YOUR WORLDWIDE REPUTATION
By GEOFF CAPLAN
Vice President, Marketing,
VIBEdirect
------------------------------------------------------------
An
important and distinctive factor to remember when weighing in
all of the factors contributing to the success of your web site
is your worldwide reputation.
That's
right. Although your market might be vertical or local, everything
you do regarding customer relationships contributes to a worldwide
reputation for you and your business.
That's
because your site can be viewed just as easily in the United States
or Bangkok, Thailand. Any presence on the World Wide Web is truly
worldwide.
This should present a unique perspective on all of your marketing
objectives and the manner in which you approach customer relations.
Your commitment to customer service must be responsive and wrought
with integrity. You would be amazed at how fast negative information
travels about a business with the availability of newsgroups,
message boards and other forums.
Internet users are actively engaged and not afraid to express
their opinions.
The Web is a unique medium with its own unique characteristics.
Consider the following:
1.
Always respond to customers with clearly stated, detailed information.
2.
Never misrepresent your product or service. If you can't provide
what site
visitors are looking for, be honest and say so.
3.
"Bait and switch" online tactics are a sure road to
web marketing oblivion.
4.
Actively provide methods for customers and prospects to communicate
with you. This includes feedback forms, polls and high visibility
for email
links.
5.
Never ignore a customer or prospect communication.
Always
consider your online marketing strategy and your actions in the
long term with a view to your online marketing reputation. The
benefits realized will be substantial.
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