As humans have the basic needs in order to live, so does online businesses. The post modern era brings a very useful tool and medium in communication, which is the Internet. As useful as it is, so does constant maintenance in keeping viewers is. The World Wide Web is so vast that a certain technique must be utilized in order to have the certainty that there will be web guests browsing on the sites.
A web site can be created as enticing, informative, and compelling as it should be, but it will stay useless if there will be no people to see it. The Internet as a medium is a very easy way to gather and spread information. At the same time, it is somewhat difficult to send people to view an active site. It is not the same as the broadcast channels on TV that can hook the audience once the program is running, as there is not much channels on TV as sites on the Internet.
Once a site is online, it will only do its job when people get directed to browse on it. Among thousands of sites online, there must be a way to direct audience to browse on a certain site. In relation, it is good that the people who are in tune with the technicalities of the Internet formulated schemes to drive the audience to a web site. There are numerous ways and one of the simplest is through traffic exchange.
There are traffic exchange networks that works in the way that the members exchange viewing other sites. Once somebody signs up, he or she becomes a member in a few minutes, and can start browsing on different member sites in order for his or her own sites to be seen as well. When a members surfs through another member’s site, he or she gets credit. This credit shall then be assigned to the site that the owner or member wants to be seen by the others. This process rotates for every member.
In relation, the more a member spends time and effort surfing other member’s sites, the more chances his or her site assigned with the credits gathered will be seen by others; thus directing streaming traffic to the site. This also increases the chances to get potential customers from the members browsing on the site. When people sees an interesting site, they will tend to browse even just a bit of its details though the initial reason for surfing is just to get the desired traffic.
Furthermore, traffic exchange programs are usually free of charge. They just have some purchase offers to members for some additional credits. They also involve referral schemes where a member can gain more credits through having somebody sign up with the program through them.
In general, traffic exchanges are patronized by small business owners, or online business starters. These entrepreneurs want to cut cost on advertising, or have it free as much as possible, which is a good way to start. Since traffic is the lifeblood of Internet marketing, then it is significant to make sure that the site will stand alive.
Friday, June 12, 2009
My Website Is Not Generating Calls... Help!
Okay, your website's up and listed with the online yellow pages... and you're paying someone to have the search engines (i.e. Google) send lots of visitors to your site. But your phone isn't ringing. Your site has lots of helpful information so visitors can learn all about you and the wonderful services you offer. But your phone isn't ringing. And on your homepage, you have pictures of smiling people to make everyone think: "I'll also be smiling when I use this service". But your phone still isn't ringing!
How to use your website to generate phone calls
Your website needs to be good at generating phone call inquiries for your business. Just follow these basic rules to get the phones ringing:
* Make sure your phone number is "above the fold". Many website visitors won't realize they have to scroll down on your homepage to find your phone number. Or they won't stick around long enough to figure it out.
* Display it at the top of your homepage. When seeing a web page, we start at the top and scan from left to right. So display your phone number in the upper left or right of your homepage so prospects can see it right away. Follow this rule for every page of your site.
* Make it twice as big as it is now. You know where your phone number is located on your web pages but your visitors don't. So however big it is now... it's probably not big enough. Double its size to make your phone number impossible to miss!
* Show your phone number more than once. Don't be shy about showing off your phone number. The top and bottom of your web pages are good places. Also, next to your website navigation menu and any special promotions you're advertising on the site.
* Use a toll-free number. People are more inclined to call if they know if won't cost them. So make it easy... use a toll-free number! And put "toll-free" next to the number so there's no doubt when a prospect starts to dial.
That's it for now... my phone is ringing! Come visit us at www.leadtail.com.
How to use your website to generate phone calls
Your website needs to be good at generating phone call inquiries for your business. Just follow these basic rules to get the phones ringing:
* Make sure your phone number is "above the fold". Many website visitors won't realize they have to scroll down on your homepage to find your phone number. Or they won't stick around long enough to figure it out.
* Display it at the top of your homepage. When seeing a web page, we start at the top and scan from left to right. So display your phone number in the upper left or right of your homepage so prospects can see it right away. Follow this rule for every page of your site.
