of a failure to plan. When you do the little things necessary, you position yourself for success and you will always be one or two steps ahead of your competition.
1. Implement Unconventional Marketing Strategies
Standing out from the crowd is sometimes difficult, especially with so many businesses mimicking the marketing campaigns of their competitors. You can tell who the leaders are because they are the ones that others are following. Sure, we all want to be successful, and when we see others using a method that works, there's an urgency to jump on the band wagon so we can enjoy the same success.
Rather than joining the pack, look for creative ways to advertise that no one else is using. Internet marketing is a perfect example. Most Internet marketers use... you guessed it - the Internet to market their products. Why not try high impact postcards and use them to direct people to your Website? Postcards typically enjoy a 1-3% response rate and most people don't use them to direct traffic to the web.
2. Discover Hidden Markets
Your competitors are missing out on something! Dig around until you discover what it is, and get a corner on that market niche. Once you've discovered your secret gold mine, revise your sales copy, and Website to address the specific market you've uncovered.
If you're a Multi Level Marketing representative you might want to consider the following niches.
Employees: The freedom that comes with being your own boss is a dream that many employees hope for, but never experience. Go ahead...let them know that dreams do come true...there's an opportunity to be their own boss waiting just for them.
Stay-at-home Moms: Most stay at home Moms are sacrificing finances for the well-being of their children. Why not jump at the chance to raise their children and make a little money too?
Retirees: What does the future hold for someone looking at retirement? It could be that there is a lot of spark, and dreams still pulsing inside...and now...they'll have the time to invest their long time dreams!
3. Become the Expert
We all respect the opinions and insight of someone who really knows a particular subject inside and out. So take the time to research and get to know all of the ins and outs of your industry/product... then emphasize your expertise in your marketing campaign. True knowledge can't be faked. Consumers will know who the expert is.
You don't have to put all of your eggs in one basket and zero in on just one product, but you can emphasize your expertise in one area. Remember that people often expect to pay more for expert advice! You may want to raise your price a little bit, get testimonials, and find another expert to endorse you.
People don't fail because they plan to fail, they fail because of a failure to plan. When you do the little things necessary, you position yourself for success and you will always be one or two steps ahead of your competition.
3 Effective Tactics Every Business Should Implement
Do you remember your first day as a business owner? I remember being pretty darned happy and it was an awfully proud moment. I thought I could conquer the world, but now I'm too busy trying to conquer my own little corner much less the rest of the world. I'm never too busy however, to learn a few tips from successful marketers who have made it big. Tips just like these... that you can apply to any market - regardless of the product or service - are great motivators to try something new. Heck, you never know when the next idea will be worth a million dollars!
So here are 3 effective tactics that every business should implement.
1. Create a Special Offer
A special offer is exactly that... an offer that is special. Normally, customers would not be able to purchase this product or combination of products, and once the products are gone... sorry!
You don't have to go out and order a bunch of new products to put together a special offer. It doesn't take a whole lot... just use what you've already got. Grab a few items that are related, group them together, discount the price, and your customers will be excited to be getting a good deal. This way you can sell three or four items instead of just one. A special offer like this is a win-win for everyone!
2. Put Your Customers into Groups
Niche markets are everywhere, even right under your nose! Your customers probably share common traits. Maybe some of them speak Spanish, maybe you have a large group of teens, or maybe there are a group of middle class family men and women.
Evaluate your customers and discover the unique needs and desires that they share. This way you can set you up a customized advertising campaign aimed directly at them. It's not difficult to take your current ads and make a few adjustments to target these niches. Your customers will more than likely be impressed that you understand THEM, and the increase in profits will be the best thanks you can get.
3. Set Up a Winning Referral Program
Successful marketers turn their customers into a powerful sales team. Satisfied customers naturally refer their friends and family to the person or place that takes good care of them. Quality service is the first step towards gaining customer referrals, but you can easily take it one step further. Studies show that every satisfied customer tells three people about you. But what do you think happens when you add a little incentive to it? You guessed it, a whole lot more referrals.
