| Ecommerce is essentially the art of meaningful | | | | your information-based website you should provide |
| connection. When online businesses perceive their role | | | | reasonable access to you for further clarification. |
| as merely seller they are liable to find themselves in a | | | | Your availability may be the most potent form of |
| 'disconnect' with their customers. | | | | connection. |
| Connection # 1 - Know Your Customer | | | | Connection # 4 - Don't Sever Connections at the |
| The best step in connecting with your prospects is | | | | Point of Sale |
| to learn what they want. This generally involves | | | | Once a transaction has been made you should |
| research and being willing to ask questions. There will | | | | provide a means of connecting with your customer |
| be those that are captured by an idea and launch it | | | | to let them know you appreciate their business. This |
| without gaining an understanding as to the | | | | is often accomplished through the use of |
| marketability of the product. This first point of | | | | autoresponders, but may be enhanced with a series |
| connection is essentially the first building block needed | | | | of available informational articles specifically designed |
| for ultimate client connection. | | | | for those who actually make a purchase. You may |
| Connection # 2 - Content is King | | | | also have an ecourse that you can make available. |
| Once you establish a product or service that is in | | | | Some online businesses make evaluation forms |
| concert with the expectations of the consumer, you | | | | available on their site. Customers are then invited |
| need to establish a trustworthy website that | | | | back to the site to provide feedback. Discounts on |
| provides information that allows the dots to connect | | | | new purchases are often a gift that can be given for |
| for your visitor. Far too often websites simply | | | | taking the time to fill in a questionnaire. |
| provide a photo of the product and a brief | | | | Even in cyberspace your customers want a |
| description in the 'store' section of the site. | | | | connection, but the connection seems to be |
| In brick and mortar stores consumers are able to | | | | increasingly dictated by the consumer. Online business |
| visit with a store clerk to determine the value of a | | | | is responding by making their customer connections |
| product. With a website, you must find ways to | | | | worthwhile and knowledge-based. Those who do not |
| answer their questions. Often this function is of | | | | provide this type of connection are often finding a |
| greater importance than a simple FAQ section. | | | | downturn in new customer sales as well as a lack of |
| Connection # 3 - Provide Firsthand Knowledge | | | | enthusiasm from existing customers. |
| If your customers have questions not addressed in | | | | |