* Make it twice as big as it is now. You know where your phone number is located on your web pages but your visitors don't. So however big it is now... it's probably not big enough. Double its size to make your phone number impossible to miss!
* Show your phone number more than once. Don't be shy about showing off your phone number. The top and bottom of your web pages are good places. Also, next to your website navigation menu and any special promotions you're advertising on the site.
* Use a toll-free number. People are more inclined to call if they know if won't cost them. So make it easy... use a toll-free number! And put "toll-free" next to the number so there's no doubt when a prospect starts to dial.
That's it for now... my phone is ringing! Come visit us at www.leadtail.com.
Game Trade Central | My Positive Words
Game Trade Central is the best stop on the internet if you want to sell or trade-in your video game system or video games. They have the greatest prices and the best customer service. I used a game trading service similar to what they offer from another site and their service did not come close to beating the service I got from Game Trade Central.
Let me tell you exactly what Game Trade Central is and how they work. Game Trade Central purchases video games and video game systems and gives you a quote amount for the price they will buy your system or video games for directly on their site. This is a really great feature and service because many other companies I’ve dealt with in the past made me wait 24-48 hours.
I think the greatest part about Game Trade Central is that they have a very simple checkout process. Their checkout process involves a simple three-step system in which you first search for the item you want to trade-in.They have every single video game system ever built. Then you click the picture corresponding with the video game system you want to sell. After you’ve selected your video game system, they give you the current value of the video game system you want to trade-in. Then you confirm the specifications of your video game system. After you’ve confirmed everything, you are then taken to a confirmation page where you confirm the video game system and the quantity you want to trade-in. As long as everything looks good and you’ve done everything right, you confirm the sale.
Game Trade Central has the absolute easiest trade-in process for video game system I’ve ever used and the best part is that they are fair. I know I said that already but I felt it was necessary to mention it again because it’s so important. I used other companies near my house years ago when I traded-in my Nintendo 64 and they ripped me off. It was nice having a totally seamless and hassle-free trade-in process. I was pleased with Game Trade Central beyond my wildest expectations.
When you’re on their site you also get this feeling that their company is really run by gamers. But you also get the feeling that they really understand their business and they have compassion. After you complete the trade-in process, they explicitly explain how they value their prices and trade-in values. All of the other companies I’ve dealt with in the past tried to hide this. I’m not sure why they tried to hide it, because it’s very informative information and it provides transparency for the seller.
I’ve babbled on about trading in video game systems and I want to make sure I don’t forget about their video game trade-in service. They have a neat little feature called the GAME E-VALUATOR. The Game E-Valuator is a search box that allows you to search for any video game title on just about any video game system to trade it in or buy it. The best part about this feature is the speed and accuracy it provides. With search functions like this, you can typically expect the search function to return the wrong results, but not with Game Trade Central. Their search function is first class.
Let me tell you exactly what Game Trade Central is and how they work. Game Trade Central purchases video games and video game systems and gives you a quote amount for the price they will buy your system or video games for directly on their site. This is a really great feature and service because many other companies I’ve dealt with in the past made me wait 24-48 hours.
I think the greatest part about Game Trade Central is that they have a very simple checkout process. Their checkout process involves a simple three-step system in which you first search for the item you want to trade-in.They have every single video game system ever built. Then you click the picture corresponding with the video game system you want to sell. After you’ve selected your video game system, they give you the current value of the video game system you want to trade-in. Then you confirm the specifications of your video game system. After you’ve confirmed everything, you are then taken to a confirmation page where you confirm the video game system and the quantity you want to trade-in. As long as everything looks good and you’ve done everything right, you confirm the sale.
Game Trade Central has the absolute easiest trade-in process for video game system I’ve ever used and the best part is that they are fair. I know I said that already but I felt it was necessary to mention it again because it’s so important. I used other companies near my house years ago when I traded-in my Nintendo 64 and they ripped me off. It was nice having a totally seamless and hassle-free trade-in process. I was pleased with Game Trade Central beyond my wildest expectations.
