How do I get my reputation up?

Question

I recently started an online store. I've had plenty of visitors who've spent a long time on the site but no buyers. I'm thinking it's because no one trusts me because I'm new and not a big named company. I sell accessories and apparel. If anyone wants to see the site the address is in my profile for a company called Victech Inc. Anyone have any suggesting of how I can get my reputation up so people will start buying? I'm already using Paypal for my shopping cart. I've also e-mailed a to of my friends to spread the word. I'm open to any inexpensive suggestion.

We've actually been doing shows for years. Last month was when we decided to bring the company to internet. We've currently be handing out business cards that have the compnay web address at shows.

Answer 1

OK I think some of these points have already been covered but ....

I have just viewed your website and find the following:

1) Web address gives no appearance of professionalism. Consider paying for hosting it is not that expensive and get yourself a unique URL which will identify you and your products.

2) Design is unprofessional and offputting to visitors. The ad at the top supplied by bravehost is distracting, your product list needs padding out perhaps with some more information. Use tables and single smaller images to show off some of your products and stop the big rotating images.

3) No professional information - e.g. contact name and address, telephone, email .... would you risk buying something from someone you couldnt get in touch with? Paypal is OK and a very good option for start up companies.

4) No statement of policy. If you want to give your customers more confidence in you and your product I would strongly suggest you detail your refund/return policy - this shows that you are committed to a legally binding contract of sale.

It may also be that your friends are not really interested in your product so perhaps you should consider banner advertising - I use www.uradnet.co.uk for my advertising as it is free and I dont need to worry hhow much traffic i get to my site in order to get my banners shown.

good luck

Answer 2

Here are some tips to improve your reputation:

1. Demonstrate that you are a real business - Include an “About Us” section on your site; Put your contact email information and a telephone number; If possible, include your physical address in your Contact Us or About Us pages; consider putting in photos of your staff (if any) or the head of the business; create a section where all your press mentions are included

2. Consider creating a “first-time visitor” page. It is important to make a great first impression to your visits

3. Get a toll free 1-800 number. A nationwide toll free number for your business conveys a sense of size and importance. For many callers, it will mean that your company is legitimate given the fact that they know they can easily reach the company when they need to talk to a human.

4. Provide evidence of your product's success - include testimonials, customer raves, great reviews, and even photos of satisfied customers or customers using your products

5. Give customers signals of protection and safety - use secured socket layer (SSL) encryption. Use services such as Thawte or ScanAlert (Hacker Safe) to reassure users of the security of their information. Get BBB seal

6. Clearly specify your return policies. One of the most common barriers to buying on the Web is the difficulty in returning items.

7. Answer email questions from visitors quickly. Customers who email and ask about your products show a keen interest in your products, and are very likely to convert into sales if handled appropriately.

Answer 3

You're competting with the majors. You need a door opener or a loss leader.

Figure out what you can afford and offer something for FREE or for a small FEE if they make a certain size purchse.

Like your choice of a FREE handbag from this list with a $100 purchase of clothing (not incuding shipping and tax) by November 1st

Another idea might be to offer BONUS bucks. For every $25 they buy they get $1 in bonus bucks that can be used on the next order.

Another thing is free shipping at a certain amount by land.

Also wire your shipping charges to make a profit. A lot of places like Victoria Secrets REAPS in the cash from 3 and 2 and 1 day shipping excesses.

Answer 4

Honestly. When buyers buy it's not really about your reputation, YET. Buyers coming to your site don't have a clue as to whom you are, or how long you have been in business unless you tell them. However, it's important to have a clean website and perhaps the appearance of a big company. No one has to know that you are a one-man shop that's just starting out working in your basement! We all have to start from somewhere. It's the impression you give to potential customers, live up to it, and make the process convenient for them.

What's important? Is your site easy to navigate around, do potential buyers know the purpose of your site, is it confusing, is there enough information on the site, how easy is it to contact you, is there a number listed (800 #) what is your guarantee on the products you sell (return policy, is it difficult), how long does it take before the item to ships after the order is placed, are you making it easy for your potential buyers to buy from you (accept credit card in addition to pay pal) and as several people have mentioned get testimonials from customers?

With that said...You need to TEST. TEST..TEST..Find out which pages are being clicked through the most and which page they tend to leave on. This may be your problem. Also, a lot of buyers like to shop and compare. Just because a visitor spends time on your site doesn't mean they will always buy NOW. Most often come back a week later to purchase the item. Your goal should be to get them to buy on impulse, etc. etc. What is your content on your website? MOST importantly, are you advertising to quality visitors; are these visitors that come to your site actually typing in the item(s) your sell and the keywords you use to get them there?

One more thing...I noticed you wrote you are interested in any inexpensive suggestions..Unfortunately, dear..In order to be successful online and make the money you want to make on line..In addition to just a few things I mentioned..YOU HAVE GOT TO BE WILLING TO SPEND MONEY FOR ADVERTISING! ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE, ADVERTISE! so many newbees make the mistake of getting a website but not willing to do what it take to get the results they want. Unfortunately, if advertising is a problem for you, than honestly your business will fail. You have got to advertise to get the results you want..Especially people typing in keywords to find you, and to purchase your items.

Email me if you like..

Answer 5

Beautiful quote. Obviously, individual is the higher alternative... and popularity flows on from there. The most effective use I have for a well popularity is that once humans believe me I am extra in a position to aid them. To be believe-beneficial, one demands honesty and the capability to hold confidences. Perfection isn't fundamental for the form of popularity that makes one valuable locally. I could pick individual each time. People can see who you relatively are, regardless of how so much you attempt to cover your skeletons within the closet. At least in case you possess as much as your faults, humans recognise you're sincere and inclined to upgrade. What extra can any individual ask for?

Answer 6

Ask the customers that you have sold things to what they like and dislike about your company. Put a couple of the positive letters in your web sight. Also limit your merchandise to what sells best.

Answer 7

You need a lot of help!
Your website done by some cheep webmaster!
You need a pro webmaster to at least show that you are serious!
Right now everything looks you can get it from 99 cents store!

Answer 8

Testimonials from satisfied customers.