Do you have an online business that's not generating the online income you expected? Well if it's any consolation, you're not alone. Many online businesses have experienced the 'deadly silence' of the Information Super Highway at some time. If you're selling a product or service online, the necessity for website traffic is obvious, but the methods used to steer visitors to websites, seems to be constantly changing.



What should you do to get more traffic to your website? Firstly, you could invest a little time and money and follow these 10 ways to explode your online business profits. Whether you have an affiliate site or teach people to make money from real estate investing, these guidelines will apply to you.

1. Back to basics with your website

Your website is your store front, and as such should be set out in a way that everyone can easily find their way around. It should be easy to navigate with text links or buttons displayed where your visitors would expect them, which is at the top of the page or on the left-hand side. Also, ensure text links are blue and underlined because that's what people are used to and expect to see.

Don't clutter your website. You can have as many web pages as you need, so there's no point in trying to cram everything onto one page. Spread it out and allow for plenty of white space. It will make your site appear 'open' and friendly. You don't want to make your visitors feel confused or intimidated by too much information. Also, and for the same reason, keep graphics and images to a minimum and never use animated graphics. They cause too much distraction.

2. Make buying from your website a pleasurable experience

Whatever you're selling from your website, It's imperative that your visitor can quickly find the product they want, order it and pay for it in one fluent transaction. To enable them to do this, make sure your products are properly listed and categorized. Always give a good description of the product, its features, benefits and price. It's a good idea to include packing and shipping in the price, so your visitors know exactly what it will cost them.

Wherever possible, always give a guarantee. Online customers need to be assured that they can return the product if faulty or unsuitable. Create a webpage clearly outlining your returns and refunds policy. A guarantee will encourage trust and help build credibility. Making a buying decision and the payment process easy for your customers, may bring them back again. Repeat business is key to boosting your online profits.

3. Give your online customers a reason to come back to your website

If a customer has bought a product or service from you and is completely satisfied with the whole transaction, chances are they will come back. But it is only a chance. So how do you persuade a customer to come back and buy from you again? You could give them something for free, or a bonus each time they buy. You could create loyalty by giving them a virtual 'money off' coupon or voucher, which they can redeem against their next purchase.

You could ask them to subscribe to your 'savers club' in return for 10% off all future purchases. Each purchase they make could earn them points, which could be redeemed for prizes. Every time they purchase a product, their name could be entered into a weekly or monthly draw for a special prize. Make buying from your website fun and rewarding if you want your visitors to become multiple purchasers.

4. Get up close and personal with your prospects

At least as close and personal as you can, without causing undue suspicion of ulterior motives. One way to get closer to your customers is to capture their name and email so you can stay in touch with them. You could make your website a free subscription site. Customers could complete a short online form, giving their name and email and creating a user name and password. You could then email them on a regular basis with relevant product information and news of special offers.

Alternatively, you could ask your site visitors to subscribe to your online newsletter in return for freebies or discounts. This way you'll be able to provide them with more information about your products, new lines, end of lines, special offers, discounts and provide direct links to any part of your website. Keeping in touch with your customers makes them feel valued.