When you’re on their site you also get this feeling that their company is really run by gamers. But you also get the feeling that they really understand their business and they have compassion. After you complete the trade-in process, they explicitly explain how they value their prices and trade-in values. All of the other companies I’ve dealt with in the past tried to hide this. I’m not sure why they tried to hide it, because it’s very informative information and it provides transparency for the seller.
I’ve babbled on about trading in video game systems and I want to make sure I don’t forget about their video game trade-in service. They have a neat little feature called the GAME E-VALUATOR. The Game E-Valuator is a search box that allows you to search for any video game title on just about any video game system to trade it in or buy it. The best part about this feature is the speed and accuracy it provides. With search functions like this, you can typically expect the search function to return the wrong results, but not with Game Trade Central. Their search function is first class.
Four Ways To Find The EBay Alternatives To Fit Your Business
In fact, there are several viable alternatives to selling on eBay for the ecommerce entrepreneur, and you will probably find them much more seller friendly, besides a lot more economical than eBay.
Before you choose an alternative to eBay, you should first consider the type of product or products you are selling, as different websites are geared toward different types of items.
For example, if your business is dropshipping new books, then Amazon might be a much better marketplace for you than eBay.
If, however, your niche market is vintage items such as clothing or textiles, Amazon wouldn't work for you because at this time, it doesn't carry vintage or used clothing. In that case, a different web site such as Bonanzle might work very nicely for you.
Here are four simple steps you can take to find a website that will be a suitable, economical alternative to selling on eBay, and that will enable you to set up and start selling immediately, with a minimum of fuss and bother:
1. Do a Google search for "eBay alternatives" or "online auction sites". You will discover that your search will return several websites. You need to check them out to see what each has to offer.
2. When visiting each website with an eye for how it would work for you as an alternative to selling on eBay, check to make sure that you would be able to sell your products there.
Browse the categories, read the policies and learn about listing fees and final value fees, membership fees, if any; listing restrictions, listing durations, etc. 3. Once you have chosen a site that seems suitable for the types of items you sell, follow the instructions on the website to join and become a member/seller.
4. Now, simply start listing your items for sale on the new site. Some eBay alternative sites make it especially easy for sellers by allowing you to quickly and easily import your listings from eBay in bulk.
Voila! In only a few moments, you can find great places to list and sell your products besides eBay....choose the one that best suits your needs according to what type of items you sell.....register as a seller, list your items and be ready for business!
If eBay isn't working for you anymore, not to worry---there is life after eBay and other profitable auction sites just waiting for you to start selling!
Before you choose an alternative to eBay, you should first consider the type of product or products you are selling, as different websites are geared toward different types of items.
For example, if your business is dropshipping new books, then Amazon might be a much better marketplace for you than eBay.
If, however, your niche market is vintage items such as clothing or textiles, Amazon wouldn't work for you because at this time, it doesn't carry vintage or used clothing. In that case, a different web site such as Bonanzle might work very nicely for you.
Here are four simple steps you can take to find a website that will be a suitable, economical alternative to selling on eBay, and that will enable you to set up and start selling immediately, with a minimum of fuss and bother:
1. Do a Google search for "eBay alternatives" or "online auction sites". You will discover that your search will return several websites. You need to check them out to see what each has to offer.
2. When visiting each website with an eye for how it would work for you as an alternative to selling on eBay, check to make sure that you would be able to sell your products there.
Browse the categories, read the policies and learn about listing fees and final value fees, membership fees, if any; listing restrictions, listing durations, etc. 3. Once you have chosen a site that seems suitable for the types of items you sell, follow the instructions on the website to join and become a member/seller.
4. Now, simply start listing your items for sale on the new site. Some eBay alternative sites make it especially easy for sellers by allowing you to quickly and easily import your listings from eBay in bulk.
Voila! In only a few moments, you can find great places to list and sell your products besides eBay....choose the one that best suits your needs according to what type of items you sell.....register as a seller, list your items and be ready for business!
If eBay isn't working for you anymore, not to worry---there is life after eBay and other profitable auction sites just waiting for you to start selling!
SEO secrets for E-commerce Websites
As the industry is changing as rapidly as Google tweaks their algorithm, it is hard to decide what the most important factors are. The On-site and off-site are the two major factors in SEO which is necessary for every type of website. Normally, most of the webmasters starts with the on-site SEO, because your aim is to get your website recognize by Google. If they don’t, then how are you ever going to rank for a keyword?
