It's no secret. More and more buyers are shopping online. The trend hasn't yet reached its peak nor has the number of online catalogs. More and more sellers and buyers are using the Internet to complete their transactions.
What does this mean to you as the owners of a catalog?
Online shopping means three things for catalog owners:
1) You'd better have your catalog online.
2) Your direct mail catalog should point to your online catalog.
3) Your online catalog copy must do more than just make the sale for the reader.
Let's take a closer look at each of these three items. While direct mail will remain a portion of the catalogers' incoming retail sales, for most catalogers the online sales will far outweigh the offline sales. With increasing postal prices, some catalogers are making the decisions to do less direct mail. Does this mean you should delete your direct mail? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
IT does however mean that to stay competitive you must make changes to your catalog in both content and style. Gone are the days of the general interest catalogs. Many direct mailers are now realizing that in order to obtain and retain market share their catalogs must be much more specific. No longer will catalogs similar to the Old "Sears" or "Penny's" style be effective. In fact, finding and marketing to the niches of your niche market is the best likely choice for success...online or off.
Direct mail catalogs must be must heavily point heavily to your online store. Think of your printed catalog as the attention grabber, while the online store closes the sale. That's what we're hearing more and more from major catalogers. Once a potential buyer reaches your store online, you must provide easy navigations, do lots of cross promotion, and make the checkout process easy. Fail in any one of these areas and you will lose sales.
Designing your online catalog must also include optimizing content for the search engines. Yes, your direct mail catalog will send visitors to your online site. Still you don't want to overlook those coming from the search engines.
By maintaining product descriptions that are optimized for the search engines and by omitting duplicate content where you find it, you'll get your products organically listed on the search engines without additional cost. Duplicate content can be difficult to eliminate, especially when there are several items that are the same product, yet in different sizes, colors, or models. In these instances, it is a good idea to have a catalog copywriter make suggestions on the best way to eliminate the duplication.
In summary, the internet is forever changing the world of direct mail and the catalog industry. As long as you accept those changes and make the necessary adjustments, your catalog business will thrive. Ignore and you're doomed.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What Is Merchant Account? How To Accept Credit Cards And Accept Credit Card Payments?
If you own your business or are just starting out it is wise to get a merchant account. If you don't, then how are you going to get paid? Are you going to wait on checks to come in that may bounce or do you want to have the ability to accept credit and debit cards? Chances are you would like have all options of payment available when someone wants to purchase an item they can do so any way they like. It will be easier on you and them.
How To Accept Credit Cards?
Did you know that when you accept credit cards online, you can expect your sales to increase by an astounding 50 to 400%? You simply can't compete if you don't accept credit cards. With our free online application, you can start on your web site in less than 24 hours. In addition to accepting credit cards on your web site in real-time, you will also receive our simple-to-use, web-based credit card processing terminal so you can process transactions manually. With our versatile e commerce software, you have a complete solution.
Accept Credit Card Payments
Are you ready to accept credit card payments for your business? Accept credit card payments at industry lowest rates. If you are not accepting credit card payments you are loosing your customer to your competitors. As you know today larger number of customers prefers to pay through credit card and if you do not have the capability to accept credit card payments you are lagging behind the market rends.
A merchant account will help you to accept credit card payments by providing you with the means to have free credit-processing equipment. You can get a combined terminal and printer, a wireless unit, or a debit and electronic check processor. Auxiliary equipment, like pagers, also is available through your merchant services account. It is important to contact a merchant account provider with your business plan as well as a budget for managing the expenses of your new commercial status. An underwriter will want to see that you have thought out your expansion plan and that you are in a position to make it work.
You may think that the process of accepting credit is expensive and you will have to share your profit as transaction fee. But it is not so. There are companies that offer inexpensive merchant account services and lot of free stuff like credit card terminal, payment gateway software for your e-business etc. Just send you query form to us and we will help you set up a merchant account that is lowest in the industry. You will get free merchant account quote to compare and choose. There is no obligation in the process. If you like it - accept it. But we can guarantee you for the industry lowest rate credit card processing rates. Accept credit and debit card and pay minimum processing fee.
How To Accept Credit Cards?
Did you know that when you accept credit cards online, you can expect your sales to increase by an astounding 50 to 400%? You simply can't compete if you don't accept credit cards. With our free online application, you can start on your web site in less than 24 hours. In addition to accepting credit cards on your web site in real-time, you will also receive our simple-to-use, web-based credit card processing terminal so you can process transactions manually. With our versatile e commerce software, you have a complete solution.
Accept Credit Card Payments
Are you ready to accept credit card payments for your business? Accept credit card payments at industry lowest rates. If you are not accepting credit card payments you are loosing your customer to your competitors. As you know today larger number of customers prefers to pay through credit card and if you do not have the capability to accept credit card payments you are lagging behind the market rends.