With one of my SEO customers, I offered to add a couple of keywords to his campaign everytime he sends me a new referral. Now he talks about my services like it were his own business and we both win.
Give your customers who refer friends a thank you - in the form of a discount, special gift item, or even a simple thank you card - and watch the referrals grow! You can also impliment simple customer surveys. Give a small discount to answer a few quick questions about what the customer does and doesn't like about your product or services, followed by a request for the names and addresses of friends and family who would benefit it. Do this and you'll not only know exactly what your customer likes and dislikes, you'll also have the contact information of prospective customers as well!
So here are 3 effective tactics that every business should implement.
1. Create a Special Offer
A special offer is exactly that... an offer that is special. Normally, customers would not be able to purchase this product or combination of products, and once the products are gone... sorry!
You don't have to go out and order a bunch of new products to put together a special offer. It doesn't take a whole lot... just use what you've already got. Grab a few items that are related, group them together, discount the price, and your customers will be excited to be getting a good deal. This way you can sell three or four items instead of just one. A special offer like this is a win-win for everyone!
2. Put Your Customers into Groups
Niche markets are everywhere, even right under your nose! Your customers probably share common traits. Maybe some of them speak Spanish, maybe you have a large group of teens, or maybe there are a group of middle class family men and women.
Evaluate your customers and discover the unique needs and desires that they share. This way you can set you up a customized advertising campaign aimed directly at them. It's not difficult to take your current ads and make a few adjustments to target these niches. Your customers will more than likely be impressed that you understand THEM, and the increase in profits will be the best thanks you can get.
3. Set Up a Winning Referral Program
Successful marketers turn their customers into a powerful sales team. Satisfied customers naturally refer their friends and family to the person or place that takes good care of them. Quality service is the first step towards gaining customer referrals, but you can easily take it one step further. Studies show that every satisfied customer tells three people about you. But what do you think happens when you add a little incentive to it? You guessed it, a whole lot more referrals.
With one of my SEO customers, I offered to add a couple of keywords to his campaign everytime he sends me a new referral. Now he talks about my services like it were his own business and we both win.
Give your customers who refer friends a thank you - in the form of a discount, special gift item, or even a simple thank you card - and watch the referrals grow! You can also impliment simple customer surveys. Give a small discount to answer a few quick questions about what the customer does and doesn't like about your product or services, followed by a request for the names and addresses of friends and family who would benefit it. Do this and you'll not only know exactly what your customer likes and dislikes, you'll also have the contact information of prospective customers as well!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
2 Sure-Fire Methods Proven To Convert More Customers
If you're a marketer like me, your number one concern is probably converting customers. I would assume that you've probably read and heard a million and one ideas about how to build relationships, retain customers, create a list of potential customers, and inspire consumer loyalty. But how do you convert prospects into customers?
Maybe there are a lot of people out there who see your ads, think about them, and say, "I ought to..." Well those are the ones that are just waiting to be convinced to to do something about it. They are the ones that need to be convinced to take action and there is definitely something you can do to get them moving!
1. Improve Your Offer
Who can pass up the deal that's too good to resist? Think about it... how often do customers want your product, but just want something a little bit more? Everyone wants to feel like they got a good deal... I know I do! If you have a long list of future sales that have the potential to be converted into real sales now, sweeten the deal and make the offer so good they just can't resist. Why profit tomorrow when you can profit today!
Now, I'm not implying that you should drop your prices to sweeten the deal. Maybe you can just as easily load it up with bonuses to increase the perceived value without cutting away at your profit. Bonuses motivate sales, maybe even more than slashed prices.
2. Follow Up
How would you like to increase your sales by more than 50 percent? Well studies show that you can with a simple tactic that anyone can implement. You've got to follow up.
Odds are that prospective customers aren't going to buy your product or service the first time they see or even hear about it. Chances are it will more likely be the third or fourth time, but they will most likely have to hear from you that third or fourth time before they actually become a customer. Do you have a follow up system in place?
