Finally, start an affiliate program to promote your site. You could do all your selling yourself . . . but why would you? Think about it--you boost your visibility when your affiliates start publicizing your site, you gain credibility with your affiliates' customers, and you simply make more sales! And in a sales model site, that's your ultimate goal.
The Click & Mortar Model
In the click & mortar model, you combine your offline business with an online presence to increase exposure and expand your market. What you do with your Web site will depend on the type of offline business you've already established. Your online venture could be anything from a site that mainly functions as a marketing tool for your offline business to a fully e-commerce- enabled electronic store. Here are some of the profit streams you should consider when taking your existing small business online:
If your offline business involves selling products, you should consider online sales. Your two channels (online and offline) can share resources, including marketing dollars, fulfillment systems, and inventory. Adding the online channel allows you to expand your geographic and product market, while keeping your business small.
If you sell an offline service, think about ways you could promote your service online. This can be effective no matter what service you offer. Whether you're a real estate agent, a doctor, a dentist, a lawyer, a landscaper or a hairdresser, you can use your Web site to sell your service. For example, you could take appointments through your site or create a promotional campaign online that directs visitors to your physical location.
