1. Get Right To The Point

People are not patient. Studies have proven that people will read long ads and marketing materials, but only if it's clear there's "something in it" for them. Be concise. Be quick. Be interesting. Don't beat around the bush with long introductions or unrelated information. Tell your customer what they want to know right away and they'll stick around for more!

2. Focus On Your Target Audience

Remember, your website should appeal to the interests of your target audience, no one else matters! Focus on your target market and put yourself in their shoes. If they're interested in your product because it saves them time, then focus on convenience, don't start your pitch with a laundry list of less-important features. Focus on the key benefits of your product and leave the details for later.

3. Convert Website Visitors into Customers

Turning a website visitor into a customer is the most-overlooked aspect of web-based marketing. You want those who visit your website to buy. Get them to buy your products or services online, or contact you to buy them. Get them to volunteer their name so that you can inform them of specials, product upgrades, events, or new products via e-mail or regular mail. The key is to offer them something! A free catalog, a free quote, a free analysis, a free reprint of an editorial article -- anything your buyers might find of value.

4. Make It Easy For Viewers To Respond

You'd think this was obvious, but it's overlooked far too often. You absolutely must make it easy for a reader to contact you with questions or to give you their contact information. Plaster your 1-800 number across it, make sure there's a link to your e-mail system, and treat visitors with the care you show any other prospective buyer. I have seen sales-oriented websites that never once listed a phone number or provided a contact form.

5. Market Your Website

Submitting to search engines and hoping for the best just wont cut it. It takes an active and targeted effort to effectively market your website on the internet. Whether its paid advertising or search engine optimization or both, marketing campaigns need to be constantly included as part of your website goals in order to improve your business on the web.

6. Make Your Website Useful

Make sure all the less interesting information your prospects or customers could potentially want is available. For example, include full product listings, specifications, case studies, success stories, white papers, and testimonials. And don't forget to include important contact information like your toll-free ordering line, customer service number, or how to get technical support. If your website has done its initial job of retaining the interest of your visitors, they will undoubtedly be looking around some more to get a bigger picture of your company and your products/services.