By Hostway
When you’re the boss, getting motivated and quickly seeing how more customers can increase your profits isn’t hard. Think big, just make sure your expectations can be met. It’s a lot easier to feel good about a 2 percent increase if your initial goal isn’t to double your revenue.
Five Ideas to Get You Started
1. Plan a Site Redesign
Giving your site a new look can get your current customers talking about you to their friends and associates. Redesigning your site is also a great way to determine which products or services should be retooled or even be eliminated from your current selection.
2. Add a Shopping Cart
One of the many benefits of online shopping is being able to skip standing in a line of fellow shoppers. If your customers can’t experience that time savings and the other advantages of buying directly from your site, explore your ecommerce options. Giving customers the power to purchase quickly, easily and securely from your online store can seriously improve your bottom line.
3. Recharge Your Marketing Plan
If you’ve been hesitant to invest in online marketing, this is the perfect time to assess your return on investment in online advertising, a pay per click campaign or search engine optimization. Even if your budget only allows you to take one additional marketing step, it could just turn out to be your tipping point.
4. Join the Fray
With the increase in forums, professional blogs and social networking sites, you can put your business in front of potential customers on a shoestring budget. Remember to shy away from blatantly advertising your products on public forums. Instead, establish yourself as an expert and gain link backs to your site organically.
5. Reward Current Customers
You’ve heard time and again that customer referrals are one of the most convincing ways to find out about a new business or product. Encourage your own customers to spread the word about you by starting a refer-a-friend program. It only takes a minimal discount or token free gift to give your customers an extra incentive to talk you up.
Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
Don’t get frustrated if you don’t see an instant response to your efforts. Set a reasonable timeline with realistic goals and develop a matrix for assessing whether or not you can meet them.