Earning Customer Trust Online

Some Steps to Earning Customer Trust Online

Nobody said it was going to be easy.............

Keeping in theme with my recent article about ingredients to surviving in online business, let's talk about earning customer trust.

A recent survey found that 81% of consumers don't trust small online businesses.

You cannot survive in online business if your customers do not trust you. If they don't trust you, they will never buy and you will fail. It's that simple. Unfortunately, earning customer trust online is not an easy task, especially when there are so many bigger brands out there where they can easily purchase most of the items they are looking for. That brings me to the first item.

1. Branding

Branding is more than just marketing. It's a way to establish your business as a familiar face, and familiar faces become trusted more than strange ones. The more branding you are able to accomplish, the more trust you will gain.

2. Make yourself appear larger.

This is really just an extension of branding, but you also have to make sure that brand is conveying as professional an image as possible. This means a good-looking logo, a nice usable site design, and maintaining a solid reputation.

3. Design

Like I just said (and have numerous times in the past), site design is crucial. That is, if you want customers to think of you in a trustworthy and credible light.

Why should a customer take a chance on a small unknown site if it is presented in a sloppy and difficult-to-use manner? They can just as easily find a competitor's site that looks better and spend their money there.

4. Reputation

I have talked about this numerous times too. You have to maintain a positive reputation if you want customers to trust you. People can Google your business and they most likely will if they've never heard of you.

This is why you have to periodically find out what people are saying about you online and do your best to counter any negativity out there. Don't hide from customer reviews.

Of course you also don't want to create a bad reputation on your own. You could do this inadvertently through social media, blog posts etc. Just think about what you're saying before you attach your name (especially the name of your business) to something you're posting online.

5. Security and Privacy

Customers need to feel secure at your site, and you need to take measures to earn their trust in this area as well.

This means privacy policies. We've run a couple videos on this, so check those out.

Customers also like to see SSL certificates. It makes them feel safer on your site. Read this article from Stoney deGeyter to see what other privacy and security concerns customers have.

6. Testimonials

Testimonials are a form of marketing, and can be an effective one. Besides that though, they represent your business as one that has satisfied customers in the past.

If you can get recognizable names to vouch for your business, that's even better. Again, customers find familiar faces more trustworthy than strange ones.

7. Humanize Your Business

Like Wayne Hurlbert says, "People buy from other people they know and trust". This is why it is a good idea to humanize your business.

Don't be shy about including photos and bios of your staff on your site. Maintaining blogs is another good idea, but humanize those too. Don't just fill them with press releases. Make them fun, and reflect the writers' personalities. Show people that your business is run by flesh and blood people and is not just some cold robot entity who's after their money.

Building trust on the Internet is no easy feat, but it's not impossible. The more trust that you earn, the higher your sales will climb, so it is in your best interest to do everything you can to get it.

Do you have any other suggestions for building trust online?

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More Tips of Adsense

Google Adsense: Understanding the Google Adsense Report

When you log into your Google Adsense account, you are automatically taken to the page where you can view all your Adsense activity. On the Reports tab, you'll see "Today's Earnings." This is the approximate amount you have earned today in your Google Adsense account. Earnings are not final at this point and could be adjusted for invalid clicks or fees.

It's interesting to look at the breakdown. As you can see, Adsense for Content, which refers to the targeted ads appearing on the pages in which you have written content, is listed first. Here you will see the number of page impressions listed in the first column. While a page impression is generally the same as a page view, that is not always the case. For a more detailed definition of a page impression, see Google Adsense support, click on Your Adsense Account and then click on Your Adsense Report.

Next, you'll notice the number of clicks. This refers to the number of times "your ads" were clicked on.

Page click through rate or CTR is in the next column shown as a percentage. It represents how often a visitor to your page clicked on an ad. The biggest adsense sites get a click through rate up to seven per cent.

Page CPM stands for effective cost per thousand impressions. It is calculated by dividing total earnings by the number of page impressions in thousands.

Don't be intimidated by these statistics. The bottom line, your earnings, is what really counts. As you become more familiar with Google Adsense, statistics will become like second nature.

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Adsense Secrets

Wanna know some Adsense secrets?

