Over 80% of customers begin their purchase decision by searching for a product or service online. Attracting and keeping customers on your website involves a focused marketing plan. Whether you use Search Engine Optimization, business-to-consumer finance options, or countless others, here are some ways to build up your online sales strategy today.
Identify Your Audience
A clearly defined market allows you to develop marketing plans designed to meet the needs of your ideal customers. Market research and competitive analysis are necessary parts of a cohesive promotional strategy. Many companies successfully develop a marketing program for a niche segment of their target audience.
Provide a Solution
Once you know how your product or service will benefit your audience, drive customers to your website with your SEO campaign. At a basic level, SEO content moves your website to the top of a search engine results page, meaning customers are likely to click on your page. Once you have them on your page, your website should keep them engaged and provide a call to action. Some common types of content include:
- Blogs
- White papers
- Infographics
- Instructional videos
- Glossaries
- Slideshows
Offer Financing
Encourage customers to purchase your product or service with a dynamic call to action that includes a business-to-consumer finance option. Some business owners prefer to act as the lender and offer to finance customer purchases. Several third-party lenders provide zero- to low-cost financing at the point of sale. You will pay a fee based on the total purchase price to the merchant.
Develop Partnerships
Social media influencers provide a boost of traffic to your website. Do your research to locate influencers that your target audience follows. Send them a sample of your product for review. Consider finding influencers that are still at the beginning stage of their business. While they may not have as many followers, new influencers can usually get your product onto their channel faster.
Provide Something Free
A free item can help you build a dynamic lead generation program. This information provides you with a lead database for your sales staff to use in the future. You can also include these leads in your email marketing campaign to drive them back to your website. In exchange for this information, offer your customer something of value, such as:
- Downloadable whitepaper
- Early adopter discount
- Free trial
- Holiday checklists
With your strategy in hand, you can drive business to your website. Those customers will be more inclined to buy your product and recommend it to others.
