| The internet marketplace is ground that is constantly shifting. From one year to the next, platforms for selling come and go. Some improve, others decline. The following tips can help give a clear view of the marketplace as it is now, and how to keep an eye out for new markets as they open up. When marketing a product on the internet, it is important to overcome the natural skepticism of your audience. Most users on the internet are extremely nervous about everything they read, and will not purchase anything using a credit card unless they feel very safe. A key part of marketing your product, then, is making sure they feel that level of security. Throw in a surprise complementary item with purchases from your website. For example, if you sell an MP3 player, you can throw in a pair of cheap earbuds in a matching color. If the product being shipped doesn't come with batteries, through a few in. Your customer will appreciate it because no one else is doing that! Look online for local bloggers of the destination you are visiting and contact them personally for recommendations. Bloggers post stories to offer others their expertise, and often they are happy to respond to a personal request (especially a request that has a hint of flattery). Be sure to be specific in your questions. Turn your customers into future sales by offering them rebates on their own purchases for every several referrals they bring in for you. You could set it up so that, for every four copies of your eBook they refer others to buy from you, their own price will be refunded. This is a terrific way to build buzz and generate sales. Check what websites link to your competitors to find out which links are best for you to pursue. External links leading to your site are weighted based on how popular the linking site is. Identify the most popular sites linking to your competitors and see if you can secure links from them for your own site. You should set aside time to thoroughly test every aspect of your website weekly. Broken images, links to 404 pages and errors in ordering forms will only frustrate your customers and hurt your image. Customers may be inclined to leave an order in progress if a website is annoying to use. Just because your business is a local, physical business, doesn't mean you don't need a web presence. Make sure to build a basic web site with lots of information about your company and market that to local clientele. Even in local economies, many people turn to the internet for information on where to go and who to buy from. They can't come to you if you aren't there. Whether you have been selling on the internet marketplace for years or are just beginning, these tips should help provide direction toward your future. It is a highly competitive marketplace. The more you know, the better you will be able to gain the right platform for your products. |
