Increasing sales seems to be such a simple concept, yet so
many organizations have a hard time tackling it. Managers
don’t have the time to micromanage and reps frequently
lack the time management and motivation to get the organizational
objectives accomplished. There are some very basic ways that
you can impact the bottom line on an everyday basis.
First, offer to write exclusive articles (that means you
only submit them to one place) for high traffic web sites
in exchange for a link back to your site. This will give
you visibility and also builds credibility and positions
you as an expert.
Second, create a positive online image. Tell your visitors
about fundraisers or events you have sponsored or that you
donate a part of your profits to charity. People enjoy knowing
that they helped in a greater cause or objective.
Third, improve your customer service on a regular basis.
Try out new technologies that make it easier to communicate
with your customers over the web. If customers have the ability
to order your products/services over the web versus making
a phone call, you will probably receive more orders. Make
the process simple for them and they won’t mind doing
it!
Fourth, ask your customers what they would like to see offered
by your business in the future. This type of information
can boost your sales. Online customer surveys would be a
great example of this, ask customers for feedback on how
your product/services could be improved to better fit their
needs. Surveys also allow you to get a picture of how well
your product/service is being delivered.
Fifth, make sure your web host isn't losing your sales.
If you get an e-mail from someone that told you that they
couldn't access your site, it might be your host. Having
a good reliable web site is a MUST and is essential to building
sales!
Sixth, allow your visitors experience to be an enjoyable
one at your web site. Provide easy navigation, good content,
fast loading graphics, search options, etc. Think of what
you like to see when you go out to a website, being user
friendly is essential.
Seventh, keep changing or adding freebies to your website.
If people see the same freebie in your ads they will say
to themselves, "been there done that". In addition, this
allows clients to get a taste of new products/services that
you provide and may peak their interest to look further into
your offerings.
Eighth, add a directory to your web site. When visitors
submit their web site, e-mail them confirming their link
has been added and remind them to revisit.
Ninth, organize your marketing and advertising into a plan.
Create a list of daily, weekly, monthly and all other future
promotional plans. This will allow your marketing efforts
to constantly be in use and literally selling for you when
you are sleeping.
Tenth, trade links only with web sites that your target
audience or yourself would visit. They should offer their
visitors valuable content or freebies. Once again, this encourages
people to come back and continue to visit and gives visibility
to your different offerings.
In summary, by offering your products/services in a variety
of different formats, you will be received by numerous different
audiences. The key is to try different angles and find out
what is successful for your particular business. Just when
you may think you’ve looked at every angle, the market
may change and require you to try new strategies. By thinking “outside
the box” you will continue to establish your presence
and increase sales by getting your message out in a variety
of mediums.
Tim Hagen owns and operates Sales Progress LLC, a sales
consulting and development firm located in Mequon, Wisconsin.
He has worked with firms such as the Milwaukee Brewers, Dairyland
Seed, and Bombardier Evinrude. He has worked in a variety
of industries and increased sales 15-35%. Feel free to contact
him directly at salebuilder@aol.com.
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