- by Jim Edwards
http://www.thenetreporter.com
I would venture to say that not a single website in the
world has reached its peak of effectiveness or earnings
potential.
No matter the circumstances, every site can "better its
best."
If a "magic" formula for website success existed, you'd see
the big boys like Google and Yahoo using it.
Since no formula exists, they constantly test and tweak for
new ways to squeeze more money from their sites, and you
should too.
If you operate a website and want to squeeze maximum revenue
from it, the following 6 tips will kick-start your efforts.
#1 - Test Headlines
Just like a newspaper headline, the headline on your website
represents the single most powerful factor in grabbing a
reader's eye and pulling them into your site.
Most websites do not have a headline or, if they do, it's
limp, wimpy, and carries zero "punch."
Every website should carry a compelling headline to let
visitors know exactly what they should expect to get from
the site.
I've personally seen one headline outperform another by 400%
on the exact same website.
#2 - Offer Payment Plan
Why do you think pitchmen on TV offer "3-easy payments" of
only $19.95 on a $60 product?
Because the technique works for increasing sales!
Often, people either don't want to or can't come up with the
payment all at once, but can pay over time.
If you sell a product priced at $100 or more, try breaking
the price up into smaller payments to increase sales.
#3 - Test Guarantee Period
Like it or not, people don't always trust promises on your
website to live up to the realities of your product.
To remove risk for the customer, you should offer a refund
or money-back guarantee (not offering one will, in most
cases, kill your conversion rate).
However, it's been said by "experts" that the longer the
guarantee period, the lower the refund rate.
My experience does not support that advice. I suggest you
test various refund periods to see which nets you the most
sales balanced against the least refunds.
#4 - Test Audio Instructions
One of the best ways to increase sales is to include an
audio button on your site that tells people exactly what to
do in order to buy or subscribe.
Telling people in no uncertain terms to "Enter your name and
primary email address in the box and click the button" has
proven one of the most effective means of getting website
visitors to take the actions you want.
#5 - Follow Up
Most online businesses totally blow it when it comes to
follow-up, especially with existing customers.
Follow up with your customers at least once or twice a month
and it will amaze you how easily you can make "back-end" and
repeat sales.
Industry news, tips-and-tricks, and helpful hints combined
with a low-key, specific offer for another product or
service makes an excellent follow-up formula for both
prospects and existing customers.
#6 - Start a Blog
A blog makes it extremely easy to keep your customers and
prospects updated, as well as providing a dynamic means for
new people to find you through the search engines and blog
directories.
Blogger.com allows you to start a blog even if you don't
operate a website, and WordPress.org makes it easy to add a
blog to your existing website.
--
Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist and the
co-author of an amazing new ebook that will teach you how
to use fr^e articles to quickly drive thousands of targeted
visitors to your website, affiliate links, or blogs...
-=-=-==-=-=-=-==-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Need MORE TRAFFIC to your website or affiliate links?
"Turn Words Into Traffic" reveals the secrets for driving
Thousands of NEW visitors to your website or affiliate
links... without spending a dime on advertising!
Click Here> http://hop.clickbank.net/?pes2004/ezarticles