A merchant account will help you to accept credit card payments by providing you with the means to have free credit-processing equipment. You can get a combined terminal and printer, a wireless unit, or a debit and electronic check processor. Auxiliary equipment, like pagers, also is available through your merchant services account. It is important to contact a merchant account provider with your business plan as well as a budget for managing the expenses of your new commercial status. An underwriter will want to see that you have thought out your expansion plan and that you are in a position to make it work.
You may think that the process of accepting credit is expensive and you will have to share your profit as transaction fee. But it is not so. There are companies that offer inexpensive merchant account services and lot of free stuff like credit card terminal, payment gateway software for your e-business etc. Just send you query form to us and we will help you set up a merchant account that is lowest in the industry. You will get free merchant account quote to compare and choose. There is no obligation in the process. If you like it - accept it. But we can guarantee you for the industry lowest rate credit card processing rates. Accept credit and debit card and pay minimum processing fee.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Backing a Business with a Quality Online Storefront
For those who sell various types of merchandise over the Internet, an online storefront can be one of the most important aspects of the business. With an overwhelming number of sites to compete with, it is important that an eye catching but pleasant setup be the first thing a customer sees. It should always be well organized, easy to maneuver and easy to read.
For those who shop online on a regular basis, quality is an important factor. A site that looks disorganized with broken links or a checkout process that takes too long is the best way to lose customers forever. In order for an online shopper to be pulled into a site he or she will need to feel that they, and their sensitive information, are safe and secure.
Unlike shopping at onsite stores, customers do not have the opportunity to see or feel the merchandise for themselves. They are instead required to place trust in the site on which they have chosen to shop. Sites that offer poor descriptions and do not display merchandise in the most flattering manner are less likely to earn that trust and will therefore see little traffic.
This is why having a well-organized online storefront can mean making or breaking an online business. Even if one is selling something intangible over the Internet, it is important to be able to create something a consumer can buy into. Just like a brick and mortar store front, an online site should be tidy, well lit and free of clutter.
There are a number of things that go into creating an attractive storefront. While color schemes are extremely important, the software that keeps the storefront up and running is very important too. The main concern is always providing a pleasant shopping experience for the customer.
There are many services available that are in the business of providing online storefronts. Though many promise great deals, it is imperative to remember cheapest is not always best. Going with a service strictly based on price can result in inferior, boring storefronts that use less than reliable checkout software.
By opting to invest in a reliable setup, one can expect to make up that difference since an attractive, dependable storefront is destined to attract more customers. Plus, once an individual has a pleasant experience with a site, he or she is likely to become a repeat customer. This often leads to word of mouth recommendations that bring even more traffic.
Services that provide online storefronts will either offer their customers the chance to subscribe to their service for a certain amount of time or pay a one-time fee and use the storefront indefinitely. Those in the startup stages of business usually only subscribe to the service until their business is more established. Those who have been in business longer are more likely to pay the one time fee.
With quality storefront services, individuals have the chance to arrange their storefront in any way they see fit. Quality storefront service providers make an effort to ensure that customers can do this with ease. Otherwise, a storefront program that is difficult to maneuver means lost customers for them as well.
Many online storefront service providers offer schemes that work not only to create a pleasing format but one that accommodates the number of items sold. Those selling one to five items simply do not need the same type of space as a person selling one hundred items on their site. Both, however, should offer easy to use checkout systems that allow a variety of payment methods.
For those who shop online on a regular basis, quality is an important factor. A site that looks disorganized with broken links or a checkout process that takes too long is the best way to lose customers forever. In order for an online shopper to be pulled into a site he or she will need to feel that they, and their sensitive information, are safe and secure.
Unlike shopping at onsite stores, customers do not have the opportunity to see or feel the merchandise for themselves. They are instead required to place trust in the site on which they have chosen to shop. Sites that offer poor descriptions and do not display merchandise in the most flattering manner are less likely to earn that trust and will therefore see little traffic.
This is why having a well-organized online storefront can mean making or breaking an online business. Even if one is selling something intangible over the Internet, it is important to be able to create something a consumer can buy into. Just like a brick and mortar store front, an online site should be tidy, well lit and free of clutter.
There are a number of things that go into creating an attractive storefront. While color schemes are extremely important, the software that keeps the storefront up and running is very important too. The main concern is always providing a pleasant shopping experience for the customer.
There are many services available that are in the business of providing online storefronts. Though many promise great deals, it is imperative to remember cheapest is not always best. Going with a service strictly based on price can result in inferior, boring storefronts that use less than reliable checkout software.