Do a search for Adsense secrets and you will be bombarded by a myriad of ads by telling you that they, and they alone have all the answers to making lots of money with Adsense.
window.google_render_ad();

And I say bully to all of them. I repeat: nobody has all the answers and there are no "Adsense secrets" per se!

The only thing you need to find out all there is to know about Adsense is a search engine and a bit of common sense. There are literally hundreds of forums where you can pick up all the information you need, as well as hundreds of articles that have been written on the subject of Adsense.

All the answers are out there for you to find it you will put in a little bit of work. If you buy any of the ebooks available out there, you might find one little nugget of information that you may not have seen anywhere else, but I promise you: everything is out here on the Internet - all you have to do is search for it. Here are some of the search terms that I personally have used with great results:

increase adsense income
increase your adsense income
adsense experimentsadsense
adsense tricks
adsense tips

What I can tell you from my own experience is this:

1. Ads at the top of the page and on the left of the page perfom better than any other ads. (Take a look at the "heatmap" from the Google link below)

2. Ads without background colour and borders perfom better than ads within borders with background colour.

3. Ads within content pages perform better than any other ads.

4. A search box on every page gives you another chance for earning Adsense income.

5. Your link at the top of the ad should be blue like a normal link, the ad should be black, and the url should also be black so that it blends in with the ad copy. That makes the link stand out and gives you a better chance of someone clicking on it.

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Adsense Tips

Adsense Free Report How to Increase Your Adsense Earning Levels

For webmasters wanting to make money with Adsense from their websites, Adsense can generate substantial income. While many are struggling to earn some good money from their Adsense sites, others are enjoying hundreds of dollars a day from placing Adsense ads on their web pages. What makes these webmasters different from the others is that they have experimented to find techniques that work for the highest adsense earning rates.

The ones who have done well with Adsense have some useful tips to help those who would want to venture into this field. Some of these tips have boosted quite a lot of earnings in the past and are continuing to do so. Here are five proven ways for you to improve your Adsense earnings.

1. Concentrate on one format of Adsense ad.

The one format that worked well for the majority is the Large Rectangle (336X280), shown on this page. This format tends to result in a higher click through rate (CTR). Why choose this format out of the many you can use? Basically because the ads will look like normal web links, and people, being used to clicking on them, click these types of links. They may or may not know they are clicking on your Adsense ads but as long as these are valid clicks, then it will all be to your advantage.

2. Create a custom palette for your ads.

Choose a colour that will go well with the background of your site. If your site has a white background, try to use white as the color of your ad border and background. The idea of blending the colors is to make the Adsense ad look as if it is an integral part of the web page. Again, This will result in more clicks from people visiting your site.

3. Remove the Adsense ads from the bottom of the page and put them at the top.

Do not try to hide your Adsense. Put them in the place where people can see them quickly. You will be amazed at the difference that different Adsense placements can make when you see your earnings.

4. Use the same font colour for the google_color_url and google_color_text - you will see these in your ad code.

5. Try to automate the insertion of your Adsense code into the web pages using SSI (server side included) applications.

Ask your web administrator if your server supports SSI or not. How do you do it? Just save your Adsense code in a text file, save it as "adsense text", and upload it to the root directory of the webserver. Then, using SSI, call the code on other pages. This tip is a time saver especially for those who are using automatic page generators to create pages on their website. These are some of the tips that have worked well for some who want to generate hundreds and even thousands in Adsense earnings on their websites. It is important to know though that ads are displayed because they fit the interest of the people viewing them. So focusing on a specific topic should be your primary purpose because the displays will be especially targeted on a topic that readers will be viewing already.

Note also that there are many other Adsense sites sharing the same topic as you. It is best to think of making your site stand out from the others. Every click that visitors make is a point for you, so make your Adsense pages attractive to entice your visitor to read on.

Tips given by those who have boosted their Adsense earnings are just guidelines they want to share with others. If they have worked wonders for some, maybe they can help you too. Try them out on your website and see the difference. If others have done it successfully, you have nothing to lose in trying it out for yourself.

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Make Money From Readers' Letters

An Extra Stream of Income for the Freelance Writer

Readers’ letters, which appear in most newspapers and magazines, can be an extra form of income for both the beginner and experienced freelance writer.

Why Write Readers’ Letters?

