Virtual Customers Have Real Expectations

Steven Van Yoder, www.getslightlyfamous.com

“This is the age of the virtual customer,” declares Steven Van Yoder, author of Get Slightly Famous. “Although the Internet has made it perfectly reasonable to land a major client you’ve never met in person, it has also created new expectations.” Yoder adds:

Prospects now “Google” around to find someone with your skills. They expect you to make a good virtual case for yourself. If you appear lackluster compared to your competitors, you will lose the potential client. Think about it. You have probably used the Internet to research a company or person you’re considering doing business with. Certainly potential clients are checking you out online, too.

Publishing articles online draws upon and displays your expertise by providing useful information that website visitors are actively seeking out. Online articles position you as an expert in your field and convey a level of authority that establishes trust and sets the stage for sales.

When high-traffic, high-credibility websites and e-zines publish your articles, you ride on the coattails of their loyal relationships with readers. Your articles are seen by visitors as referrals from trusted friends.

Some of the most prime real estate in the world these days is at the top of the search engine listings. The most widely used search engines rank websites by the quantity of other websites that link to them. This means that every article you publish that links to your website can improve your search engine rankings.

The only way to be truly successful in business is by establishing a good reputation. And understanding the way business has shifted in the Internet age can help you bring the potential of marketing your business into the virtual world.