Simple Changes Can Boost Sales

Sometimes simple changes to techniques, ad copy or tactics are all that's needed to increase sales. Select one or more ways from this list to take a different sales approach.

1. Reward web site visitors and create good will through discounts or gifts. Remember, though, provide good value if you want to see results.

2. Thoroughly test your product before rolling it out fully. This could mean the difference between so-so and very good sales. You could offer free products to a select group of customers or colleagues in exchange for feedback. You could also invite web site visitors to sign up for a new free product until you reach the desired number of test subjects.

3. Bonuses, limited quantities and deadlines are all tools that can enhance the value of your product. Find whatever reason you can to encourage customers to buy now rather than think about returning later. Once they leave your site, they have plenty of distractions to keep them from returning.

4. Make sure that you know and can clearly state your unique selling proposition. Demonstrate precisely why your product differs from the competition's. Perceived value and uniqueness are important selling features that can overshadow price.

5. Spin off your mass market product to serve smaller niches. For example, a general accounting program could be tailored to serve markets like restaurants, real estate and the medical industry.

6. Spice up your ad copy with a surprise bonus and it could be a sales clincher. If you then over deliver by giving two bonuses, you create a satisfied customer who may buy from you again as well as recommend you to others.

7. Repackage your product, combining it with others that you own or have the rights to. Then set time limits for sales and explain that this package will not be sold again after that date. This way you create both uniqueness and urgency.

8. Broaden the scope of your web site to meet more needs. If you are providing a service offer products that complement it. These could be books, courses or other materials.

9. Boost your credibility by offering free ad spots to a select group of corporations that can burnish your credibility by their presence on your web site.

10. Include vivid imagery in your sales copy to connect with readers at an emotional level. Show the impact of using your product after six months or a year. Dynamic language that demonstrates how needs will be met is a powerful sales tool.

Todd Kenovas is Marketing Manager for Webways Media, the PPC marketing resource. See http://www.webwaysmedia.com for more information.