December, 2009
The High Cost Of Cheap Web Hosting
By Devin | 2 comments
2
Don't let this happen to your business!
Imagine seeing television commercials, newspaper ads, and listening to radio commercials all week for an amazing product at a great new XYZSuperstore in town. When your impulse level has finally been raised high enough, you decide to visit the store and purchase that product. But when you drive all the way over there, you find the store is out of business and shut down! Not only are you disappointed, but now you will most likely take your business elsewhere in the future.
This same scenario can happen to your business online. You put lots of time and/or money into building a quality website and online business. Countless hours are spent optimizing and building a list of subscribers. You invest money into paid advertising to bring even more traffic to your site. Let’s face it, most of us don’t stay logged onto our website 24-7. For the typical small businesses, their site could be down for many hours or, at worst case scenario, a couple days without even knowing! Not only is that a huge immediate revenue loss, but just think about the negative image that sends to the people who tried to visit your site during that time. A negative first impression is very hard to change.
A close friend of mine used to have his site hosted on one of the big name mega hosting companies. His site gets quite a bit of traffic and is the online face of his business. He got a call from an aquaintance one Friday afternoon, “Hey pal, why doesn’t your site work?” What?!? He tries to bring his site up on his browser, but an error message says the account has been suspended! His hosting is prepaid by the year, so it can’t be for lack of payment. He checks his email and can’t find anything from his hosting company in months. His only option is to call the hosting company, but it’s after their business hours and no one answers the phone. His website site sits dead all weekend! Come Monday morning, he finds out that his FTP had been infected by a simple malware program that exploited a flaw or backdoor in his Wordpress theme. Now, the hosting company has to protect themselves of course, but instead of them simply deleting the malware, or calling him, or even emailing him, they just literally turned his business OFF without even notifying him! Luckily he didn’t have any major product launch happening at the time, but could you imagine the horrible affect that would have if it happened to your business during a time of highly expected traffic?
Dirt cheap web hosting can come at an unexpected and sometimes very costly price. In my experience, it has always been better to spend a few extra bucks on a quality company that places a high emphasis on customer service. This is especially important when your business doesn’t run without it!
Business Owners Still Use Faxes To Sign Documents?
By Devin
Online businesses can use online signatures.
Ok, so you’ve got email, instant messages, texting, streaming video, VOIP phones, video conferencing etc etc, but once you close a new contract you still have to fax the document to them to get signed? Really? Why does that one aspect of your business revert back to stone age technology?
Awhile back I found and started using a great service that brought the document signing aspect of my business up to speed with the rest of technology. After having used it for quite some time, I am happy to say that it has worked flawlessly and was exactly what I needed. The best part is, you can try it for free. The service I’m talking about is called EchoSign.
What is it? EchoSign is the fastest, easiest way to get contracts signed, tracked and filed. Unlike virtual fax or e-signature software, EchoSign offers an end-to-end solution by automating the entire contracting process from the request for signature to the distribution and filing of the executed agreement. EchoSign instantly shows you what’s out for signature, what’s been signed, when and by whom. All documents are converted to a PDF and automatically routed to all parties. In addition, archival copies of all your signed contracts are automatically stored in your EchoSign account with no scanning, inputting or effort required.
Your information, documents and data are Seriously Secure — period.
- All communications on the site, and all documents e-mailed through EchoSign, are encrypted with full 128-bit SSL security.
- Furthermore, your account and all your documents on EchoSign are also password protected, and no one will be able to access your data unless you grant them permission.
- All passwords and account data are encrypted with RSA keys.
- Servers are housed in state-of-the-art secured facilities with power and Internet back-up.
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (“E-Signature Act”) became effective in the US on October 1, 2000 deeming online electronic signatures on commercial transactions and most other agreements have a legal status equivalent to a written signature.
As I said, I’ve been using this service in my business for a long time now and have been 100% satisfied. It is easy to use, and you can try it for free. If you decide to upgrade and become a customer, the pricing is very inexpensive. Find out more about EchoSign by clicking here.
