The BIGGEST Website Mistake Ever…
The same is true of most consumers. We’re an impatient, impulsive bunch at times but for the most part we know what we want and when we want it. If you’re a savvy marketer, you’ll deliver when it counts.
Recently I was in the market for some entertainment. Well, I’m always in the market for some entertainment…but I was specifically interested in having some fun that includes wine (no big surprise, I know). As luck would have it, a Facebook friend reached out to me to share some information about a wine cruise. YUMMY.
I was beyond excited. Checked my calendar and sure enough my schedule was free the dates the wine cruise was happening. I could feel the wind in my hair, the wine on lips and even smell the gourmet dinner that would be served on the excursion. I quickly zipped to the website for the wine cruise, my wallet was out so I could grab the plastic (hello air miles) and I was already thinking about which friends to invite. This was going to be some GREAT entertainment…
My excitement quickly faded when I realized the most recent itinerary wasn’t posted. Sure, the dates and general info about the wine cruises were listed. But, there were no details. No price listed and no way for me to quickly find ALL of the details of the package I most desired, select it and quickly buy ( I like to call this pick, click and pay).
Guess what happened next? I sent my friend a quick message that the details were missing. Got word they would be posted soon and a few weeks later I was notified that all the info is available. And while I appreciate this, the immediate opportunity was missed. I bought tickets to a Natalie Merchant concert instead.
So, what went wrong? The wine cruise outfit had me at Merlot but they lost me when I didn’t have all the info I needed to make a purchasing decision. I didn’t have everything I needed to pick, click and pay and so I moved on. I’ll probably book the cruise another day but my business could have been theirs if they were ready(AND while it’s true I’ll probably book in the future, an immediate opportunity was missed –this is key because not all consumers will give you a second chance).
Are you making THE Biggest Website Mistake ever and inviting people to your site when it’s really not ready to deliver what your customers want to experience?
Take a minute to review your Internet marketing efforts. Look at your website from your customers perspective and consider what you want to experience when you are online. Will you make the sale or will your prospects bail?
P.S. If you’re not sure if your site is working for you, consider a Manyon Marketing Web Makeover (This is GREAT value and there are only 6 openings available per week and my schedule is filling fast.)
June 8th, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Having the things people need to make a buying decision is critical to making a sale.
Thanks Lisa for inspiring me to fine-tooth comb my website to make sure things are clear
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 6:48 am
I will be taking a fine tooth comb to my website as well.
This also reminds me – how often have we given a great presentation and just NOT asked for the sale? I know I have been guilty of this. So..
Great post, and great info as always.
Terry
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
That was a great interview with Pete Winiarski Lisa! You always sound so good in your audios!
Lynn
Get Clear Goals with Lynn Moore´s last blog ..How Dare They Judge You!
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Laura,
You are welcome. I’m glad to return the favor since you regularly inspire me to tap into my creative artistic side.
Write on!~
Lisa
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Terry,
That is so true. I am so guilty of that on teleseminars too. I get so excited about delivering great information that will help people right away, I forget about the offer.
Write on!~
Lisa
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Thanks Lynn,
That reminds me, I should post that interview on my blog.
Write on!~
Lisa
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
This is one story out of hundreds if not thousands about how companies do it wrong. You are SO right in all the points you make, Lisa. Great “teaching” story!
Sue Painter
[Reply]
June 10th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
Sue,
AND, it happens to the best of us. We are all so close to our own message and business that it’s important to get outside perspective.
Write on!~
Lisa
[Reply]
June 11th, 2010 at 10:16 am
Can we say mystery shopper? I’ve had so many experiences similar to yours…it’s a pity! And your advice is so timely. Thanks, Lisa!!
Carmen@GetOrganized´s last blog ..Get Organized: Bye, Bye Drop Zone!
[Reply]
June 11th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Thanks for the guidance, Lisa! We’re re-doing the website this summer and I will use this ‘customer lens’ to check it out.
Since I offer a service [spiritual counseling/readings] I’m thinking of putting the price and a way to pay up front on the site instead of asking for a contact. This post is making me think that someone who finds me online might want to pay right away. Thanks!
Blessings, Rosemary
[Reply]
June 12th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Thanks for this Lisa – you are so right – “The WHO is more important than the WHAT!”
Heidi Alexandra
[Reply]
June 13th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Lisa,
This is why your Manyon Makeover’s are so great! You
know exactly what to look for and find the “holes” in
the websites.
Good job!
Linda
Linda P. Jones´s last blog ..The Magic of Belief
[Reply]
June 14th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Very helpful article, as always Lisa. I have a list of to-dos before I hit the submit button to publish a page/post but truthfully, I rarely read over them. Your article is a big hit on the head reminder of how when we get in a hurry we really are not servicing our customers well. I’m adding on the to-do list “Don’t forget Lisa Manyon’s Tip of Pick, Click and Pay. Thanks for your advice.
[Reply]
June 14th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
As always the BEST advice from Lisa and her Manyon Makeover’s. I am re-working my site and it won’t be out for a couple of months, but it is always wonderful to get advice from a PRO.
Thanks Lisa!
Anita
[Reply]
June 14th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
GREAT example!! Story well told… Point well taken… New mantra: pick, click and pay!! (especially when there’s merlot involved!!) XO, Katherine.
[Reply]
June 14th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Lisa,
Great points as always. I heard the one web master was on a cruise so no one was able to update their site until the ship came in.
Mitch
Mitch Tublin´s last blog ..Entrepreneurs Find Inspiration From Sports
[Reply]
June 15th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Hmmm…I could be looking in the mirror on this one! Thanks for the great reminder, Lisa!
(runs off to update the site).
Phil
Phil Dyer´s last blog ..The Power of the Kolbe Assessment
[Reply]
June 15th, 2010 at 10:34 am
I am taking all this juicy information and going to go through my websites with a fine tooth comb. Thank you for such great advice once again!
Christine McIvor´s last blog ..Law of Attraction Basics | Share your LOA Story
[Reply]
July 3rd, 2010 at 10:14 am
This is such a fantastic article, Lisa! I love the simple way to remember it: Pick, Click, Pay. As a consumer, I LOVE it when it is that easy to make a purchase. I am doing a major redesign of my website right now and need to think about that very carefully. Thanks!
Jessica
Jessica Eaves Mathews´s last blog ..Without a Strong Foundation- Even a Beautiful House Won’t Stand
[Reply]
March 3rd, 2012 at 6:51 am
In today’s world immediate information to make a purchasing decision is critical. I’m in the process of creating a website right now and will keep this in mind! Thanks for the great information from your experience!
Charise
[Reply]