**Reachability

One of first things many people do right before they purchase--myself included--is to check to see if there is a way to contact website owner if there is a problem, or if they need to make an inquiry. (Examples: Where's my order? Can I get that in green?) The more ways to get in touch with you, more comfortable they will feel. Also, this adds to overall impression of stability, like having a domain name. At a minimum you should supply an email address, and it adds a lot of bonus points if you have a mailing address. Cyberspace is very abstract ("somewhere out there"), but Paducha, Kentucky can be found on map.

**Face, Name, & Credentials

First of all, putting up a face and a name on your website really helps people feel comfortable (even if you use that great picture from 12 years ago--wink,wink). Also, If you have any special credentials that are related to your web site products/services, it will help if you mention them. If you sell dog-grooming services and have three prize winning Dobermans, mention it. If you sell consulting services and have an MBA, then mention it. If you run 7 newsletters, and 3 websites for a total of 9 years Internet experience, spin it up, and use it.

**Evidence of Stability

If you have been in business for some time (say more than 2 years) mention it on your front page: "Serving you since 1999!" Also, you must accept credit cards online if you sell anything. This is not only for matters of convenience for your visitors, it shows that another entity (the financial institution that allowed you to accept credit cards) has checked you out to some extent. Another factor here are organizational memberships, whether they are related to your website theme or product (e.g., ), or consumer organizations like BBBonline.org and Truste.org. Another big plus in stability area is referrals and testimonials. Put testimonials where everyoine will notice them. If people see that others have purchased and liked what you sell, then it must be good! Also, having an affiliate program shows evidence of stability as well. I guarantee that if you incorporate these tips into your site now, you will see at least some increase in your conversion rate (visitors to buyers), assuming you have traffic in first place.

Michael Martone is the webmaster at ProfitMonkey.com and is also the editor of the free newsletter Ebiz Edge. Additional articles on eBusiness and a Free welcome basket are available at http://www.profitmonkey.com/newsletter.html

6. Having too many ads in each issue is a great way of bringing down value of your ezine. I would suggest no more than 4 or 5 per issue. Reading an ezine that has 20 or 30 ads (oh yeah, I've seen them) is not very interesting or realistic. Most people would not even go through whole thing. Here comes that delete finger again!! You want your advertisers to get more value for their money and having a limited number of ads is one of best ways of doing this.

7. I think adding a small section for this 'n that is a good idea also. Some humor, a little fun, interesting tidbits, jokes, stories, etc. We are business men and women, but we don't have to be 100% business, 100% of time!!

8. Privacy Policy - Put a privacy policy towards top of ezine. Let your readers know their privacy is safe with you and your ezine.

9. Proofread - Always proofread and double-check your text. You do not want your ezine to look like it was written by a 10 year old. Correct all spelling and grammatical errors.

10. Give your ezine an interesting and pulling name. I have subscribed to most ezines just by name alone. If name gets my attention, I subscribe.

Names like: Power Promotion Ezine Marketing Mania Ezine Web Success Ezine are short and to point. They also make me want to read more.

Names like: Internet Marketing News John Doe's Ezine Home Business News are more generic and do not get my attention! They lack "oomf" that make me want to subscribe.

I hope some of these tips give you an idea of how you can improve your ezine and make it best it can be. Remember that ezine publishing is one of most essential aspects of your online success. If you are in this business, you should be able to say, "I have My Own Ezine! " ;-) Good luck and success to you all!!

************* Terri Seymour and her husband Terry of www.seymourproducts.com offer a no cost, home business opportunity. Apply online. Resources and more for your home business available at www.myownezine.com Free ecourse business-building-ecourse@getresponse.com