Hello all,

I've been through the wringer, SEO and all.  To the dismay of some, yes my site is built with SiteBuilder and so on. (There are plans to change this.)    But for the sake of this topic, keep in mind that the average Joe that visits my site, doesn’t know that.

I've learned a lot through this forum, and have implemented a number of strategies and suggestions.  My site, for the portion it represents, is as final as it’s going to get through my eyes.

Still, there are a number of things to do.  But it stands on its own.  And thanks to all I have learned, my site ranks on the first page of many search engines, with the exception of the “One”, (Google).  Which is not my concern at this moment.

I use Google Analytics (http://www.google.com/analytics/) to see what is actually going on with my site.  I am getting a number of hits per day.  While not a high number, a 30 average isn’t too bad to start off with.  But when it comes to sales, even the laws of averages are supposedly in your favor.  Yet my site is performing poorly.  So the question is…  What can I do to increase consumer confidence to increase sales?  My visitors will never ask me a question if there is some elementary confusion on their part or something that turns them off.  I only have a few seconds to grab them and keep them.  So what now?

I would like to hear from more established sites that went through their startup and the things they did to get their business growing.

I am missing something that I can’t find in just any article.

Thanks all and take care.

Michael

I am also trying to figure out how I can increase my 'Trust' level for those who visit my Sites. One thing I have not yet done, is to check out the qualifications for BBBOnline. "Better Business Bureau Online". I'll just throw that out for you. Tim

With BBB Online, I believe their must be a business presence for a one year minimum.

Thank you for your reply.  I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

Michael

I've just had a quick look at your site.

I like the design and layout but when I click on order now I'm taken away from your site to PayPal.

Fair enough, but if I'm not expecting it, how am I going to react? I'm gonna go elsewhere.

So, my advice is this

1 - make it clear that paypal will be handling the transaction
2 - open the payment screen in a new window
3 - streamline your paypal banner with your own site theme.

I expect I'll be going through exactly the same points later this month when I start using paypal for payments

Your welcome. Good luck with your endeavor! Tim

Hi Michael,

I just wanted to tell you something about the BBB - it's expensive.  Last year I qualified for membership, paid the dues, and put the little BBB Online seal on my site.  I was told my sales would increase by 600% - never happened.  I checked the Google page rank on your site and at the moment, you don't have any, but it will come because you have links in Yahoo and MSN.  I suggest getting your products into Froogle (free) and other shopping sites.  This is where your customers will come from.  However, if you have the money for the BBB, it doesn't hurt - it just doesn't help much.
Kiki
Pick My Gift

mjs_mall wrote:

Hello all,

I've been through the wringer, SEO and all.  To the dismay of some, yes my site is built with SiteBuilder and so on. (There are plans to change this.)    But for the sake of this topic, keep in mind that the average Joe ...................................................................

n is…  What can I do to increase consumer confidence to increase sales?  My visitors will never ask me a question if there is some elementary confusion on their part or something that turns them off.  I only have a few seconds to grab them and keep them.  So what now?

I would like to hear from more established sites that went through their startup and the things they did to get their business growing.

I am missing something that I can’t find in just any article.

Thanks all and take care.

Michael

Hey Micheal, Dave here. How’s things?

Wow.. another fun one.

What can I say. I have been at this (my own and consulting) since 1987 or so and I have one simple theory. Time.

Time will give you experience
Time will give you seniority in the market
Time will build that trust
Time will bury many of the competition

..and the list goes on.

As for the moment there are many things to do.

Keep a professional image (web site, branding materials etc..)
Stay current with industry happenings and adapt
Supply great customer support (where possible)
Price competitively; keep your costs down
Use technology wisely; utilize the best possible solutions for success
Market effectively; get the best ROI on your marketing dollar

Do that and more and IN TIME you will over come your customers and competitors alike.

How’s that … IMHO as always