Below is a list of steps to help you increase conversions, today:
1. Reduce Distractions: With technology and media overload practically around every corner, it seems nearly impossible to be productive. The key to reducing distractions is disciplining yourself. Designate certain times of the day for specific activities and don’t stray from the planned path.
Some of the most common distractions for small business owners include Facebook, email, Twitter, and other social media platforms. To avoid getting sucked into the social media realm and becoming a slave to your email inbox, designate specific slots throughout your day for checking email and interacting on social media.
2. Understand Your Audience’s Needs: Whether you’re planning out your marketing materials or preparing for a sales call or meeting, it’s important to anticipate your customers’ needs. Know their specific pain and outline exactly how your company can help them to solve this pain. Always speak to the benefit of what you provide and how this benefit connects to their need.
If you are performing a sales call, I suggest writing your key points down prior to speaking with them. This will ensure that you cover everything efficiently and effectively.
3. Leave Something Behind: When I say to leave something behind I don’t mean leave an article of clothing or purse behind so that your customer calls you to let you know they have it. Although this tactic might work in staying in front of them, it’s probably not the smartest. Instead, leave behind a pamphlet or collateral piece that prospects can refer to and use.
For example, if you own a retail company, provide customers with a rack card that offers tips on how to choose the perfect outfit for a girl’s night out. Or, the card could provide tips for creating five different looks using one article of clothing as the main staple in each look. A rack card that makes a great impression on a customer might help them to gain an even more positive perception of your brand. This, in turn, will increase your referral rate.
4. Actively Listen: Whether you’re speaking to a customer in person or online, it’s essential to actively listen.
When you meet with someone face to face, you can show that you are listening through the body language that you use—including eye contact, facial expressions, and body positioning. Illustrating that you are listening to someone online can be a bit trickier but is NOT impossible. The way you listen online is by being active and responsive to questions and comments on social media profiles and pages. Responses should be personalized and illustrate that you understand the person’s question / comment.
Stay tuned for Part II of this post, which will publish next Friday, June 10.
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