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__7. Expecting prospects to do too much.
Don't you just hate visiting a site, only to find that you either have to call for more information, or fill out a nosy form with lots of personal information so that
business can call you? Most people don't want to risk a high-pressure sales call, so they won't bother.
It's intrusive and can be time-consuming. Give your prospect *option* of getting information they want from web, without having to speak directly to someone. Your phone number can be displayed as well, for those who prefer to talk to you or your staff in person.
That's not to say that asking for personal information -- or expecting a phone call -- is inappropriate for all businesses, of course. But in general, if you want people to stick around, make it easy for them.
__8. Assuming that visitors know what to do.
I remember visiting one particular site not too long ago. I read sales pitch and browsed site... only to find a telephone number and a small form with a place for my email address. Confused, I thought, 'Am I supposed to call to order? What does form do? Is it a newsletter signup box or is it an ordering form? How do I place an order?'
That site lost my sale, because there weren't any clear instructions. Tell your visitors what you would like them to do, and make process as simple as possible.
__9. Trying to do everything for free -- or not enough.
Many beginners try every free promotion method they can find. Others think that free promotions are useless, so they shell out large amounts of cash on what they believe are "effective" marketing methods.
* 'Free' isn't a 'bargain' if you don't get results. * Throwing money at marketing isn't going to make your campaign a success.
There are plenty of excellent free or low-cost methods of promoting your business, and many methods that require a larger investment. Both provide excellent opportunities. The goal is to market your business using techniques that give you largest return for your investment. And if it's free? So much better; you'll reap larger profits!
__10. Basing your marketing plan solely on assumptions or advice.
One common mistake is to do exactly what your competitors are doing. But just because they're doing something does not necessarily mean it's working! You could be copying a failing strategy.
There are countless marketing tips and many 'gurus'. Each one can only let you know what has worked for him or her. However, no matter how many people it's worked for, there is no guarantee that their strategies will work for you also. Studying as much of this material as you can will allow you to test and develop *your own* effective strategies -- those that directly bring results for your particular business.
Test everything you do. Your customers will 'vote' on effectiveness of your marketing by making a purchase.
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Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, a practical guide that shows eBusiness beginners how to build an online business on a shoestring budget. Visit her online at http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/article.html or request a series of 10 free reports to get you started: mailto:businessbasics@workyourleads.com .