Readers’ letters are a quick and easy way to earn money and win prizes. You have the satisfaction of sharing your opinions, the bonus of winning prizes and the knowledge that, if you write letters regularly, there’s always something that might be published, whatever else might be happening with the rest of your freelance writing.

Letters are ideal to fit around the rest of your writing projects. Often, creating a letter in a short time can keep you in the writing habit when things are tough. You might be struggling with a novel, but a half-hour break to put together a letter to a newspaper or magazine can be enough to refresh and revitalize your work.

Readers’ Letters are the perfect way for a beginner writer to see their name in print. Most people are capable of putting together a short piece of writing on something that interests them. Add to this the possibility of winning cash or a prize, and this is the perfect first writing gig.

How to Compose a Readers’ Letter

Choose a publication which interests you, at least to start with. This way, your enthusiasm will shine through and you’re less likely to make factual errors. Once you’ve had a few letters published in familiar journals, you can look to expand your portfolio.

Have a good look at the letters page of your chosen magazine. What’s the average word count of the letters? Do readers write in to discuss previous articles, exchange news and opinions or just write about anything that interests them? Stick to the general style and you have more chance of being chosen by the editor.

Remember, editors like to encourage readers to share their views. If you can write a letter which will encourage others to respond, whether they agree or disagree with your views, the editor will be more likely to print your submission.

Readers' Letter Dos and Don’ts

Do come across as a genuine reader. This isn’t the place to write in on your headed ‘freelance writer’ notepaper. Editors like to think they’re hearing from members of the public.

Do accompany your letter with a photograph if possible. Images brighten up the page and increase your chances of publication.

Don’t be tempted to invent details about yourself or your family. Remember, a friend or colleague could be reading your words within weeks.

Don’t feel you have to be insincere in your praise of the magazine. A little controversy can be good and instigate reader discussions.

Don’t include a stamped addressed envelope as you would with a freelance submission. You’re unlikely to receive a response, unless through the pages of the publication.

Do submit your letter by email if possible. Not only do you save on postage, but if your letter is topical, it reaches the editor sooner for inclusion in the next available issue.

Beyond the Readers’ Letter

Once you’ve notched up a good few published letters, you can expand your horizons. Browse the racks of magazines at a large news store and take a look at the prizes your letter could win. Seek out publications you wouldn’t normally read and see what’s on offer.

Swop magazines with friends. This gives you a bigger range of possible markets. Read the magazines at doctor’s surgeries and libraries, opportunities are everywhere. You can always note brief address or website details if you can’t take the magazine home.

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Make Extra Money Fast and Easy

Making a Few Hundred Extra in Cash Is as Easy as Making a List

Your earning capacity is only limited by the scope of your imagination. While none of these suggestions will make you a millionaire overnight, they may be just the push you need to earn enough for that weekend getaway you've been putting off.

Selling Your Extra Items

Studies show the average person has over $1200 in sellable items sitting around the house. You'd be surprised what might be valuable to someone else. An old Hallmark Christmas ornament your mother in law gave you could fetch $100 on online auction sites. That designer sweater that never really was your style might be exactly what someone else is looking for. With a digital camera, an Internet connection, and a few hours on a Sunday afternoon, you can pad your pockets with next month's grocery money.

Use your contacts. Make a list of items you wouldn't mind parting with, or services you have to offer and send a mass e-mail to everyone on your mailing list. An old desk, or spare time to walk a neighbor's dog while they're at work may seem trivial to you, but may be priceless to someone else. By sending out the word that you're enterprising, people will feel more comfortable approaching you if you have something they're interested in.

Cutting Cost Is Earning Money

Do a careful review of your bills and look for unnecessary purchases. Everyone is guilty of it, you sign up for a package for some service that you actually could live without. Start with your phone bill. Odds are, your needs have changed since you originally selected your plan. Can you cut back that text message package? Do you really need 2000 minutes? Do you travel enough to necessitate a National Roaming Plan?

Cutting even $5.00 a month is a $60.00 a year savings. $60.00 is a semi-fancy dinner out. Check out your cable package, memberships to any clubs, and other expenses that have become habit that maybe you could do without. Figure up the numbers on those fancy coffee drinks, it might be cost effective to buy an elaborate coffee maker and do it yourself. Over time, if you come out ahead, you've earned money.

