Directory Listings & Direct Sales

Directory listings and other forms of advertising can be great exposure for anyone in business. However, if you are in direct sales and using a rep site you could be leaving lots of money on the table.

Even in direct sales, advertising online can be a huge benefit. One of the largest mistakes we see though, is the use of rep sites alone. Believe it or not, when advertising online your main objective is not to get customers to buy immediately. A very small percent will bookmark your site, so if your focus is just getting visitors that's all you'll have. And if you are lucky to get bookmarked … when is the last time you looked in your favorites list?

Instead of focusing on just getting people to your site to buy, focus on getting them to sign up to your list. This way you haven't lost them, they are just waiting to buy at a later time. To do this, of course, you will need your own website.

A rep site does have its purpose, and that's to complete the online buying process. It should be used as the end, not the start. Leads should come from your personal website or from you personally (offline or by email, stating to go to your rep site to order). Warm leads only should be sent to your rep site, while those just surfing should be sent to your personal website.

Contrary to popular belief, websites can be built fairly easily and inexpensively. So, do yourself and your pocketbook a favor and at least think about building your own personal website.

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Anita DeFrank & Kara Kelso, authors of Direct Sales Success, specialize in coaching direct sales representatives to reach their goal of becoming successful in their field. Visit http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com for free weekly tips.