The e-commerce boom since the beginning of the millennium has changed the competition for consumer dollars. Before, small businesses found it difficult to compete with the larger companies. The size of the building, interior design and other aesthetics often drew customers away to the bigger retailers. Vast differences in pricing were also deciding factors for consumers. Doing well at these things and many others were the difference between an abundance of sales and going out of business.
On the web, the playing field is more level. The size of the building matters much less than the navigability and appeal of a site. The many options available for advertising often do not require a big advertising budget. In fact, profitable websites actually make money from advertising. In these ways and many more, small businesses can easily compete with larger companies.
The key is to use the best tools available to set up your profit-making website. Turn your advertising expenses into profits.
In the offline business world, advertising budgets were large sums of money paid out to bring revenues and customers into the company. That money is then recouped in the increased sales. Using e-commerce, the advertising budget is a mix of money paid and money earned from advertising. Tools like pay per click, pay per impression, pay per action all allow the website to earn a set amount of money for each impression, click or action that your site's visitors take. The ads placed often cost nothing to place on your site. Although you can pay to advertise your business with these same services, it isn't mandatory.
Make your site actionable.
Brick and mortar retailers keep their customers attention with ploys like free samples. A profitable home based business opportunity website does the same. Use tools like forums and live chats. Add articles that compliment your product. For example, visitors to a gardening site may appreciate seeing how-to articles on gardening topics. Another idea is to make an online catalogue that is connected to the purchasing section of your site. Brainstorm on ideas the compliment (don't overshadow) your product. Just give the customer something to do so that they will return.
Service business websites, including e home base biz opportunities sites can do the same. Use photo galleries, instructional videos, links to your other sites and even newsletters to grab the visitor. The goal is to turn that visitor into a customer--a repeat customer.
Create a navigable and appealing site.
Cluttered aisles, confusing signage and crowded shelves are a turn-off for customers. Similarly, multiple flashing graphics, too many ads and dull designs will make web customers click the "back" button fast. A customer, whether offline or online must be able to navigate the site. The must be aesthetically pleasing as well. The site's ability to generate profits depends on both.
To create a navigable site, utilizes your web tools. Create clear concise categories and titles for your sites elements. Make sure the colors on your page don't overshadow your product or make your navigational buttons invisible next to the ads. Use templates offered through your web hosting service, or hire a freelancer. In addition, check spelling and grammar as the misuse of both can make your site less professional.
Practice Patience.
Profitable websites are not made overnight, so don't get disappointed if the proceeds aren't forthcoming. Traditionally, a new business had to work hard to get customers into the store. E- businesses have to do the same. Instead of counting the cash as it comes in, maintain your site to get those customers onto the site. Do things like freshening the content periodically and communicating promptly with visitors. Soon, the profits and the repeat customers will materialize.