Simply contact the "almost customer" every month with a new offer, or give them more information about the product they are showing interest in. It doesn't have to be an difficult process. Just keep in contact, but give them something everytime you do. Doing so goes a long way toward building trust... which is the key to building life-long, loyal customers.
Internet Marketers experience a high number of people who browse their site then bounce out, so a great way to gather the contact info you need is to offer a free ebook or informative report that consumers will find of interest. Afterall, you can't follow up without some form of contact information. Once these people have given you their information to email them the product, you have what you need to keep in contact. This will allow you to work on converting them into loyal customers. And make sure that you personalize as much as possible. If you can get the first name of your customer... great! A personalized message has greater appeal than "addressed to occupant" messages.
Maybe there are a lot of people out there who see your ads, think about them, and say, "I ought to..." Well those are the ones that are just waiting to be convinced to to do something about it. They are the ones that need to be convinced to take action and there is definitely something you can do to get them moving!
1. Improve Your Offer
Who can pass up the deal that's too good to resist? Think about it... how often do customers want your product, but just want something a little bit more? Everyone wants to feel like they got a good deal... I know I do! If you have a long list of future sales that have the potential to be converted into real sales now, sweeten the deal and make the offer so good they just can't resist. Why profit tomorrow when you can profit today!
Now, I'm not implying that you should drop your prices to sweeten the deal. Maybe you can just as easily load it up with bonuses to increase the perceived value without cutting away at your profit. Bonuses motivate sales, maybe even more than slashed prices.
2. Follow Up
How would you like to increase your sales by more than 50 percent? Well studies show that you can with a simple tactic that anyone can implement. You've got to follow up.
Odds are that prospective customers aren't going to buy your product or service the first time they see or even hear about it. Chances are it will more likely be the third or fourth time, but they will most likely have to hear from you that third or fourth time before they actually become a customer. Do you have a follow up system in place?
Simply contact the "almost customer" every month with a new offer, or give them more information about the product they are showing interest in. It doesn't have to be an difficult process. Just keep in contact, but give them something everytime you do. Doing so goes a long way toward building trust... which is the key to building life-long, loyal customers.
Internet Marketers experience a high number of people who browse their site then bounce out, so a great way to gather the contact info you need is to offer a free ebook or informative report that consumers will find of interest. Afterall, you can't follow up without some form of contact information. Once these people have given you their information to email them the product, you have what you need to keep in contact. This will allow you to work on converting them into loyal customers. And make sure that you personalize as much as possible. If you can get the first name of your customer... great! A personalized message has greater appeal than "addressed to occupant" messages.
3 Popular Niche Marketing Misconceptions
Specializing in Niche Markets has never been as crucial as it is today. Long gone are the days when you can target general, broad markets and make money from them. To make money in today's Internet Marketing environment, one must specialize in well defined niche topics.
Lets examine a few misconceptions when it comes to niche marketing.
Misconception #1: You have to be an expert in the Niche field you choose!
Everyone says you should only choose a Niche that you are an expert in... nonsense! The Internet is so impersonal that you can easily appear as an expert and not know anything about that particular niche topic. The key is to appear as an expert. How? You can outsource, build niche sites with no interaction such as blogs, purchase resale rights to an ebook in a particular niche. On the internet you can choose to profit from any niche you like, all you gotta do is go out and do it.
Misconception #2: You must choose one niche market and stick with it.
Not true! Once you establish yourself in one niche and develop a profitable system, choose another one and run with it. You can even choose a pen name if you like, it's common practice to do so. Niche marketing is a numbers game. Once you find a profitable niche put it on auto-pilot and choose another niche market to get into.
Misconception #3: The best way to make money in the niche game is to promote niche products as an affiliate.
Wrong again! Sure, becoming an affiliate and promoting niche products can be very profitable, but if you are doing this, you're not maximizing your income.
You need to promote your own landing or squeeze page where you collect the e-mail address of the visitor, and then sending him or her to the niche product you are promoting. You should also send out an e-mail course with informative information pertaining to that particular niche market to gain the visitors trust. Since your subscriber now trusts you, you can recommend products in that niche again and again, knowing your recommendation holds a lot of weight.
