Build a website and they will come. Well, not exactly. Building a website does not make for a successful online venture. Successful web site owners and affiliates know that it takes a community. An eCommunity.
The challenge is to establish site credibility and foster a loyalty among your target users, to provide incentives for your target visitors to click over to your site often. The ultimate scenario is turning your visitor into an evangelist for your site (by telling others and establishing links on their websites). Naturally, your site must be informative and/or provide a product or service that your target visitor wants or needs. Assuming this, how do you build your community?
First and foremost, keep your content fresh, offer new "related" products and offer specials. Provide the incentive for your visitor to come back to your website to see what's new. If your website focuses on home repair, provide timely tips for "winterizing" your home or a review on snow blowers, and links to related products they can buy online.
Second, create an opt-in ezine (emailed newsletter) that draws your community back to the website. Don't offer hype - respect your communities email box. Instead, alert your "members" of new offers and the latest information on your chosen subject. Make your visitors feel like valued members of your community.
And get your members involved. Offer to display the best advice or tips submitted by members. You might even provide a reward for doing so ($25 for the best tip this month).
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