*Give Your Customers Payment Choices

Hard to believe, but not everyone (gasp!) has a credit card. Or is comfortable ordering online, even with a secure order form. Try to be flexible by offering alternatives. Electronic checks, taking orders by telephone or fax, allowing mailing in of a check or money order are all worth consideration.

For high ticket items, consider offering an installment plan. Breaking up financial commitment into three payments could make it easier to justify a purchase in your customer's minds.

*Hello, Anyone There?

If a customer wanted to contact you, can they? Do you have your address and phone number posted on your site?

I recognize that some are now hesitant to post an email address, not wanting to fall victim of email harvesting/Spam software, but email is still preferred method of online contact for many. Weigh inconvenience to you versus inconvenience to your customer.

*Gimme My Stuff, Now!

Online, people have become 'instant' junkies. They want it, and they want it now! While great for those with digital downloadable products, this could cause a problem for those dependent on third-party fulfillment houses.

If using a fulfillment house, you must be up front with your customers concerning shipping/arrival times. If there's going to be a delay, let them know.

Avoid negative feelings that will result if a product doesn't arrive as expected, and customer is left to wonder why.

Remember, a customer doesn't need much incentive to leave you for your competition. Don't let them feel that they'd be better treated elsewhere!

There are many other methods you could use to transition a high tech business to one of high touch. Set yourself apart in this way, and your customers will reward you with their loyalty and their dollars.

You may soon see your words emblazoned across another's web site.

If you have a web site you want to target for a good testimonial, follow these tips:

*First of all, look to see if testimonials are posted. If so, where? Make sure they are in high traffic areas, especially if they're not on first page.

*Study other testimonials for tone and wording...determine what webmaster is looking for. Then write and submit a better one.

*Link testimonial to specific benefits you gained from product/service. Try to weave in nature of your own business, how you were able to use new product/ service, and its positive impact.

*Always, always include your link with your name

*Try this same technique with ezines!

Now, Put The Shoe On The Other Foot! When you are ready to launch a new product, approach those heavy hitters that have used your testimonials on their sites in past. Give them a free 'review' copy, in exchange for a testimonial. Now, suddenly, you're following in guru's footsteps, except that shoe's on other foot - now they're endorsing you!

Think this could have a positive effect on sales? You tell me!

A testimonial only takes a few minutes to write. If enough of your comments are used across Internet, those few minutes could turn into a very profitable investment.