Those are three popular misconceptions when it comes to niche marketing. Follow the tips above, and you will be more likely to succeed. Remember, it is important to find a profitable niche, set it up so it is on auto-pilot, then move on to the next niche.
Not all niche markets will be a slam dunk, so don't get discouraged. Even if one out of ten become really profitable just smile because you've hit a jackpot.
Lets examine a few misconceptions when it comes to niche marketing.
Misconception #1: You have to be an expert in the Niche field you choose!
Everyone says you should only choose a Niche that you are an expert in... nonsense! The Internet is so impersonal that you can easily appear as an expert and not know anything about that particular niche topic. The key is to appear as an expert. How? You can outsource, build niche sites with no interaction such as blogs, purchase resale rights to an ebook in a particular niche. On the internet you can choose to profit from any niche you like, all you gotta do is go out and do it.
Misconception #2: You must choose one niche market and stick with it.
Not true! Once you establish yourself in one niche and develop a profitable system, choose another one and run with it. You can even choose a pen name if you like, it's common practice to do so. Niche marketing is a numbers game. Once you find a profitable niche put it on auto-pilot and choose another niche market to get into.
Misconception #3: The best way to make money in the niche game is to promote niche products as an affiliate.
Wrong again! Sure, becoming an affiliate and promoting niche products can be very profitable, but if you are doing this, you're not maximizing your income.
You need to promote your own landing or squeeze page where you collect the e-mail address of the visitor, and then sending him or her to the niche product you are promoting. You should also send out an e-mail course with informative information pertaining to that particular niche market to gain the visitors trust. Since your subscriber now trusts you, you can recommend products in that niche again and again, knowing your recommendation holds a lot of weight.
Those are three popular misconceptions when it comes to niche marketing. Follow the tips above, and you will be more likely to succeed. Remember, it is important to find a profitable niche, set it up so it is on auto-pilot, then move on to the next niche.
Not all niche markets will be a slam dunk, so don't get discouraged. Even if one out of ten become really profitable just smile because you've hit a jackpot.
5 Ways to Create Content to Drive Traffic to Your Site
There are many ways to promote your business online. The difference between online marketing and offline marketing though is profound.
Although advertising can be very effective offline, it isn't nearly so effective online. The reason why is that most people surf the internet looking for information. They aren't usually interested in advertising unless the product or service in question can solve their problems.
There are five strategies that you can implement in your business that will not only create a content strategy for you but will also create a very effective marketing strategy. This strategy will only require a few hours of your time each week.
1. Articles
Articles not only brand you as an expert but are also a way to create quality content for your site, and search engines love content.
If you don't like writing, or don't write, you can find quality articles to post on your site. The larger your site, the more likely you will be found in the search engines.
Here are a few article directories you can use:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
2. Blogs/RSS
Blogging is another way to create content for your website, and by using RSS, you can easily distribute your content.
Most don't understand what RSS really is, or how it can most effectively be used to drive traffic to their sites.
Basically, RSS is a form of code that's very search engine friendly. With RSS feeds, which you can add to your website or blog, you can create content that updates itself. Because of this self updating, the search engines will spider your site more often, raising your rankings.
Once you've built your blog and added several entries, you need to "ping" it to get it listed. Here are two tools you can use:
http://www.pingoat.com/
http://www.pingomatic.com/
3. Press Releases
Press releases are news about your business. Press releases are also an excellent way to get high rankings for your site because you can create content rich press releases and submit them to press release directories. Many of these directories are high traffic.
Here are several sites that accept press releases:
http://www.press-world.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
4. Search Engine Optimization
Optimizing your site for the search engines means creating keyword rich content, exchanging links with other sites, submitting your site to directories, which create backlinks pointing to your site.
You can use tools like Web CEO, http://www.webceo.com/, to help you optimize your pages.