The search engine spiders that crawl your E-commerce website will be looking at several different attributes on every page to determine where it needs to go and how relevant it is to specific searches done at Google search engine.
Another factor worth mentioning is a Keyword. What is a Keyword?
A keyword is basically an elaborate name for what people might search for when trying to find your E-commerce website. I am using a Bodhost.co.uk website as an example. People could search for "Web Hosting", but they might also search for "Cheap Web Hosting", "VPS Web Hosting" and "UK Web Hosting Service". All of these would be keywords, or probably more properly could be said to be key phrases.
However, they are generally all referred to simply as keywords. Note that almost all On-site SEO has to do with is placing high-quality keywords throughout your E-commerce website content where search engine robots, spiders, or software might be able to decide what your website is about. 6 On-Site SEO Factors That Can Influence Your SERP Ranking:
* The Title of the Page * The keywords used in the text on your website * The keywords are used in H1 Tags * Keywords used in your domain name * Keywords used in the URL of a webpage * Meta Keywords
3 Major Off-Site SEO Factors That Can Improve Your Search Engine Ranking:
Backlinks to Your E-commerce Website
This is without a doubt one of the keys to having your website listed in the search engines results page for specific keywords. Google likes to look at what others are saying about your website to determine what it is about. For example, if someone is a huge fan of a UK Web Hosting, and you provide that service, they may link to your website with "UK Web Hosting" as the text that people would click on to get to your website. This text is called anchor text and Google will see that link as a simple "vote" for your website to appear higher than others for that keyword. In short, these are commonly referred to as backlinks.
Quality of the Websites linking to your Website
Those linking to your website should also have some form of importance. For example, there are many websites with loads of outgoing links to many websites. Google does not want to give these websites as much weight in their "vote" in comparison to a link from Bodhost’s official website or something along those lines.
The Age of Your E-commerce Website
The reason I listed this as an off-site related issue, because it really doesn’t fit in either category. This is a simple issue that the search engines will evaluate. This is not to say that it is the most important factor, but many older websites will naturally rank higher than new websites that have more backlinks.
I am not sure why this occurs, but many would say that it does. As compare to Google, Yahoo definitely puts more weight on this.
The search engine spiders that crawl your E-commerce website will be looking at several different attributes on every page to determine where it needs to go and how relevant it is to specific searches done at Google search engine.
Another factor worth mentioning is a Keyword. What is a Keyword?
A keyword is basically an elaborate name for what people might search for when trying to find your E-commerce website. I am using a Bodhost.co.uk website as an example. People could search for "Web Hosting", but they might also search for "Cheap Web Hosting", "VPS Web Hosting" and "UK Web Hosting Service". All of these would be keywords, or probably more properly could be said to be key phrases.
However, they are generally all referred to simply as keywords. Note that almost all On-site SEO has to do with is placing high-quality keywords throughout your E-commerce website content where search engine robots, spiders, or software might be able to decide what your website is about. 6 On-Site SEO Factors That Can Influence Your SERP Ranking:
* The Title of the Page * The keywords used in the text on your website * The keywords are used in H1 Tags * Keywords used in your domain name * Keywords used in the URL of a webpage * Meta Keywords
3 Major Off-Site SEO Factors That Can Improve Your Search Engine Ranking:
Backlinks to Your E-commerce Website
This is without a doubt one of the keys to having your website listed in the search engines results page for specific keywords. Google likes to look at what others are saying about your website to determine what it is about. For example, if someone is a huge fan of a UK Web Hosting, and you provide that service, they may link to your website with "UK Web Hosting" as the text that people would click on to get to your website. This text is called anchor text and Google will see that link as a simple "vote" for your website to appear higher than others for that keyword. In short, these are commonly referred to as backlinks.
Quality of the Websites linking to your Website
Those linking to your website should also have some form of importance. For example, there are many websites with loads of outgoing links to many websites. Google does not want to give these websites as much weight in their "vote" in comparison to a link from Bodhost’s official website or something along those lines.
