Myth #1: Anyone Can Sell Their Products Online. |
Do you prefer buying online? Most people don’t. People don’t trust electronic transactions. Even Amazon.com still hasn't turned a profit! Certain business can do well online, especially with click-to-talk, live chat and solid security features. But the goal for most websites should be bringing people to the storefront. Show your products at their best, market your website well, paint a human face and you’ll have customers at your doorstep. |
Myth #2: Website are Extremely Expensive. |
Fortunately, websites come in all shapes and sizes. Not every business needs a Ferrari-website. A Honda might work just fine for your clients' needs. But sometimes not taking advantage of everything the internet has to offer might hurt your business. Video and Flash can be very effective for showcasing products and personalizing your website and will be used by more and more companies in the future. But almost every small business can fit a standard website into their budget, especially since they almost always pay for themselves -- many times over. |
Myth #3: Web Users are Looking for Products and Services Online. |
When you browse the internet, are you looking to buy? If you’re like most people, your answer is “sometimes, but usually not”. Most people want to gather information and research different brands in order to make more informed purchases. Most transactions still take place in “brick and mortar”. So why shove more promotional material down visitors throats? If they’ve come for information, give them information. They’ll like you more for it (we promise). Trust-based marketing theory is especially helpful in analyzing why promotional websites fail so often.
|
Myth #4: Once Your Website is Finished, it's Finished. |
db0
Websites need to be marketed. Websites need constant reworking. Good news is, it’s usually more like a tune-up for a car than a transmission overhaul. First, you may need to change your list of products and services. Second you need to analyze how your content places you in search engines and improve your keywords accordingly. Third, it is always a good idea to add new features according to the changing needs of your customers.
It is important to have some integration between your traditional and e-marketing techniques. Adding an email and web address to every postcard you send out, as well as more creative strategies will help you reach more clients.
|
Myth #5: More of Everything is Better. |
Blinking websites with red, green, and blue text and 65 images a page are my favorite too. Just kidding. When it comes to design, well spaced “airy” design reflects sophistication and aids readers. If you have a lot of content, space it out over several pages. Studies show that web users “jump” around from page to page looking for key information and do not necessarily read straight down the page. Cut back on images and highlight key words and phrases.
|
The internet is our ocean at big blue whale. |
|
