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November 01, 2005
Why your web site is killing your business
Have you ever heard that old saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same?"
I've been experiencing that like mad lately! The longer I market on the Internet, the more I discover that some of the most fundamental concepts of direct marketing are what work best. The problem is, almost all of these core concepts have been abandoned in favor of hot new technologies that promise to deliver the moon, but really end up delivering very little.
For example, seven months ago, when I launched my web site www.DirectMarketingInsider.com, I decided to abandon the prevailing advice touted by all the online marketing gurus and return to direct marketing fundamentals. So I designed a very simple site built around one core ingredient (an ingredient that I'll share with you at a later date).
I didn't pay any attention to the search engines or any of the tags, keywords, or other gobbledeygook that's supposed to work online. And the results absolutely floored me. This particular site produced nearly as much profit in the first few months as all my other sites combined produced all last year.
I'm not going to reveal everything I did to make this site a success here. I couldn't possibly cover it all in such a short space anyway. But I will give you this advice: if you want to make your web site truly profitable, rather than a drain on your bank account, go back and study the direct marketing classics. Read John Caples, Claude Hopkins, and Victor Schwab to start.
Then apply proven direct marketing principles to your site, rather than the latest technological wizardry, and watch the difference in your sales and profits.
Posted by Bob Serling at November 1, 2005 04:44 AM
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Comments
I agree, Bob. I don't even consider seminars any more because the last few I've attended on the net were like you said, big, live, expensive commericals!
Posted by: Kazots ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.directmarketinginsider.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
at November 1, 2005 11:30 AM
OK! Let me guess...
This site doesn't seem as "busy" as the last two, with more of a focus on communication. It may be that most people aren't going to start clicking links until they have read the main page... which entices them to sign up for the newsletter.
Hmmm! I will just continue to read your newsletter. I'm sure you will "spill the beans" sooner or later.
Best Regards,
Steve MacLellan
P.S.
I bet the picture of you helps a bit. I've always felt people want to put a face to a name so they feel more comfortable doing business with you.
Posted by: Steve MacLellan at November 1, 2005 01:09 PM
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