Online Business Priorities: The Key to Success

I am an expert in teaching families how to succeed online. Because of my knowledge, I am often asked, “What can I sell on the Internet? What types of businesses have been successful in e-commerce?” I’ve given this a lot of thought, and now I have the answer.

If you are also asking, “What type of businesses have been successful in e-commerce?” I challenge you to change your thinking. Right now, you’re asking the wrong question. Products come, and products go; fashions change with each new season. Clients, however, can be very loyal. Once you find your niche, take a few simple steps to make them feel valued. This will help insulate your business from changing trends.

Start by collecting basic information on your customers, just their name and e-mail addresses to start. Get an autoresponder, a program which will quickly and easily capture this information from incoming e-mails. These auto responders can also be used to send e-mails to customers, selling your product or service even while you sleep.

Let’s use Rick as an example. As Rick cruises the Internet, he spots your e-mail capture form on your webpage. He’s interested in more information, so he signs up. On Monday, Rick gets his first e-mail explaining all the benefits of doing business with you. Week after week, Rick receives e-mails with helpful information.

A month later, Karen also joins your list. While Rick is receiving his fourth e-mail, Karen is receiving her first. Both customers get the same e-mails, in the same sequence, even though they did not join at the same time. Auto responders make this easy by automating the task – you don’t have to spend hours tracking and sending e-mails. Your computer does it all.

Isn’t that amazing? Sequential e-mails can help build your business effectively. Send amazing sales letters, educating your clients and encouraging sales. Advise your valued customers of special offers or promotions, product information, and more.

No matter when your customers join the list, they will get each e-mail in sequence. Re-capture lost sales – even after a promotion is over, offer it to new customers through your sequential e-mails. This will help you build customer loyalty and succeed in your online business.

I cannot stress enough how important this is. Put an e-mail capture form on your most popular page; usually, this will be your home page. Offer something valuable to your customers in exchange for their e-mail addresses (as an example, I offer mini-courses for marketing online). You don’t need anything expensive. Create an article, a report, even a mini-course – anything that will help your client, and convince them to provide you with an e-mail address.

Take time to build your list carefully, and you will build a valuable client base which will ensure the lasting success of your online business. Whatever you do, don’t neglect this important step. Protect yourself from changing fads and fashions, and you will build a productive online business. Auto responders make it easy, so go to it!

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© Stephen Beck, 2008
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Stephen Beck teaches 7 simple repeatable steps to starting a Christian Home Based Business. For a free CD discussing those steps, visit Start Home Business right now.