3 Things Every Internet-Based Start-Up Business Owner Should Do
According to Forbes magazine, 8 out of 10 new businesses fail in the first 18 months. Obviously, the primary reason for failure is often due to running out of money. Usually, however, this happens when businesses are built on weak foundations that don't provide enough stability, which is particularly true for businesses that rely on Internet marketing. Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself and your business so your business does not fail.
Take improv classes
As a new business owner, you are your primary or only salesperson. In order to effectively sell your goods or services, you will need to be able to communicate effectively. While it is a good idea to develop a sales pitch, it's not a good idea to rely solely on it. Use your sales pitch as a starting point in a conversation, but allow the conversation to proceed based on what the customer needs. This means that you will need to think quickly and hold a persuasive conversation with them. To help you develop good and effective listening and communication skills on the fly, take improv classes.
Develop & optimize your website
With your listening and communication skills strengthened, you'll be ready to start taking calls from clients. How will they find you? You've heard the old cliche, "build it and they will come." That's not entirely true when it comes to websites. You could have a superb website, but potential clients won't see it unless you optimize it for search engines. Hire a search engine optimization firm to improve your website's chances of being found by potential customers. That way, you will have a better chance of receiving those phone calls you've been practicing for.
Give your customers incentives to return
Whether your business provides services or goods, you want to give your customers incentives to return to your website in the future. One way to do this is to through promotional videos on your website that your customers and potential customers can subscribe to. These videos can inform people about new products or services you have to offer or provide them with educational information regarding your particular industry, products, services, or brand. Hire a video production company so the videos are professional in quality, especially regarding lighting and sound. Depending on the number of products or services your business has to offer, as well as your budget, you can add new videos on a weekly, monthly, or seasonally basis.