Getting Found And Getting Paid

There are two issues when marketing on or through the internet. The issue of getting found, and the issue of getting results. Fortunately, the two are compatible.

A lot of people, even those with websites, don’t think that the internet is a viable tool for selling. This is usually because they do not have a website that functions as it should. When I talk to a business owner who tells me that he gets little or no response from his website, I know why without even looking. Some site owners say that they get sporadic traffic, but the sales fall through. In all cases where I hear this, it is the same problem. The site is not being found where it needs to be found.

Online Consumers

Online consumers, responding to well organized, well built sites are normally the best customers. They have done their research, they have decided they like what you offer, and they are ready to buy, that is,  IF you have convinced them that you are the authority!

Getting found

To be found, there are several factors, like the ones mentioned above. Basicly, you have to convince the search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN Live that you have something to help people if they visit your site. Search engines are trying to serve accurate results so that people can find the information they need . If the information is there, and presented in a reasonable way, the engines will index it, and place it where they think people who are looking for that information can find it, in the order of it’s perceived importance.

Converting

The second part is conversion. To convert, you have to be found, and you have to have something interesting enough on a site that looks professional, and can hold the visitors attention long enough to convince them that you are the authority, and that they should buy from you.

Usability

One conversion problem is usability. If the site is difficult to maneuver, and confusing, people will leave, and probably never return. Good usability comes from good planning. Sensible layouts and navigation that naturally flows leads to a good user experience, and conversions.

Paid ads

If you have paid ads appearing in places where the website could, and should appear on it’s own, that is money wasted.

Most ad companies sell you what they are selling your competitors, and  by doing so, drive the price of these key words up. You end up competeing with yourself. It is the perfect set up, for them.