Unfortunately many business owners think it’s all about traffic on the internet. But it’s not their fault… there are experts at every corner promising you more website visitors and riches beyond your wildest dreams. But they don’t tell you that traffic is a waste of time if your website can’t sell.

What your website is all about

I believe website marketing means creating a relationship with visitors when they arrive at your website. Part of this is the way you present your content and your business. But you have a huge advantage when you start collecting their email and building a relationship with the visitor.

You can expect to sell about 1-2% of people the first time they visit your website. But by taking the time to create a relationship with them that figure will be a lot better. It’s just like the one-hit wonder band competing with another band who creates great albums year after year.

The danger of social media

There are enough social media buzzwords being used but it’s critical to remember the goal. Sure we have some great new tools for communicating with people around the world… and other useless ones as well. But at the end of the day it’s about creating a relationship.

It doesn’t matter if you build the relationship over email, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube… or even through newspapers, physical mail, fax or phone. No matter what it’s still about the relationship and the value you provide. In my opinion you should be using a wide variety of these media to connect with your prospects and clients.

What is the real objective of your website?

There is no right answer… there is no single social media website you should base your business on. That’s like having a store but not getting a phone. Intelligent business owners realize a phone is a useful tool for their business and that’s the same with social media.

The moral of the story is to focus on building a relationship with visitors irrespective of the media. By creating a valuable relationship your sales will rise almost without effort. Because people prefer to purchase from those they know and trust.

Your action plan

Take a look at your website and decide whether you’re building a relationship or just simply stating what you do. What valuable information are you offering? Do you have their contact details to send more information?

Building a relationship isn’t really difficult… just pretend someone is standing in front of you right now. You’ll be amazed at the results.

Because it’s just another way to be unique.