Increase Your Internet Sales and Overcome Sales Objections
By Devin | 2 comments
2
Here is another great article by my partner Omar Martin
Whenever you are trying to sell something you must consider that prospect WILL have reservations about buying your product. On the internet this is even more prevalent because buyers are trying to be cautious of cons and scams so they are very, very careful before clicking your “Buy Now” button. Being aware of this fact gives you (the marketer) the upper hand. You must use your ‘copy’ to pre-empt the prospects objection and gain their trust. This is the only way to “Win the Sale”.
In face to face selling or telemarketing this is a bit easier to do because you can read the customer’s buying and non-buying signals. You can read these signs by the tone in their voice or in the body language they display. So how do you compensate for this lack of interaction within the sales copy on your website? Well, you must put yourself in your customer’s shoes and read your sales page back to yourself over and over again. Take a highlighter and section off the areas that may give rise to objections and reservations from your prospects. Then go back and address those objections by adding the info to your copy or “sales pitch”.
Regardless of how silly an objection may seem to you, they are very real for the prospect and they must be addressed accordingly. There is no generic rebuttal for all objections but there are key phrases that should always be used when rebutting an objection. The main thing to remember is that an objection is an opportunity. The prospect is testing your credibility and product knowledge. It is a chance to shine in the eyes of the prospect but it is inherently also a chance to blow the deal completely. Always be prepared for an objection.
When selling in person or over the phone, you don’t have as much time to think about a perfect rebuttal as you do when you’re writing sales copy. You should have pre-planned responses to all the common objections for your product. “I don’t have the money.” or “I have to talk to my spouse” or “It’s too expensive.” are all examples of common objections that we here regardless of product or market. Your rebuttals to these should be quick and assertive. But some objections are not as easy to handle, especially when they are technical in nature. Remember that your credibility is being tested so you should not guess at the right answer. Instead, make a list of the prospects concerns and after each concern say “What else..” Let the prospect see that you are attentively listening and writing down the questions. Repeat the process until they have no more objections then say “Those are some great points Mr. Prospect, now I’m certain that when I satisfy all of these concerns you I will have earned your business.. Correct?” REMAIN SILENT.. (The first person to talk here gets sold so don’t let it be you) Next reassure them that you will thoroughly investigate each of these points and give them the exact date and time that you will get back with them, to close the deal. This method will always win their trust in comparison to just baffling them with nonsense answers that you made up or guessed.
Remember to always edify the prospect. Their objections may sound common or ridiculous to you, but to them they are real concerns. Make them feel like it’s the first time you’ve ever heard that concern and give them the attention it deserves. Agree with them and their objection, then refute the objection and finally, close the deal. Never argue or take an opposing stand because that will not win over the prospects trust. You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. This approach disarms the prospect and makes you look like a helpful friend instead of a salesman. Whenever possible, you should relate their concerns to another customer’s similar situation and point out how it was resolved for them. This makes them feel like they are not alone and kicks in “The Jones Effect.”
Omar Martin is an internet marketing and sales expert. Omar & his partner Mike Filsaime help internet marketing newbies succeed online through 1 on 1 mentorship and coaching. You can get their free Cd-Rom delivered right to your doorstep at: InternetSellingForNewbies.com
Indifference Factor When It Comes To Sales
By Devin | 15 comments
15Here is another great article by my partner Omar Martin
Indifference is probably the most effective of all 4 impulse factors. I’ve made an incredible amount of money on my ability to convey indifference alone! If you can portray GENUINE indifference to your prospects, they will be compelled to buy now and not even think about asking if they can buy it later.
This is a basic psychological fact and it can’t be denied. If you want to compete with the pro’s then you must master indifference in your sales pitch. You can’t get around it!!
I believe, indifference is best portrayed non verbally, it is instilled in the reader by the context of your written words on a sales page and not by the actual words themselves. Face to face or in “copy”, indifference is basically something you imply. The best way I can explain this is by saying that indifference is the “It doesn’t matter to me.” or “I don’t care.” attitude. It’s the aura that you project which makes the prospect feel like it’s of no worry to you if they choose not to buy. INDIFFERENCE IS VERY IMPORTANT IN SALES!
Indifference is the opposite of being overzealous or begging for the sale. It is the cool, nonchalant persona of “Fonzy” from the television show “Happy Days.” This is extremely powerful simply because you are making the prospect feel like you don’t care if they miss out on the product. Your job is just to show them the product and nothing more.
