What is the Biggest Mistake?

SEO Guy · #1 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 17:31

In terms of Internet Business, what do you think is the biggest mistake made by people today?

My own thoughts are fairly simply, they are that people wrongly presume the Internet is just about business. The truth is all together different, the Internet is a global community that offers anyone the opportunity to advertise a business, be that free or by way of payment. Why do you think web 2.0 ventures are currently doing so well?

Google’s mission is to keep the Internet for the purpose it was designed (as well as making millions). This is the sole reason why ethical, helpful, content driven websites will always perform well.

This is something every person should consider when producing an ecommerce website.

It is no easy task but if delivered correctly the long term results can be exceptional.

Eagle · #2 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 17:33

The biggest mistake business people make online is taking themselves too seriously.

Sure, make money - but have fun at the same time!

SBP · #3 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 17:44

The biggest mistake is thinking an internet business isn't a business and that somehow they can start to make a ton of money in just a few days

boxby · #4 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 18:17

Not doing market research. Seeing someone doing something that they think is making them money, and then jumping straight it. I would put a lot of the ebay dropshippers in this category.

And not identifying all of their costs. for example for the ebay sellers, The credit card processing fees, the listing fees, the costs of dealing with returns, not working out shipping costs properly etc.

Alvin · #5 (**permalink**) 22-08-2008, 19:00

Forgetting the rules of the web

1 They want/need information
2 They want/need to make a purchase / donation.
3 They want/need to be entertained.
4 They want/need to be part of a community.

and thinking anyone gives a toss about your site.

Alvin

Paul Norman · #6 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 11:11

A number of people see the internet as a cheap way of avoiding proper marketing, and thorough selling approaches.

Your website is an important part of your marketing, of course, but it wont create a tidal wave of business, especially, as the majority are, if you went for the cheapest, least professional solution (not necessarily the same thing)

Your website should convey the message you wish you potential audience to hear. It must be honest, clear and functional. And it must not be visually repellant. It must also be built to comply with the best standards of online technology, coding and structure etc.

But the mistake is - assuming that all your work is now done!

The point about the global community is well made, and valid too. You must understand the arena you are becoming involved in, whether its TV advertising, media, or the WWW!

Alvin · #7 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Norman

Your website is an important part of your marketing, of course, but it wont create a tidal wave of business,

Wanna bet.

Alvin

Paul Norman · #8 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 13:22

Well Alvin...I am confident there are websites that do, because the are well built, with a product people want, and marketed properly.

But, there is no guaruntee. I believe your website, today, is vital, and should be a central plank of your marketing. But some are too glib about it. They put up an average site, and wait for the emails to arrive - and they dont.

Of course, the mix of web reliance is different from one business to another, I heard Easyjet do ok from their website!

Alvin · #9 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 15:23

Apologies I think my comment was a bit glib.

But the right products + the right website + A high ranking on the engines is a virtually unbeatable combination.

Internet market 1.3 billion .Uk market maybe 30 million.

We have just sold an 11k jet ski to a customer in Denmark,which would not happen without the intenet.

Alvin

OldWelshGuy · #10 (**permalink**) 23-08-2008, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxby

Not doing market research. etc.

That was what I was going to say, but I was going to say not researching the proposition properly. It ties in with what SEOG said in his first post. people buy people, anyone who has been in selling knows that. So what replaces 'people' as what they buy online in a website? TRUSt, is what i believe replaces it. The people who buy, need to trust the person behind the site, and the ONLY way for this to happen is to trust the site.