The 3 Key Components Of Website Survival

The 3 Key Components
Of Website Survival

It doesn't matter how well designed your site is if nobody comes to visit. You may actually know or have heard about someone who gave up on the Internet just because their site did very little or no business. It's really no mystery why they didn't survive.

Even though the World Wide Web is still in its infancy, there have been many pioneers who have blazed a trail for us, giving us these key components of survival for our business on the Internet...

Bringing in the Traffic

1. The first key component of survival is: PROMOTION

Without traffic, you won't get orders. Without orders, you won't survive! Here's eight ways you can promote your site to bring in the traffic.

Register your URL with Internet search engines/directories.
Post Classified Ads in Internet Malls and other classifieds areas on the Web.
Post articles in online service forums and file libraries to build your credibility.
Buy Banner Advertising on high traffic sites with "shoppers".
Use email to send messages and announcements to your opt-in list.
Frequent relevant Newsgroups and offer helpful advice where needed (builds credibility). Always use your signature! It's like a mini billboard.
Trade links with similar sites or try Link Exchange.
Use conventional advertising like print media to display your web address. Example: Use Direct Mail to send out your brochure which prominently displays your web address...

For more in-depth information and the EXACT STEPS to online marketing, we strongly recommend:

"The Insider Secrets to Marketing Your Business
on the Internet" by Corey Rudl

In an ideal world, your prospects can't wait to come to see your advertisement. They buy only from you and there's no competition... Now, we know this world is really not that ideal, so what can you do to make sure that your potential customers look no further than your website?

Information That Nurtures Sales

2. The second key component of survival is: CONTENT

Providing information of value or entertainment keeps the interest of potential customer and prompts them to purchase. Imagine a sales person in a clothing store helping you try on clothes or revealing to you the latest fashion tips... Chances are you'll buy something before you leave the store if the sales person was helpful and informative.

Different sites need different types of content. The most typical content provided is the "how to" articles. You can also provide the capability of downloading software or picture libraries. And then there's the local news approach. Say if you have a resort you may want to offer local weather conditions. At any rate, provide informative content relative to your product/service.

After your prospect finds you and browses through your material, there's one other thing you must do in order to survive...

Getting the Order

3. The third key component of survival is: ASK FOR THE MONEY

Don't forget to ask for the money! Keep your order page available and easy to find. Use your best sales material and hit them hard for the order. If you don't ask for it you may not get the order.

It's always a good idea to design your site for return visits. But don't depend on it. If you don't get the order the first time, you may never see them again!