By opting to invest in a reliable setup, one can expect to make up that difference since an attractive, dependable storefront is destined to attract more customers. Plus, once an individual has a pleasant experience with a site, he or she is likely to become a repeat customer. This often leads to word of mouth recommendations that bring even more traffic.
Services that provide online storefronts will either offer their customers the chance to subscribe to their service for a certain amount of time or pay a one-time fee and use the storefront indefinitely. Those in the startup stages of business usually only subscribe to the service until their business is more established. Those who have been in business longer are more likely to pay the one time fee.
With quality storefront services, individuals have the chance to arrange their storefront in any way they see fit. Quality storefront service providers make an effort to ensure that customers can do this with ease. Otherwise, a storefront program that is difficult to maneuver means lost customers for them as well.
Many online storefront service providers offer schemes that work not only to create a pleasing format but one that accommodates the number of items sold. Those selling one to five items simply do not need the same type of space as a person selling one hundred items on their site. Both, however, should offer easy to use checkout systems that allow a variety of payment methods.
Best Work At Home Opportunities
Daily I get emails from visitors to my work at home web site wanting to know what are the most popular types of work at home opportunities. In this article I am going to give the types of programs that are most popular on my site. Others may get different results, but these are the ones that I have found to be the most popular.
In my articles I always mention that research is the key to being successful in the work at home work place. You either need to use a website like mine, but not necessarily mine or be prepared to do a lot of research yourself.
Now to the nitty gritty. I have listed below the types of work from home programs that I have found most popular over the past (6) months.
1st Place - Data Entry Programs
I have found two programs, one for people who have basic computer skills up to advanced typing skills and another for people with minimal experience to expert level. Both of these are very popular.
2nd Place - Type At Home programs
I have found 3-5 good programs that fit this criteria.
3rd Place - Processing Rebates
I found one program that is very popular in this niche of the market place. I have only had it on my site for over a month and it may very well take over the number one slot in the next 6-month window. I had a doctor who resides in Germany recently tell me this " With your help I bought the program rebate processing and for my opinion it is one of the best for people who wants to work at home". Only time will tell if it will over take the number one slot.
4th Place - Online Paid Surveys
I found (6) six good companies, but two that really stand out above the rest. I wanted Survey Directory companies here that would allow people to choose whether they wanted to take surveys for cash and / or sweepstakes. In my opinion the survey directory companies are the way to go, but it's also important for a user to be able to pick and choose the money surveys as desired. You want to have control and not let them force you to take surveys that may simple give you an entry into a contest.
The above programs do not include the programs that I found for Home Based Business or Moms and Dads programs. I found many good programs to fit what I believe to be all skill sets.
If you have a computer, access to the Internet and your reading this article than you more than likely have everything that is required to work from home.
Several important things to remember are as follows:
1. Either do the research your self or use a site that has done some research.
2. Remember any good program requires that you do some work from home.
3. Put forth the time and effort to be successful.
4. Setup a separate email for you work at home work if possible.
In my articles I always mention that research is the key to being successful in the work at home work place. You either need to use a website like mine, but not necessarily mine or be prepared to do a lot of research yourself.
Now to the nitty gritty. I have listed below the types of work from home programs that I have found most popular over the past (6) months.
1st Place - Data Entry Programs
I have found two programs, one for people who have basic computer skills up to advanced typing skills and another for people with minimal experience to expert level. Both of these are very popular.
2nd Place - Type At Home programs
I have found 3-5 good programs that fit this criteria.
3rd Place - Processing Rebates
I found one program that is very popular in this niche of the market place. I have only had it on my site for over a month and it may very well take over the number one slot in the next 6-month window. I had a doctor who resides in Germany recently tell me this " With your help I bought the program rebate processing and for my opinion it is one of the best for people who wants to work at home". Only time will tell if it will over take the number one slot.
4th Place - Online Paid Surveys
I found (6) six good companies, but two that really stand out above the rest. I wanted Survey Directory companies here that would allow people to choose whether they wanted to take surveys for cash and / or sweepstakes. In my opinion the survey directory companies are the way to go, but it's also important for a user to be able to pick and choose the money surveys as desired. You want to have control and not let them force you to take surveys that may simple give you an entry into a contest.
The above programs do not include the programs that I found for Home Based Business or Moms and Dads programs. I found many good programs to fit what I believe to be all skill sets.
If you have a computer, access to the Internet and your reading this article than you more than likely have everything that is required to work from home.
Several important things to remember are as follows:
1. Either do the research your self or use a site that has done some research.
2. Remember any good program requires that you do some work from home.
3. Put forth the time and effort to be successful.
4. Setup a separate email for you work at home work if possible.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)