Nov 16 2007
What’s special in you project?
When I talk with someone who wants to start a business online, my first questions is “What’s special in you project?”. Every new project needs something special. When end-users interact with your business, they need a good reason to come back. If they don’t find a reason to come back, your business has a big problem. You don’t actually need a great idea! You need a good idea or a way to improve a “borrowed” idea.
Let me give you an example: Your plan is to build a toys store. Because those who actually buy products from your website are adults, you may offer a gift to the buyer for any sale grater then one hundred dollars. The gift can be a CD with some good music, a nice book or any other product an adult would like to have. Doing this, many of your customers will return because they have the feeling that they are winning something. This sales tactic is used for thousands of years and it works.
You have the special idea, but after a good period of time a bad one may come. How can you prevent it? Always try to have a backup solution. Customers like nice surprises that’s why from time to time try to find new ways to surprise your customers. I’m not a marketing guy, but I don’t have to be. For these ideas you don’t need to be a marketing or sales expert.
Many online business fail because their owners don’t pay attention to small details. Running a website it’s very hard for someone who doesn’t have experience. If you don’t have an employee, at least try to find a consultant, someone who can advise you, someone capable to tell you: “This is wrong! The solutions is …”! From small changes of design to marketing campaigns, everything needs to be tailored to your business.
Another important aspect is the technical support. Slow application or security issues kills your business. Please make sure your application runs smoothly anytime. If I find some website running slow or having any kind of errors, it’s hard to believe I’ll ever buy something from them.
Now, do you have something special and your team has some good professionals? If the answer is “Yes“, congratulations! If the answer is “No“, it’s time to solve your problems.
