Everyone needs an edge, and the better it's honed, the more it can do for its wielder. One Internet-related business wants to see small business people receive the sharpening stones they need.
Domain registrar Register.com benefits from helping bring more businesses online. Their CEO, Larry Kutscher, offers advice as well as service.
His CEO View from working with around a million small businesses suggested a nice little list of five tips to think about when constructing one's website, or tweaking it for success.
Advice on maximizing brand potential and Internet strategy falls under planning. There's a famous and slightly off-color saying about planning we won't recount here, but the essential message from Kutscher calls for having a plan, knowing what you want to accomplish, and making it look and feel professional.
Search engine optimization tactics fill conferences and blogs everywhere. The basics from Kutcher: get a couple of your keywords on your homepage, and work on encouraging links to the site.
We'll further note that such keywords should be higher up on the page, and fit with their encompassing text. As far as links, quality, authoritative content will earn those. Anyone promising a quick fix for links my be setting you up for a fall, long after the check has been cashed.
Customer service matters, on or off the Internet. It's been this writer's experience that a lot more people will hear about the little mistake with service you make than will find out about the above-and-beyond efforts you make for a customer. That's people for you.
Cost effectiveness remains the biggest advantage for using the Internet. A weak dollar coupled with the specter of Carter-era inflation will constrain everyone's spending. Super Bowl ads get attention, but paid search and e-commerce may be smarter choices today.
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Comments
customer service is not dead
The future of customer service is here. Technology has made seeking out support faster and easier than ever. But, has your digital age company sacrificed true service in the name of automation?
Today, finding customer support is as simple as writing an e-mail or picking up the phone. But, even though you're not face-to-face with your customers, you still leave a lasting impression. Do you come across as caring and competent, or menacing and mechanical?
Offering stand-out service on the Internet isn't as hard as it is rare. Take these simple steps towards old-style service in the digital age:
Give Each Customer a Personal Response
Be Clear, But Sincere
Offer Live Customer Support
Make Sure Your Support Reps Have All the Answers
Give Each Customer a Personal Response
When a customer sits down to e-mail your company, it's because he needs help. He chooses e-mail because it's quick, but his request still warrants a satisfying and personal response!
Companies eager to save time and money often take automation too far in their customer support. Each customer has a unique question, and deserves a unique answer. Even if you save time by copying and pasting stock replies, change the opening and closing to make the message sound less robotic.
Be Clear, But Sincere
When responding to customers' e-mail, be sincere and to the point. Before sending a message, try turning the tables. Ask yourself, "Would this answer satisfy me if I were the customer?"
Take that extra moment to give your customer the help he deserves. It might mean the difference between a satisfied customer and a credit card chargeback!
Offer Live Customer Support
E-mail has become an acceptable form of communication. But, live customer support is still necessary. The plethora of information available online can be overwhelming to customers, especially those new to the Internet!
Single your company out from the crowd by providing customers with a real person to talk to. Live phone support is an invaluable way to foster trust. When your customer has reached the end of his Internet rope, and just needs help, your toll free number is the answer he's looking for.
Make Sure Your Support Reps Have All The Answers
The presence of phone support will do no good if your staff doesn't know your product! Customer support reps should be warm and friendly, and willing to help with any aspect of your product.
What a good feeling it is to talk to someone who feels confident in his product. It's even better if he's knowledgeable enough to solve your problem without transferring you all around the company!
Provide Stand-Out Service; Gain Lifelong Customers
Too many e-businesses skimp on customer service, hiding behind web sites and message boards. Customer support is an integral part of every company, even those operating solely online. Be one of the few to offer stellar service, and gain customers for life! To maintain and create outstanding customer service, click here:this link has been intentionally left out,it is not my desire to promote my business here, but to offer just plain good advice,thanks harvey l melton.
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