Although submitting the search engines is often unecessary, since most search engines will spider through to your site from another site, you still need at least one link pointing back to your site so that your site gets spidered.
Submit your site to Alexa, http://www.alexa.com/. Not only will this make sure that your site gets spidered, you'll be able to compare your site to other sites, as well as get statistics on traffic to your site.
5. Free Ebooks and Reports
By writing and giving away free ebooks and reports, you give visitors an incentive to visit your website.
You can also submit your ebooks and reports to ebook directories for free.
http://www.ebookdirectory.com/
http://www.ebookdirectory.com/
http://www.ebookjungle.com/
http://www.ebooksnbytes.com/
If you make your ebook brandable, which means others can place their links inside your ebook, your ebook becomes viral. You give others an incentive to share your ebook and spread it across the internet.
Once you implement these content strategies on your site, add streams of revenue to your site like Adsense and Virtual Portals. These sites will allow you to monetize your site.
http://www.google.com/ads
http://www.virtual-portals.com/
Although advertising, like pay per clicks, can be effective in promoting your website, it can quickly become expensive. By focusing on creating quality content for website, and then promoting that content, you can continue to drive traffic to your website for years to come.
Although advertising can be very effective offline, it isn't nearly so effective online. The reason why is that most people surf the internet looking for information. They aren't usually interested in advertising unless the product or service in question can solve their problems.
There are five strategies that you can implement in your business that will not only create a content strategy for you but will also create a very effective marketing strategy. This strategy will only require a few hours of your time each week.
1. Articles
Articles not only brand you as an expert but are also a way to create quality content for your site, and search engines love content.
If you don't like writing, or don't write, you can find quality articles to post on your site. The larger your site, the more likely you will be found in the search engines.
Here are a few article directories you can use:
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
http://www.ezinearticles.com/
2. Blogs/RSS
Blogging is another way to create content for your website, and by using RSS, you can easily distribute your content.
Most don't understand what RSS really is, or how it can most effectively be used to drive traffic to their sites.
Basically, RSS is a form of code that's very search engine friendly. With RSS feeds, which you can add to your website or blog, you can create content that updates itself. Because of this self updating, the search engines will spider your site more often, raising your rankings.
Once you've built your blog and added several entries, you need to "ping" it to get it listed. Here are two tools you can use:
http://www.pingoat.com/
http://www.pingomatic.com/
3. Press Releases
Press releases are news about your business. Press releases are also an excellent way to get high rankings for your site because you can create content rich press releases and submit them to press release directories. Many of these directories are high traffic.
Here are several sites that accept press releases:
http://www.press-world.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
http://www.prbase.com/
4. Search Engine Optimization
Optimizing your site for the search engines means creating keyword rich content, exchanging links with other sites, submitting your site to directories, which create backlinks pointing to your site.
You can use tools like Web CEO, http://www.webceo.com/, to help you optimize your pages.
Although submitting the search engines is often unecessary, since most search engines will spider through to your site from another site, you still need at least one link pointing back to your site so that your site gets spidered.
Submit your site to Alexa, http://www.alexa.com/. Not only will this make sure that your site gets spidered, you'll be able to compare your site to other sites, as well as get statistics on traffic to your site.
5. Free Ebooks and Reports
By writing and giving away free ebooks and reports, you give visitors an incentive to visit your website.
You can also submit your ebooks and reports to ebook directories for free.
http://www.ebookdirectory.com/
http://www.ebookdirectory.com/
http://www.ebookjungle.com/
http://www.ebooksnbytes.com/
If you make your ebook brandable, which means others can place their links inside your ebook, your ebook becomes viral. You give others an incentive to share your ebook and spread it across the internet.
Once you implement these content strategies on your site, add streams of revenue to your site like Adsense and Virtual Portals. These sites will allow you to monetize your site.
http://www.google.com/ads
http://www.virtual-portals.com/
Although advertising, like pay per clicks, can be effective in promoting your website, it can quickly become expensive. By focusing on creating quality content for website, and then promoting that content, you can continue to drive traffic to your website for years to come.
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