10 Top Tips for Successful Online Selling

1) If you can’t get big, get niche

The web is huge, but you can be successful by being different. Maybe you can offer a range of specialist products that is hard to find elsewhere.

2) Learn from others

Absorb the lessons from case studies. Let other people make the mistakes for you.

3) Be realistic

Not everything can be sold online. If you can’t buy it by telephone, it won’t sell over the net.

4) Choose a solution that can grow with your business

Remember – you get what you pay for. Choose proven software with proper security and that is successful enough to still be around in a few years time.

5) Reassure your visitors about security

Use SSL or Shared SSL so that your customers see the golden padlock when they are purchasing. If they don’t, your sales will suffer.

6) Take credit cards online

You will either need an internet-approved merchant account from your bank, or agreement from a Payment Service Provider to process transactions on your behalf. For a comprehensive list, see www.actinic.co.uk/services/occs.htm.

7) Make yourself real

Make sure your customers know who you are – provide your real-world address and telephone number. It helps sales and it’s the law.

8) Business before beauty

Remember you’re building a site for shoppers, not art lovers. The key is an easily navigable site where visitors can easily find what they’re looking for.

9) Get on Google

Google is the #1 search engine, and can deliver more traffic than the rest combined. Make it a priority to get a good ranking there.

11) Love your customers

Your business won’t stand or fall just on your web site. The quality of your customer care is crucial. Give your customers a great experience and they will recommend you.

During July and August Tyres & Accessories is giving away 25 copies of Chris Barling’s book “Over 120 Top Tips for Running an E-commerce Web Site.” For your chance to win one send your email address and contact details to theeditor@77.237.250.82.