Internet Sales

It's extremely difficult to sell ANYTHING on the web. Customers are jaded and they are spoilt for choice.

In order to sell successfully on the web, you need to understand what the elements of internet sales are.

There are two major components to selling on the Internet: functional and technical.

The functional side of internet sales consists of the web site pitch, copy, tone, and dialogue.

The technical side consists of technical tools, technology, CRM, infrastructure, and support.

Functional Components

The functional components of selling are the visible components i.e. the ones your customers see.

To be successful selling on the internet, you need to develop a marketing strategy that provides your prospective customers with a feeling of trust.

They also need to have an understanding of the value you offer and a feeling of security that if they do business with you, their information will be safe and respected.

Some functional marketing components:

1. Web site pitch: The landing page or sales page where visitors enter your web site, whose language should be designed to convert visitors into sales and long-term customers by clearly and effectively demonstrating value and credibility.
2. Copy: The words on your web site demonstrate your organization's values and culture. Copy should be clear, provide useful and relevant information and offer your potential customers an idea of your level of expertise in your given industry.
3. Tone: Your tone should be modulated to the expectation of your customers, conveying a professional, trustworthy attitude.
4. Two-way dialogue: Conversion happens with time and effort. An ongoing dialogue using a well-designed autoresponder campaign can jump your conversion rates from average to phenomenal.

Technical Components

The technical components of internet sales are the tools that allow the functional components to exist.

1. You need a fully functional web site that is up and running 24/7.
2. You need a secure way to receive your customer credit card and bank data so that it is not intercepted by third parties.
   
3. You also need a flexible solution that allows your customers to use various methods of payment. They need to quickly and efficiently perform their transaction and get a confirmation email.
4. Finally, you need a cost-efficient but effective customer support solution to assist your customers if they have problems with a transaction on your web site

Only by considering both sides of internet sales can you truly be successful.

The two components drive each other and the more effort you put into each, the faster you maximize profits.

If you have questions about Internet Sales and how it relates to your business, give us a call or use our contact form and send us your question. We would love to speak with you.