Dear Friends,

Everyone says there is no Internet business model.

If that's true, then where are these billions and billions of dollars being made? They are being made by people applying the Internet business model their own way, custom tailoring their own solutions.

But people won't share their model; most of the so called "online gurus" teach others how they sold their specific product. Most times they have sold a book and maybe some information products. Great info if you want to sell what they offer, but how can you focus their advice on your specific product or service?

As a WebMaster who has helped many diverse businesses build their niche online, I want to open up my vaults and let my subscribers into the secrets I share with my biggest clients. But instead of trying to show you all the amazing things you could do, I want to keep things focused, to the point.

Last month I talked about going back to basics, and this month we continue by exploring the Conversion Process at your Web Site through the eyes of a total beginner to Internet marketing.

Instead of me outlining what I do, I'm going to share something very special. This summer I had an intern, Greg, who learned Internet marketing from the beginning. In the last weeks of his internship we put my Internet business model into action for him. This issue is the result of our work together, with input and development of an Internet marketing plan from someone who knew little or nothing about the Internet just weeks before.

Honestly, the guy still doesn't have a computer. But he knows how to use the Internet.

Our goal was to create an Internet Marketing Plan within three days, and start promoting the product without a Web Site.

Follow Greg's development and you can see how these techniques apply to any product or service that is offered online. Build trust in your customers, and reward that trust with the best effort you can make. I'll share the most important secret any business knows:

Remember your customers. By name. And reward them...immensely.

Instead of putting up a Web Site that reads like some catalog or print ad, treat it like an interview (the subject of next month's newsletter). Address their needs and forget about the computer, forget about your product, your service, and focus 100% on them.

A Web Site is where a live person comes to take an action. Ask them what they want, and guide them to the purchase decision. More importantly give them a way to keep in touch with you over the long term.

That way was, is, and will be email. If you are not emailing your clients, you are missing the chance to have long term customers. Few will remember you, or want to come back to your site again and again.

But many people like to be reminded by email, and even better to be remembered.

Do you remember the last time, someone remembered you?

Peace, Declan