The Age of Your E-commerce Website
The reason I listed this as an off-site related issue, because it really doesn’t fit in either category. This is a simple issue that the search engines will evaluate. This is not to say that it is the most important factor, but many older websites will naturally rank higher than new websites that have more backlinks.
I am not sure why this occurs, but many would say that it does. As compare to Google, Yahoo definitely puts more weight on this.
Secure your Ecommerce Business Profits
Every ecommerce website owner develops the site with the aim of selling their range of products and services to the target customers and earn profits. But due to certain mistakes done at initial level of ecommerce website development, they fail to earn the required profits. They should have proper plan for site promotion, set business goals and build the site in such a manner that it shows some extra benefits over the competitors.
Though it may seem simple, but building a successful website is not so easy. As there are many options available from which you have to select the most appropriate one that suits the specific requirement of your business. Many times at the start of the business venture site owners are reluctant in spending big sum of money, in such cases you can find online systems which allows to produce and run ecommerce website even with small amount of investment. This also gives the advantage of building a site for shorter time span without doing huge investment. But these solutions have limited number of functionalities.
Getting an off-the-shelf solution can help in creating an ecommerce website. It is extremely beneficial for users that have time to learn technical aspects of ecommerce solutions and have some amount of knowledge about programming.
Best option is to hire a good ecommerce website developer to build your site. Here you can provide your eshop a unique look that can very well exhibit your company's image and approach. The developer has to be contacted and stay in constant touch with their client as each and every minor change requires their support.
According to experts, best approach and way of building a ecommerce site is by using services of website development service providers. The size of your project and its type affect the decision regarding the choice of these companies. A professional team of web developers would take care and work for your ecommerce designing project and give regular feedback about the proceedings. The team may consist of content editors, web administrator, account manager, database programmer, etc. Best way to build an ecommerce website is to have dynamic web pages that have administrative capabilities.
Sometimes despite of displaying quality products and services the ecommerce site fails to get intended visitors and have low popularity rate. In such circumstances you may have to take help of web promotion specialists. SEO has become primary thing that has to be focused upon as more number of visitors are through search engines
Though it may seem simple, but building a successful website is not so easy. As there are many options available from which you have to select the most appropriate one that suits the specific requirement of your business. Many times at the start of the business venture site owners are reluctant in spending big sum of money, in such cases you can find online systems which allows to produce and run ecommerce website even with small amount of investment. This also gives the advantage of building a site for shorter time span without doing huge investment. But these solutions have limited number of functionalities.
Getting an off-the-shelf solution can help in creating an ecommerce website. It is extremely beneficial for users that have time to learn technical aspects of ecommerce solutions and have some amount of knowledge about programming.
Best option is to hire a good ecommerce website developer to build your site. Here you can provide your eshop a unique look that can very well exhibit your company's image and approach. The developer has to be contacted and stay in constant touch with their client as each and every minor change requires their support.
According to experts, best approach and way of building a ecommerce site is by using services of website development service providers. The size of your project and its type affect the decision regarding the choice of these companies. A professional team of web developers would take care and work for your ecommerce designing project and give regular feedback about the proceedings. The team may consist of content editors, web administrator, account manager, database programmer, etc. Best way to build an ecommerce website is to have dynamic web pages that have administrative capabilities.
Sometimes despite of displaying quality products and services the ecommerce site fails to get intended visitors and have low popularity rate. In such circumstances you may have to take help of web promotion specialists. SEO has become primary thing that has to be focused upon as more number of visitors are through search engines
Selecting a Web Designer or Developer for your Ecommerce Website
With most ecommerce sites, success comes with how good you look and not how good you are. Most consumers will judge how trustworthy and professional you are as an online store by checking out the aesthetics of your website. And while most ecommerce merchants are professionals in their field, a lot of them are not necessarily professionals when it comes to graphic designing or web development. They know all about the services and products that they have to sell, but they don’t know anything when it comes to such terms as alpha transparency, white space or even PHP.
When I first got started with Devix V.5 (version 5), I had no idea about graphic designing and web development. But slowly, as the process unraveled before my eyes, I learnt a great deal about how to improve my website, aesthetically speaking.
