Are you losing money everyday because of people's fear of buying on the Internet? Poll after poll continue to show that most people are uneasy about placing an order online. This is costing you money.
It is this uneasiness that causes people, who need or want your product or service, to leave your site without placing that order. I know, some people simply change their minds about making a purchase at the last minute for other reasons. But, a large percentage of those last minute back-outs are due to the fears brought about by the horror stories people hear and read about of all the Internet scams and rip offs that are out there.
To counter this reluctance to shop online, you must do everything you can to convince your visitors that your site is a safe place to do business. If you succeed, your sales will jump dramatically.
Here are some ways to add credibility to a Website:
Place your contact information - including your name, physical address, telephone number and email address on your home page, your contact page and your order page. If visitors know you are easily accessible, they will feel better about doing business with you.
Use third party credibility by collecting testimonials from your satisfied customers and place them throughout your pages. Put the strongest two or three testimonials on the order page.
Another way to lend third party credibility to your site is to join either the Better Business Bureau or the Better Internet Bureau, and display their logo on your home page and your order page.
Pictures of your product(s) will greatly increase sales. If you are selling a service or a book, putting your picture on the site will build your visitor's confidence in doing business with you.
Clearly state your policy on returns, including any time limits you impose on accepting returns.
Clearly spell out any guarantees you offer on your products and services.
Let your visitors know how your products and services will be delivered, and how long delivery will take.
Anything you can do to personalize your website will make people feel they know you, and this will make them more comfortable doing business with you.
The key to adding credibility to any site is to put yourself in the visitor's shoes. Ask yourself, what would make me more trusting of this site? You may be able to come up with better ideas than the ones I have listed in this article.
Bill Daugherty publishes the free Internet Marketing newsletter at http://www.freeadsgalore.com and can be reached by email at mailto:bill@epower.zzn.com View his latest project at http://www.instantez.com