People inherently want what they can’t have. That is a basic psychological fact. That being said, if you make it too easy for them to have it or you try to push it upon them, they won’t want it.
“You have to PULL the string… Not PUSH it!”
For example, if you’re struggling to hit a goal, you’re probably frustrated and its showing all over your face. And if it’s showing all over your face, then you have lost all of your indifference. All the customer sees in your face is desperation, “please buy this from me.” You have to keep your business posture at all times and remain indifferent about the sale. You must portray that it doesn’t matter to you if they buy your product or not.
Many times, marketers and sales people make the mistake of getting overly excited when they feel they have a prospect on the hook. Don’t get too excited until after the sale is made.
Experience has proven to me, that on the days where I was care free about hitting a goal I made more sales. That’s because I didn’t have desperation written all over my face.
It’s because I set out those days with fun on my mind. My body language was telling people: “I don’t care if you buy from me or not.” People will be drawn to that type of attitude and behavior. Prospects will want to buy from you just because they like who you are. I’ve had people buy from me when they didn’t even need or want my product but simply like me. Bottom line, you are selling yourself!!
Did you ever have a crush on someone in school but the more you tried to talk to them the more they played hard to get? Then when you gave up on them and moved your attention to someone else suddenly the first person pops up and shows interest in you? That’s because you became indifferent to them and people inherently want what they can’t have!
Home shopping channels use indifference by displaying a picture of the next product that they will be selling. Almost as if to say “It doesn’t matter if you don’t buy this because we’re about to move on to something else here anyway…”
“We’re just about done with this item but don’t worry because coming up we have …. ” Again this is impulse building through indifference, they are not done selling this product yet but they are already talking to you about the next one.
Omar Martin is an internet marketing and sales expert. Omar & his partner Mike Filsaime help internet marketing newbies succeed online through 1 on 1 mentorship and coaching. You can get their free Cd-Rom delivered right to your doorstep at: InternetSellingForNewbies.com
Tips For New Email Marketers To Remember
By Devin | 1 comment
1
There is a lot of money to be made with email list marketing. However, once you have built your own opt-in list, it is not just a matter of sending your subscribers your promotional newsletters or catalogs. There are a important aspects to consider when mailing to your subscribers.
Obviously you want to avoid any issues with your internet service provider and the authorities. There are many rules that govern email marketing to help protect the privacy of internet users from spamming and unwanted mails, so it is important to make sure you are in compliance. Ensure that your online business is legit. Your reputation as a marketer and a legitimate site depends on following the rules.
In addition to the legal guidelines, here are three things to keep an eye on when emailing your list.
1) Pay attention to unsuccessful sends. These are the e-mails that do not get delivered, known as “bounced”. Bounced emails are undeliverable for whatever reason. Sometimes this is because the server was overloaded at that time. Sometimes the target inbox was full. Those email addresses will hopefully work on your next attempt. However, an invalid email address, a misspelled email address, or an email address that was abandoned and erased already will never work.
Actively manage your list by marking bad emails. If they have bounced multiple times you can erase email accounts from your list. That will make sure you have accurate statistics to track your conversions and performance.
A common mistake people make when opting into your list is accidentally using an N instead of an M in the “.com” of their email address. If you notice those, it is an easy fix!
2) You have to provide an option to unsubscribe from your list. Your subscribers have consented to being on the list by subscribing themselves, and if you are using a reputable auto-responder service, it was a “double opt-in” process. The auto-responder should automatically include an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of every outgoing email you send to your list. Take requests seriously when someone on your list files a request to be unsubscribed. If you keep sending them your emails, you could be breaking the law!
If you were to be reported as a spammer, you can cause your business a lot of harm. You could be dropped by your internet service provider, and potentially face legal issues.
3) Do not promote or email shocking and disturbing content in your newsletters. Typically you won’t know the age of the subscribers, so stay away from anything that could be controversial. Remember why the person subscribed to your list in the first place and stick to the nature of your site and business.
I hope you remember these 3 helpful tips when emailing your subscriber list. Your subscriber list can help you build a very profitable online income, so it is important to treat it with care!
-devinchipman.com
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