I have helped many families start online businesses. Because of my expertise, I'm often asked questions about selling on the Internet. The question I most often hear is, "What types of businesses have been successful in e-commerce? What can I sell?" 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?
Collect all the e-mails from your visitors. Many autoresponder services include a simple e-mail capture form, making this quick and easy. Those auto responders can also be used to contact your clients, making the job of selling easier. Automatic systems like this one will build your business even as you sleep.
Let's use an example. Bob joins your e-mail list using a simple capture form on your webpage. The next day, he gets an e-mail thanking him for visiting your site. One week later, Bob receives an e-mail to tell him about your great new sale. After that, Bob receives weekly e-mails telling him what you are selling and how it can help him. Your auto responders do all the work for you, so you can relax.
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.
Sequential e-mails ensure that all your clients get the same information, no matter when they join your e-mail list. Your clients will never again miss a valuable promotion, and you will increase your clientele.
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.
By building your list of subscribers, you are developing an online business that will be profitable for years to come. A word of warning - if you neglect building this list, you may find yourself at the mercy of products whose popularity waxes and wanes. Develop your list for success today.
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© Stephen Beck, 2008
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Stephen Beck teaches you how to write an ebook and Create a "cash on demand" online business by watching his free video about information marketing products.
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