The Keepers

In my 55 years I have spent about 50 of them marketing and
selling something. Along the way I learned a few things about
designing a web site with e-commerce that I would like to share.

1. Keep it simple. Design it to download fast, easy-to-understand
with effective graphics and writing.

2. Keep it professional. Good clean appearence and design. Flows
well, functional and easy to navigate.

3. Keep it current. Make sure the information is timely and
accurate. Make changes and updates often.

4. Keep it selling. Install a simple catalogue system complete with
a secure shopping cart and credit card ability. Advertise and
promote it for new and repeat sales.

5. Keep it sticky. Make it interesting. Make changes and updates
often. Provide new, relative information. Add and delete products.

6. Keep it out there. Advertise, promote and share. Be excited to
always let people know where your site is. Write newsletters,
articles, press releases. Attend conventions and other events.

7. Keep in touch. Personal, quick response to e-mail. Include your
real telephone, address. Use auto responders where proper but
sparingly. Have brochures and biz cards. Have chat room, bulletin
boards, signature lines. Don't ever, ever SPAM!

8. Keep it up. If you're right, don't ever quit. Be ready to test and
modify. Work on it daily, regularly. Love it or loose it. Promote it
everywhere you go. Hang a window sign on your car.

9. Keep it positive (About everything). No one ever built a statue
to a critic. Use good language. Profanity in any form degrades you
not the reader. Be a leader. Have a quiet I can do it attitude.
Don't knock the competition. Avoid negative people. Don't lie.
Be honest about everything.

10. Keep it. Copyright and trademark everything. Use license
agreements. Pay bills and avoid lawsuits. Have access to competent
legal counsel. Have a reliable, friendly and supportive ISP.

Having an e-commerce small business on the Internet is one of the
most exciting things I have done. That doesn't mean it has always
been easy or profitable. But it is worth it.

About the Author

Mick Meredith is web master and owner of Kids Against Drugs
National Campaign For A Drug Free America. He has written and
designed Family Programs to help family members turn their backs
away from drug and substance abuse. These are available at
http://www.kidsagainstdrugs.com/
e-mail contact: str8tker@kidsagainstdrugs.com

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