So what’s the biggest mistake when it comes to online success?
So where do many businesses go wrong in the online world?
Everyone is trying to sell something on the Internet but, not surprisingly, very few businesses are successful at online selling. My successful Internet clients all agree that the number one reason why businesses fail to sell is because they take too long to respond to an enquiry.
The Internet is the ultimate instantaneous device. At any time of the day or night you can find out about virtually anything in the world. While many businesses can offer online and real time sale of products or services, many still require more detailed email correspondence. Before a price can be submitted they need more information. Businesses that succeed online are quick to respond (even allowing for time zones, quick really means a maximum delay of 24 hours and it really should be much less than this).
Those companies that answer their email enquiries very quickly will sell more products than those that take a long time to respond. I am constantly surprised by how slow many businesses are in processing emails and responding to requests for prices or other relatively simple information. I wanted to do a boat charter in South Australia a while back and I emailed five companies that offered this service. Not one responded to my request. I emailed six companies in South Africa that also offer the same service and all six responded, most immediately and the last couple of stragglers within a few days, but at least they responded.
The fact is – those that respond quickly in the online world win. Simple as that. Yep, there are lots of other great points that make a website work, but I know businesses that generate millions of dollars per year online and their key to success is simply being quick off the draw in responding to their customers questions and needs.
Once again, the whole idea of having a website is to encourage people to do business with you. If you are lucky enough to have them interested in buying something from you, respond to their emails as soon as possible. This shows that you value their business, and that you are organised and efficient and therefore credible. It’s easy enough these days to have an automatic response which at least acknowledges that you have received their email and you will be in touch shortly. But please make your automatic response personal, professional proactive. If this paragraph is double Dutch to you – ask your web developer to explain.
This same principle applies to any form of contact from prospective customers—respond quickly and you will have a far greater chance of getting their business. I remember reading a fascinating article once which said that the number one reason for lost sales and lost customers was poor communication. More specifically, it was a lack of follow-up. We have all experienced the old ‘I’ll call you straight back’ and ‘You’ll have the price on your desk in the morning’ lines. To really boost your business, follow up quickly and efficiently—not just on the Internet, but with all communications—and your chances of thriving will increase significantly.
Till next week,
Andrew
OTHER NEWS –
SOME FREE STUFF – If you want some more smart ideas when it comes to your online presence, I strongly suggest you visit Lucinda Lions website – Lion Writing. Apart from being a good friend of mine she is an exceptional copywriter and she has put together an excellent e book – The Ultimate Website Evaluation Checklist – a FREE 80 page book with loads of great information. Definitely download this book. VISIT LION WRITING WEBSITE HERE
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE – now, talking about friends of mine, Mr Blake Beattie is the author of “BULLSEYE” – a new book published by Wiley that is all about setting and achieving goals. Blake is the man behind “Pay it forward day” -a day that is about all people, from all walks of life giving to someone else and making a positive difference. At last count there were more than 235, 000 people in 28 countries around the world participating on the day. This year Pay it Forward Day is on April 28th – and it is a great event to get behind. To find out more check out the official PAY IT FORWARD DAY WEBSITE here.
MY OWN AMAZON STORE – well since we are talking about getting a bit smarter in the online world, I have at long last, got my own Amazon bookstore up and running. You can go online and buy most of my books (at ridiculous prices I might add) from this site – and I am also starting to put up books that I recommend. Check it out here – ANDREW GRIFFITHS AMAZON STORE
A BOOK YOU HAVE TO READ – speaking of books, this one is amazing – Brendon Burchard’s The Millionaire Messenger – it went straight to Amazon #1 and Barnes and Noble #1 the week it was launched which is unheard of. I attended a workshop that Brendon Burchard put on last year and it’s easy to see why his book has been so incredibly well received. If you are looking for a new way of doing what you do – check it out – The Millionaire Messenger – CLICK HERE.
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