Here is a great post full of no-nonsense advice on getting more sales on your web site. A whole 65 tips ranging from running your pay-per-click advertising, to SEO, copywriting, and email marketing.

My tip is about product descriptions. Make your product descriptions as complete as possible. Show related products or accessories. Get as much information as you can from manufacturers. Search online reviews and see what customers value most and incorporate that information into your product description. I keep reading studies on how much product descriptions factor into the decision to buy.
Anyone have another tip to increase sales on your web site?

I visit this theme periodically because I meet skeptics who wonder if it is possible to make money online. Normally the issue isn’t really about if it can be done, obviously it can. They wonder if they can make money online and what it takes to. I know that I can but that’s been built over time as I’ve gotten checks and seen concrete results. However, it has been and still is gradual.

A lot of marketing is about trust, and truthfully trust usually takes time. In fact, we’re often suspicious of something new that has no track record. There are some brilliantly talented people who build trust very fast because they get results quickly but most of us have to build trust over time. Online trust is built slowly – by showing a consistent work ethic.

Search engines reward fresh and regular content (or quality information over time). That’s why for business blogs you can’t rest once you start getting rankings for important keywords. That’s not the time to stop, it’s time to continue. It’s easier to maintain and build momentum than to stop and start over.

So the myth is that this trust can be built suddenly. If you believe this myth you’ll give up far before you’ll do the work you need to do to build trust. One of the best ways to build trust is to start building it first with yourself. You have a lot of control over that. Another way to build trust is to partner with people or companies that already have trust. I learned a lot about trust from this book: The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything.
I guess what I’m saying is I don’t know shortcuts. I don’t know how to succeed without work. However, I can say that as an affiliate it’s much easier to make money now than when I started. I have built up credibility. I really had almost none when I started. I had book knowledge but most of it was untested. I made mistakes and I looked bad at times but other times I realized what I learned was accurate and as I applied it things worked. I developed a sense of it.

I tend to promote what and who I know. I write about what has worked and who I trust. I wish I knew and trusted even more people and products relating to internet marketing.

Examples
Knowing what I know about Jeremy Palmer, and have an idea of how much he spends on PPC, I trust his recommendation for managing it (SpeedPPC pay-per-click management software).

I also have trust built for Bluehost. I met one of their employees this past weekend at a party. Somehow this international company makes customers feel like they are a small company. They have incredible customer service. Their employees promote and believe in them. I call them any time day or night (mostly early morning) and get friendly help. My only complaint is their interface is too geeky. They need a marketer and copywriter to arrange the control panels and organization.

What have you found to be the best ways to build trust online and what services or companies do you trust and like to do business with?

Here’s what’s on my mind about what I appreciate in life right now:

1. Friends new and old (too many to mention).

I have a new friend Melissa with three sweet kids. Her two little girls are such girly girls that it reminds me of a world I don’t usually see.

Last night I spent hours talking with a friend that I made 5 years ago, it was great.

I appreciate my blogging friends because it’s a very authentic community of smart people who I’m honored to hang out with. Thanks to Laura Moncor and others for sharing your world so boldly.

Then there is my business partner and friend Paul Wilson who has taught me a lot and has been supportive and who in some cases dreams bigger than I do and helps me catch that vision. I especially love how authentically and hard we laugh at things that are funny. I think it’s good for our health and friendship.

2. A gorgeous earth.

I’ve been hiking, jeeping, sailing, biking, and walking this Fall. I’m dating someone who has a large picturesque view of the entire valley from his kitchen and living room window. Every time I look out I’m in awe. I can see the Great Salt Lake and the sunsets. Once a few weeks ago we both looked up at the moon and saw a shooting star. I live in a beautiful place and I love being outside to balance all the time I spend online.

3. Blogging Jobs.

A few years ago I blogged that I wanted to be a professional blogger. I had no idea how to go about that. Now that’s a lot of what I do. Sometimes I miss the days I blogged only when I felt passionate about something. But I’m enjoying writing for Marketing Pilgrim and Podango. I’ve made the front page of Digg, Techmeme, and mentioned in several blogs that I respect. Who would’ve thought that I’d make most of my income writing – not for a newspaper – but for blogs.

4. Affiliate Marketing.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of affiliate marketing. Last month I had my best month yet. I wish I had the analytical mind required of a PPC affiliate but I just don’t. Still, it’s been a great way to make some residual income and I hope to continue to grow that income. The industry is fun – lots of interesting people. Speaking of that, thanks to Jeremy Palmer for being a mentor to me and many others. As I usually write it’s an interesting [clash] mix between the corporate and the entrepreneurial cultures.

5. Bjorn.

My little boy turned 7 last month and he’s just as sweet and endearing as ever. Somehow he is a happy morning person. I go in to wake him up and he has a smile on his face before he even opens his eyes. Since I don’t like mornings and tend to be grouchy, I think I’m fortunate to have him around to show me another way to greet a new day. Bjorn is responsible for a lot of my motivation to improve in life and some of my ambition. I want him to have a good life and he reminds me what is important. Also, he’s forgiving, which is good because there are times I really need to be forgiven.

This post is a bit more personal than most but as I thought about what I appreciate most right now this is it. I could be general but I wanted to get specific so you could see exactly why I’m thankful for these elements of my life. I’ve had less time to focus on blogging but I do appreciate you reading and following my adventure in internet marketing that is also my life and passion.

I read that many bloggers like getting comments but usually don’t leave them. So I’m challenging you to post one thoughtful answer to what you’re thankful for in the comments. Even just one thing. I want details too. Thanks.

I’ve been a fan of Craig’s List for years. Craig Newmark – THE Craig has even commented on my blog! I’ve been working with Mike Berry to find a VP level IT position in Utah and rediscovered my love for Craigs List. Last night he sent an email about a contract job and was called within an hour. I found a possible business connection and a few leads.
In a spirit of giving thanks here are the things I love about Craig’s List (and be sure to use CrazedList to search multiple locations at one time).

• Local is where it’s at. The Internet makes the world global but personal connections in real life are still the most powerful. Craig’s List has introduced me to some amazing contacts locally. It’s full of entrepreneurial types like me.
• I’ve found people to help with my business. Again, these are locals who I can meet with, so it’s a good networking tool.
• While local is where it’s at I also found a great writer in Oregon for some contract work.
• Unlike corporate job boards, Craig’s List often gives you direct contact info for the person hiring.
• Craig’s List is a great place to find contract jobs.
• I comb Craig’s List for places to live, things I want to buy, etc. I’ve never used the forums but that’s another great resource.
• If you’re a local business you can list it on CraigsList and even work in some keywords – even if you don’t have a web site.

Best of all it doesn’t cost anything. I know it’s not to this level here but my friend Ariel (congrats on passing the bar!) just explained how in San Francisco Craig’s List is a culture. You buy or sell something, you share a beer and chit chat. There is almost trust built in just by using the site – they’ve managed to create community around it. So it’s no wonder I’m a fan and I hope that the culture expands here like it is in California.