Work From Home

Online Business Priorities: The Key to Success

I am an expert in teaching families how to succeed online. Because of my knowledge, I am often asked, “What can I sell on the Internet? What types of businesses have been successful in e-commerce?” I’ve given this a lot of thought, and now I have the answer.

My answer is always the same - you are asking the wrong question. Products come and go. What is hot one year, is forgotten in the next. Your clients will stay with you forever — if you take a few basic steps to ensure their loyalty. Why not start by collecting their name and e-mail address?

Start by collecting basic information on your customers, just their name and e-mail addresses to start. Get an autoresponder, a program which will quickly and easily capture this information from incoming e-mails. These auto responders can also be used to send e-mails to customers, selling your product or service even while you sleep.

Let’s use Rick as an example. As Rick cruises the Internet, he spots your e-mail capture form on your webpage. He’s interested in more information, so he signs up. On Monday, Rick gets his first e-mail explaining all the benefits of doing business with you. Week after week, Rick receives e-mails with helpful information.

A month later, Sally decides to join. Your auto responders send the same messages, in the same sequence. Bob, meanwhile, receives continuing e-mails advertising your products or services. Sending sequential e-mails through an autoresponder is a great way to save time, and your business will build itself.

Isn’t that amazing? Sequential e-mails, like those sent through an autoresponder, can counter your customers’ objections and teach them the value of your product. You are saved the drudgery of answering hundreds of e-mails individually, and your business continues to build itself.

Another benefit of sequential emails is that people will see them eventually, even if they join your email list at month later. This catches the missed sales that are so prevalent when online business owners have a single promotion that misses everyone who came to the web site after the promotion is over.

Place an e-mail capture form on your most popular page, usually near the bottom of your homepage. Make a trade with your clients - their first name and e-mail in exchange for something really valuable (for example, I offer mini-courses for marketing online). It doesn’t have to be expensive, just useful for your client. Try offering a downloadable report, article, or a video link in exchange for your clients e-mail address.

Take time to build your list carefully, and you will build a valuable client base which will ensure the lasting success of your online business. Whatever you do, don’t neglect this important step. Protect yourself from changing fads and fashions, and you will build a productive online business. Auto responders make it easy, so go to it!