James Doan

If you're a marketer, your number one concern is customers. You've probably read and heard a million and one ideas about how to build relationships, retain customers, create a list of potential customers, and inspire consumer loyalty. But the tough question is, “How do I convert prospects into customers?” There are many people out there who see your ads, think about them, and maybe even say, “I ought to…” They're just waiting to be convinced to do something about it. There is something you can do to get them moving! No one can pass up the deal that's “too good to resist.” Think about it… how often do your customers want your product, but just want something else a little more? That leaves you with a long list of “almost sales” that have the potential to be converted into real sales and profit. Sweeten the deal. Make the offer so good they can't resist it. Now, I'm in no way suggesting that you drop your prices to sweeten the deal. You can just as easily load it up with bonuses to increase the perceived value without cutting away at your profit. Bonuses motivate sales, maybe even more than cut prices. Don't let them delay. Get them into the store quickly with a deadline. They may have to put a competitor's purchase on hold to get your deal, but there's nothing wrong with that.

Effective communication is crucial to understanding your consumers. You must encourage questions before the sale, during the sale and after the sale. Always work to make the buying process easy and comfortable. Now, more than ever, profitable opportunities exist to promote your local business on the Internet. Through search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, email marketing and local listings, you can connect with a willing audience. Your customers are turning to the Internet to find local products and services. If your competitors have an online presence, and you don't, guess who gets to take home the prize. You can provide convenient contact information on all of your sales materials, including websites. If you happen to find yourself overloaded with questions, you can easily create a frequently asked question page where clients can get the answers they need without claiming as much of your time.

You have probably heard more than one potential customer tell you, “I have more important things to get right now.” This objection is more easily overcome than you might imagine. Buying now doesn’t seem too important until… the deal’s too sweet to pass up, and you have to get it today to get the deal. What I’m talking about is banning the option of procrastination. Really, what your customer is saying is… I have no reason to buy today. Don’t let them delay. Make the deal irresistible, and get them into the store quickly with a deadline. It will spur them into making the purchase a priority — NOW. They may have to put a competitor’s purchase on hold to get your deal, but there’s nothing wrong with that. You must, however, keep your promotion realistic. Most customers have been burnt by deals that seem too good to be true… they ended up costing more than they were worth. The only way you’ll ever overcome the skepticism is to build a relationship of trust. Unconditional money-back guarantees eliminate the risk of loss, and show the customer that you are truly concerned with their satisfaction. Let testimonials speak for you. Evidence that you’ve delivered and gained customer satisfaction in the past goes a long way toward banning customer fears. Be available. Customers feel like everything is okay if they can pick up the phone or send an email and get quick answers to their questions. It really doesn’t take a lot to get through the shell of hard core customers.

You should plan an “advertise 1 item at a time” strategy. This does not mean that you can’t SELL more than one item at a time, rather you just have to wait until AFTER you have made the initial sale. Remember, when a customer sees more than one product being offered at unbelievably low prices, he will become confused. He will start asking himself which one is the better deal? He may struggle with a personal preference. These questions can lead to a decision to delay the purchase – one of marketing’s greatest thieves. It will be more effective to offer the consumer a range of products that compliment his initial purchase in a nearby display… or even at the checkout. You’ll make extra profits instead of losing a sale.

Many people think about starting a small business, often with a great idea. Few people actually go out and do it. It takes a special type of person to be an entrepreneur. It takes a strong desire to succeed. As you build your business, you will need courage, perseverance and a great deal of will power. You will have to face many setbacks and learn to deal with them. You will need a level of technical skill. In this competitive market, you can’t just be good at what you do. You need to be excellent.

“You can never go back to the way things were because things never were that way.” Lord Brett Sinclair, The Persuaders

Effective marketers make regular posts of valuable content on their business blog. This will build company credibility and create a sound business reputation. A business blog can help project a company as an expert in a chosen business area. Customers feel more comfortable transacting business with a reputable company. A business blog can be an avenue to introduce company products or services. A blog is not about selling. Use your blog to mention new products or services. Then direct visitors to your company’s main website to generate more sales. A business blog is not urgent, but important for small and medium-sized businesses. A business blog alone is not enough to market a company product or service. It is good investment for startup businesses. They can have conversations with customers and prospective clients. Business blogging is an effective way to start conversing with visitors interested in one's products or services. It is in no way considered a stand-alone strategy. Yes, business blogging can do wonders. But it is not going to work on its own. A business blog is most effective when working with other online communication tools. Be sure to include e-mail, press releases, pay per click, and your company website, to name a few. A great business blog that visitors will find useful and relevant is like having an effective built-in public relations staff. It is a cost-efficient way to spread the word about your business. Starting a business blog is easy. Transforming it into a marketing tool that drives traffic and sales to a business takes time, dedication, and consistency.

This is a remarkable system. I have already qualified, and I am working on building my own downline now. I really like the fact that both upline and downline work with you to promote and recruit. I agree with those who say that this will be the most talked about and sought after program for a long time.

You can get on top of the market with this high-impact, easy-to-use technique. You should be aware that your competition is looking for you in all the usual places. Change things up by not going there. You have to look for alternate ways of advertising and new markets to target. Niche markets can provide the perfect sneak tactic for discovering new clients. Subdivide your current market into smaller, more specific niche markets. Familiarize yourself with the needs and concerns of each niche. Present yourself as the specialist pro. You will leave your competition in the dust with the number of new prospects that will come your way. You can also take advantage of an old marketing technique that is still effective. Postcards carry a personal message that is quick and easy to read. New high-impact colours and designs capture the attention of readers. Your competition won't even know that you're using them!

A graduate of the University of Waterloo, I have been a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario since 1982 (Now designated Retired). A member of The Association of Ontario Locksmiths, I have been active in the Locksmith trade since 1985. I am relatively new to Online Marketing, but I am having fun learning and at this time I am not overly concerned about "Getting Rich Quick".