How to Turn Your Visitors into Customers

If you could answer this question, you would have the perfect store. In this world of online selling, where there is an over-abundance of everything, the first ten seconds a visitor spends inside your virtual “store” will determine whether or not they stay and purchase an item.

What is the key to making sure these visitors become customers? It’s a simple formula, really. Put yourself in your visitors’ shoes and imagine coming into your store the first time. What would you notice? What would be the determining factor in whether or not you stay? For different folks, different things make a difference. If you stay at the top of your game in all areas, you should have no shortage of customers.

Keep your advertising to a minimalist approach. Less really is more in this case. No customer, whether in person or online, wants to walk into a store and be bombarded by signs and images. I have seen a few stores that were so cluttered that it’s a wonder that they got any business whatsoever!

Be sure to have your store banner where it is clearly visible, as well as your customer service, shipping and return policies. Your main page should also showcase your niche. Either have images of your best sellers, or simply type up a header explaining what your specialty items are. If customers are looking for something other than your primary sellers, they will find them via a search engine or from looking through your store. You want to keep the first page they see as clean and de-cluttered as possible.

Engage in social media! Draw in your everyday customers and visitors alike by engaging them in your daily activities. Create business sites on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter and be sure to add all of your customers. Include fun details about your business, and add articles or pictures that will attract your customers’ interest and draw them in. The more your visitors feel like they know about you, the more they will feel personally involved in your business. The more they feel personally involved, the more inspired they will be to make a purchase from you. If you have frequent buyers or customers who have rave reviews, request their permission to quote them on your social media pages. You can imagine how much power positive past reviews have to attract the potential buyer.

Your customer service policy is often what will ultimately make a person decide whether they want to purchase an item from you. Be sure to offer a great return policy. Let your customer try out your product, if possible.  The difference between a visitor and a customer depends on their buying experience. You need to show potential buyers how you will go above and beyond for them. Your customer service must be what sets you apart. In a world full of sellers, be the one who stands out by going above and beyond. And be sure to post your customer service policy on your home page so that visitors will see it. Be clear and concise to draw them in, and then offer a more extended version on another page.

If you follow these simple steps, you will be able to turn your average visitor into a customer. With any luck, and with great service and products, you will turn the one-time buyer into a frequent buyer. Your business will soar to new heights if you are able to draw in these newbies. There has to be a new customer base in order for your sales and profits to grow. Be sure to keep the customer first (even if sometimes they’re wrong), take a walk in their shoes and treat them as you would your family, and you’ll have no problems whatsoever.