A good tracker doesn't have to be expensive, either. Consider how much you pay for a single ad whose results you'll have to guess at... when instead, you could invest in a tracker that will SHOW you which of your campaigns are giving results. There are a wide variety of trackers available -- choose one that suits your needs. A couple include:

* AdTrackz, http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/adtrackz.html - a simple ad tracker that you can install on your own server. Available for a one-time fee.

* HyperTracker, http://onlinebusinessbasics.com racker.html - a much more in-depth tracker with loads of features. Free trial available.

Tracking your campaigns is also important when you're marketing offline. For example, let's say you create a couple of brochures. You can track orders by providing a 'code' on enclosed order forms, or if you're directing people to your site, provide a different URL on each brochure to see which one is getting most response. Knowledge is a powerful thing!

By testing everything you do, you'll have solid proof of what doesn't work, what works well, and what can be improved. You know which ad campaigns to continue ... and which ones to dump for something more profitable.

So invest in some a good tracker -- you'll gain valuable insight into where your sales are coming from, and be able to refine your marketing efforts and ultimately improve your bottom line.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, a practical guide to building a business on a shoestring budget. It features loads of instantly usable tips and tools that were specifically chosen for beginners! For details, visit http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/article.html or download the free trial version of the Online Business Basics manual: http://onlinebusinessbasics.com/freebook.html

If you use a online credit card processing company like PayPal, be sure to include credit card buyer protection policy and merchant verification process. People want to know how they’ll be protected against credit card fraud.

My credit card processing company, PaySystems (http://www.revecom.com) has a 100% guarantee against credit card fraud. Customers can click on hyperlink to read guarantee before they actually fill out any credit card and personal information.

4. Use testimonials from satisfied customers. Nothing helps sell a product like a happy buyer. The more detailed testimonial better. Be sure to get your customer’s permission before you quote him or her in your marketing material.

Always use customer’s first and last name, company name and title (if applicable) and their location.

I think you’re less likely to believe a testimonial if it’s just signed “J. Doe” instead of “John Doe, President, XYZ Company, Houston, Texas.”

5. List your credentials or experience on your website or in your ezine. Again, key is more a customer knows about who they are dealing with, more assured they going to feel doing business with you.

By putting these suggestions into action, you’re bound to have a happy group of customers. And good “word-of-mouth” is cheapest, and most effective form of advertising.

David Coyne is a marketing consultant and information publisher.

Get his FREE Report: “How to Run A Home Based Business And Never Create A Product, Write An Ad, Or Talk To Anyone.”