1. Embrace New Sales Technologies

Getting sales right is a process, and it can often feel like a long and complicated one. An array of new technologies are helping to streamline this undertaking, and your business could probably benefit from a few of them. For instance, take customer relationship management. Organizing and reaching out to leads can seem daunting, but digital technology is enabling the automation of many of these tasks.  A good CRM program can collate data from multiple communications platforms, analyze sales promotions and even send messages to prospects via email automatically. Do a CRM comparison and find out what system could help you nurture your customer base.  

2. Lead With Value

The product that you're selling may be good, but how do your customers know that it's good for them? When advertising your products or services, it's important to give specific examples of how the thing you're selling will objectively improve their lives. For example, if your product can purify a thousand liters of water per filter, then consider those numbers your edge. Give examples of how the capability of your offering can improve their lives directly. Technology company First Insight did a consumer poll that revealed that only 38% of customers view price as their number one concern. 53% cite quality as the most important thing on their minds. When you give value, you earn loyalty. 

3. Minimize Consumer Risk

Every time someone makes a purchase, they're doing a kind of risk assessment. They weigh the outlay of cost against the tangible benefits they stand to gain from the product. The more you can do to minimize this perceived risk of loss, the more likely you are to sell. Offering a money-back guarantee is a great way to help your customers breathe easier and build trust in your brand at the same time. Free shipping is an effective down-payment on customer goodwill as well, so if you're an e-commerce company, consider it, especially for expensive or multiple orders. It shows everyone that you're about more than just making money. 

4. Engage in Collaborations

Influencer marketing is all the rage right now, and with good reason. If a popular Instagramer uses your product in their story, it can be seen instantly by millions, all of whom are, by definition, in your target demographic. But this is not the only option to exponentially increase your reach through strategic partnerships. Referral programs leverage the power of word-of-mouth marketing, which is statistically the most effective form of advertisement out there. A recent study showed that 92% of consumers trust recommendations from family and friends over all other channels of advertisement. Give your loyal customers rewards if they spread the word about your business to the people they know will want to hear about it.   

5. Be Consistent

In a world where people feel like they never get any guarantees, few things will make your business stand out from the pack like being a force for dependability. This goes beyond just following through on your promises to customers, though that is absolutely vital. If your business is being marketed through social media (and it should be), remember to regularly update your site, even if the new material has nothing to do with sales. Promotional videos give people a sense of connection to your brand. In addition, make the design of the site itself consistent, using a well-planned color and iconographic scheme to keep your business fresh in everyone's minds. 

Success in sales doesn't happen overnight, and there's no silver bullet to save you from poor strategic planning. Thankfully, there are still plenty of easy tricks like these that can get your faltering sales game back on track. 

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