Converting
Website Visitors to Buyers / Leads
by
Denise Davies, ALEPH Inc. www.alephconsulting.org
Internet
Strategies for Nonprofits & Small Business
Not every website is a sales tool for e-commerce. However a successful website will build your contact list and create qualified leads for your products and services.
- Credibility. Before a person will buy something from you or send you their personal information such as name or email address, they have to trust you. Your website must have a professional look, be easy to use and contain up to date information. Otherwise you risk losing the trust of the person visiting the website.
- Security. For e-commerce sites, or any website that is collecting confidential information such as social security number, financial information or accepting online payments the website should be using “Secure” web pages. The page URL should have an “https” and display a secure icon. These types of information should never be requested on an unsecured page or by email. You must be very careful to protect your customers’ confidential information.
- Calls to Action. Converting a website visitor to a lead or a sale requires that they provide some information – e.g. they may give you their email address to request more information. You can show a sample of a “Free Tips” Newsletter, offer a free document that supplies important information. These can be delivered to them by a download after they have filled in their name and email address.
- Free Trials. Free trials, sample products and promotional items are all good ways to introduce your website visitors to your products or services for a small amount of money, or even for free. This lets them try out your ordering system and feel more confident in your business process before they commit themselves to a larger order.
- Coupons. On your website or in your email marketing you can include a coupon that can be used for walk-in customers as a discount on a specific product or service.
Think of your website as a two-way street. You
are not just providing information to the visitor—you want to start building a relationship with them and
encourage them to keep in contact and do business with you.
For more information email davies@alephinc.com or call 714-277-4498.
Denise Davies is co-founder of Aleph Inc., an Internet development company. She directs an international team of talented analysts, designers and programmers to build Internet solutions for startups to established corporations. Denise speaks to groups including NAWBO, SBA, SCORE, and the Volunteer Center of Orange County on Internet Strategies for success. For more information contact Denise at 714-277-4498.