Secret #1 - Be Easy to Find

You wouldn't think this one is a secret, but based on my experience very few businesses are actually easy to find. If you're selling widgets in Wisconsin, where does your site show up in a search for widgets Wisconsin? One of my clients, Chesapeake Condominiums, is selling condos near ASU. Follow this link to see where they show up in a Google search for ASU condos. Getting listed high in the search results (Search Engine Optimization) drives more traffic to your site, which in turn increases your profit - assuming, of course, that you follow Secret #2.

Secret #2 - Know What Your Visitors Want

Again, it's hard to believe this is a secret, but it apparently it is. Visitors want to know how your product or service will benefit them, not what a great company you have. Who do you think will sell more coffee: Company A, which offers mountain grown, dark roasted, decaffeinated coffee or Company B, which offers a rich, smooth tasting brew that won't keep you up at night?

Most web designers don't know anything about marketing. I'm a marketing person who will create a website that will make you money.

Secret #3 - Collect Visitor Information

Far too many websites don't bother to ask their visitors for their contact information. It can't hurt to ask. While nobody likes spam, most people are okay if you contact them at an address they have given you. Use this information judiciously. Send them something useful like special offers or a newsletter. Build a relationship with your vistors.

Most importantly, honor all requests to be removed from your list. And never, ever sell or give this information to another party without permission. If your visitors can't trust you with their e-mail address, why would they trust you with their money?