Provide a Service for Extra Funds

There is no shame in accepting compensation for a good deed. If you live in a metropolitan city, consider putting an ad on Craigslist or a similar site, offering house sitting services such as daily mail collection or plant watering for people who are out of town. While you're listing your items for sale online, put a notice up on the office bulletin board letting co-workers know you're doing some listing and offer to list their items as well. You can charge 10% of the sale for your time, and help your office mates get rid of some old clutter.

Capitalize on Your Strengths

What you take for granted may be someone else's weakness. Make a list of skills you possess, subjects you're strong in, or talents you've honed. Decide how you could share your craft with others, either by providing lessons or tutoring and start advertising. A flyer in the local community center offering your skills as a math tutor or offering to cut a neighbor's yard will not only bring in revenue, but introduce you to potential friends in your area.

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How to Make Money Fast

Tips on Earning Extra Cash in the Next Few Days

How can you make some fast money? Here are some tips on making fast money ethically and legally. Any one of these tips should help you make some quick cash. Before jumping into these money-making tips, here are a couple things to keep in mind.

First, these tips are aimed at helping you make money fast. They are NOT going to make you rich. One or two tips should earn you an extra $50-100 over the next week. Implement all the tips, and you could see a couple hundred dollars added to your bottom line. But do not expect quick riches.

Second, you need some planning and a few days to work with. That planning should include ways to start saving money.

If you are in a situation where you need quick cash today, then you're in a crisis -- and you probably need to borrow money from friends, relatives, a bank, or (last resort) a fast cash outlet. This article is aimed at those who have at least a few days (preferably a week) to work with.

1. Offer Seasonal Work to Your Neighborhood and/or Surrounding Area

Use your time off from your main job (which will probably be your evenings and weekends) to offer your seasonal labor services to your neighbors and, time-permitting, residents in close-by neighborhoods. Seasonal work includes raking leaves, mowing lawns, or shoveling snow.

The best way is to blanket your target neighborhood with 200-400 flyers, offering your services for an appropriate amount per lawn, driveway, etc. depending upon its size and the amount of work involved. Make sure your contact information is on the flyer. To expedite results, you can grab your rake (or shovel or lawn-mower) and just go door-to-door, offering your services directly.

If this is "beneath you," consider how seriously and quickly you need the money. If you need money fast, this is a great way to do it.

If it's STILL "beneath you," then TEAM UP with a neighborhood teenager. You can be the one to distribute the flyers and take the phone calls. Your partner can then do the actual labor - based on appointments you set from the people calling in response to the flyer. The two of you then split the money.

2. Call a Local Contractor

Find a local contractor and see if you can hire yourself out as a day laborer. This is a particularly viable option, if you're the "handy-man" type. There are probably quite a few contractors in your area looking for day laborers to help them build and/or repair houses, decks, fences, etc.

3. Sell Some Stuff

Go through your house, attic, garage, etc. and pick out EVERYTHING that you are willing to part with. Then, depending on the weather and time of year, put signs up around the community that announce your yard sale.

If you have more time, go to eBay, register, and list the items online. Mark Joyner, a bestselling author and co-founder of Guerilla Marketing Network, says to "pick 40 of your items" no matter how "silly or seemingly worthless they are." Then, review a few books and articles on effective sales writing and marketing and (based on that knowledge) "create eBay pages to sell every one of those products."

If you have the ingredients, try baking a bunch of cookies - and then call some businesses in your area to see if you can sell the cookies to their employees during the lunch hour.

4. Offer to Distribute Stuff

Contact your local newspaper to see if they have need for a neighborhood distributor. If so, you're in luck.
Don't stop there, though. Use your phone book and/or the local Chamber of Commerce to research businesses (retail or restaurant being the best) that market to the general community. Call them up and offer to distribute flyers for them -- for a price.

BONUS TIP: See if you can combine Tactics 1 and 4 (handing out flyers for yourself AND for these businesses - at the same time).
The above tips should get you started on making fast cash. However, you need to step back and look at your overall money situation. Better planning will enable you to make even greater money in the long term. And long-term earnings is (or at least should be) your financial objective.

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