Too many companies today are focusing on getting more people to their websites rather than increasing sales from those who already visit their site. Search engines which use key words make it easy for people to find your business online; your time will be better spent reconstructing your website to persuade guests to buy. A website conversion rate simply reflects the number of those who visit your site next to the number of people who actually buy your product after visiting your website. If you’re doing everything correctly on your website, your conversion rate should be quite positive. If, however, after examining your website conversion rate, you see that it’s quite low, maybe it’s time to look deeper into the strength of your site.

First things first. It’s critical for you to know what makes your company and/or product exclusive against your competitors. Some people call this your Unique Selling Point or USP. Maybe you’re a family-owned business who takes extra time and care with clients. Perhaps your products are the most eco-friendly or health-conscious. If nothing seems to set your company apart, consumers are likely to move on to someone else. The possibilities here are endless, but the important thing is to know what makes your business unique and to make sure your potential clients know as well. Put it in a slogan, and publish it on your website and business cards. A USP will not only influence consumers to trust you but help them remember you as well.

Next, you must remove any obstacles from your website which are standing in the way of a site visitor making his first purchase. Something you should consider is multiple browser formatting. For example, if your website can only be used by those who are using Internet Explorer in Windows, you’re only capable of reaching about eighty percent of web users. What about the other twenty percent? Do your research to make sure your website is functioning properly for those who use web browsers other than Internet Explorer. Another obstacle for many potential buyers is when only one payment method is available. Most websites just have a credit card option when it’s time to pay, but many people are still hesitant to use their credit cards on the internet. See what you can do to give your clients as many payment options as possible to eliminate the payment barrier.

Take a look at how many pathways to purchasing products your website offers. Some clients will need to see a high resolution image while others need to read user reviews or see detailed specifications. To be effective, you must make sure that all these options are not only available on your website but also have an option to purchase from that specific image, review or description as well. All too often, web users leave a site because they feel as if their time is being wasted. Don’t become one of the many who ask for all kinds of personal contact information before the site visitor even has a chance to become interested, much less make a purchase. Why do you need his phone number or address in order to email him information on similar products? By valuing his time, you’re helping him to trust your company little by little.

Update your clients and potential clients concerning product availability and shipping details as much as you can. If a specific product is out of stock, it’s most helpful to let a site visitor know when more will be available before he reaches the point of purchase; it’s especially frustrating to find out the product is currently unavailable only when you’re ready to buy. Do what you can to include shipping costs and timeframes on your website as well. Another detour to buyers is clicking to add something to the cart only to find out shipping will cost even more than the actual product costs. The more negative surprises you can spare your potential clients of, the more likely they are to becoming permanent clients. Some companies even go the extra mile by emailing the client when the product is on its way. This not only sets a client at ease but also builds an expectation for the product’s arrival. Last but not least, be sure that your website has many clear and easy-to-use calls to action. Large, bright letters on a big clickable button that reads “Add xxxx to My Basket” will be much more effective than a small hyperlink that reads “add”. Be sure the web user doesn’t have to look for a way to buy your product. For more on website conversion rate and other internet marketing strategies go to www.wsiprowebprojects.com