Get to know your Designer/ Developer
The terms "Web Developer" and "Web Designer" indicate two separate yet related professional skill sets. With Devix, I got both these skill sets at one go, but many places offer these services separately. So, it is very important to understand the difference before you choose to hire someone.
A good web designer is someone who is capable of creating visually attractive websites and has to have sufficient coding knowledge in areas like HTML, CSS, XML, PHP, etc. so as to implement that visually attractive design by using any number of web platforms and tools. So, web designers basically create all the visual aspects of a website and use standard tools to implement this design.
A web developer on the other hand is an expert in one or maybe more coding languages and has the ability to develop applications, custom widgets and platforms and so on, from scratch. So, web developers basically create applications or even tools that can be used in future to develop or improve the site.
However, many designers can develop applications or even integrate standard ones, and many developers can do web design work. So, when do you need a designer and when do you need a developer? If you are starting a new ecommerce website, then you should probably hire a designer instead of a developer. Web designers will use an existing shopping cart or content management system and then dress it up to make you look good.
How to choose a good Designer/Developer
• Ask around and check references – Ask around and check with at least three separate references before you choose a suitable designer or developer for your job. Find out about the quality of the designer or developer, how he or she works, how they maintain schedules and how easy is it to work with them?
• Research and compare shopping carts – Every ecommerce owner knows that the shopping cart is the backbone of any online business and it is also the order processing or content management tool that you will probably be left with after your designer or developer is off working on other projects. Compare shopping carts based on their features and once you have narrowed the field, then look for designers that specialize in making the type of carts that you want.
• Get his or her statement of work – Before you sign the contract with a certain designer or developer, always get his or her statement of work. This statement should include the concerned persons understanding of your task, an estimated time table; list the exact services he or she will be providing, an estimate price, etc.
• Check for relevant experience – Experience always matters more than mere credentials. Graphic designing and web development are trades that are generally self-taught. Never judge by the academic credentials, as you could be missing out on a very talented professional.
When I first got started with Devix V.5 (version 5), I had no idea about graphic designing and web development. But slowly, as the process unraveled before my eyes, I learnt a great deal about how to improve my website, aesthetically speaking.
Get to know your Designer/ Developer
The terms "Web Developer" and "Web Designer" indicate two separate yet related professional skill sets. With Devix, I got both these skill sets at one go, but many places offer these services separately. So, it is very important to understand the difference before you choose to hire someone.
A good web designer is someone who is capable of creating visually attractive websites and has to have sufficient coding knowledge in areas like HTML, CSS, XML, PHP, etc. so as to implement that visually attractive design by using any number of web platforms and tools. So, web designers basically create all the visual aspects of a website and use standard tools to implement this design.
A web developer on the other hand is an expert in one or maybe more coding languages and has the ability to develop applications, custom widgets and platforms and so on, from scratch. So, web developers basically create applications or even tools that can be used in future to develop or improve the site.
However, many designers can develop applications or even integrate standard ones, and many developers can do web design work. So, when do you need a designer and when do you need a developer? If you are starting a new ecommerce website, then you should probably hire a designer instead of a developer. Web designers will use an existing shopping cart or content management system and then dress it up to make you look good.
How to choose a good Designer/Developer
• Ask around and check references – Ask around and check with at least three separate references before you choose a suitable designer or developer for your job. Find out about the quality of the designer or developer, how he or she works, how they maintain schedules and how easy is it to work with them?
• Research and compare shopping carts – Every ecommerce owner knows that the shopping cart is the backbone of any online business and it is also the order processing or content management tool that you will probably be left with after your designer or developer is off working on other projects. Compare shopping carts based on their features and once you have narrowed the field, then look for designers that specialize in making the type of carts that you want.
• Get his or her statement of work – Before you sign the contract with a certain designer or developer, always get his or her statement of work. This statement should include the concerned persons understanding of your task, an estimated time table; list the exact services he or she will be providing, an estimate price, etc.
• Check for relevant experience – Experience always matters more than mere credentials. Graphic designing and web development are trades that are generally self-taught. Never judge by the academic credentials, as you could be missing out on a very talented professional.
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