You've done everything right in your site design. Your navigation is clear and simple to use, graphics load quickly and the design is pleasing as easy to look at. Even the best design cannot guarantee your site success.

If you want to succeed and stand out, you will need to incorporate important marketing elements into your site's design. The essential elements of marketing are easy to remember and include the following: product, price, promotion, physical distribution and people.

Don't worry about complicated schemes, just focus on making it clear what you are selling. Start by identifying the benefits of your product. Be sure to point out the things that your customers can really identify with. It is a good idea to focus on how the product solves problems and adds value for your customer base.

Once you've identified the benefits and values, take a step back and ask the hard question, "So what?" This forces you to uncover the core benefits of your product and anticipate your customers' concerns. You will also discover even deeper benefits and value that you never even thought of for your product.

Internet buyers are more price sensitive than traditional consumers. Why? Because they can easily shop around for competitive pricing and features. Your pricing should be competitive, yet still allow you to turn a profit. Your pricing structure can say a lot about your product. If priced too high, it can drive customers away, while a price that is too low may leave potential customers wondering what is wrong with the product. Find ways to create values. Justify your pricing. Spell out what customers get. If it is 24/7-customer support and weekly updates, let them know.

A low price shouldn't be the only competitive edge your product has. While the price may motivate customers to buy, don't forget to back it up with features and value because if price is the only thing that entices your customers, rest assured that someday, someone will beat your price and nab your customers.

Don't spend all the time and effort trying to attract visitors without promoting your products and services. Motivate your customers to positive action by adding call to action statements throughout your site. List testimonials and customer statements about the value of the product. If your product is related to other Web sites, list links to those sites for customers to look at. Case studies are also a good way to demonstrate how your product produces results or solutions in a variety of situations. Don't overlook the traditional promotions that tout "saving up to 15%" or getting added support. Offer value-added services.

The distribution of your product goes beyond just getting the product to your customers. Don't forget to make it easy for them to not only receive the product, but also use and return it if necessary.

If the product requires assembly or installation be sure that clear concise instructions are included and even available online. Have a clear return policy indicating time limits and any other conditions well in advance. Make them aware from the beginning instead of surprising them down the road. In the end, even a customer who returned a product can still be a satisfied customer-based on their experience in dealing with you and your site.

Two-way communication can help you build relationships with your customers and result in more closed sales. Internet shoppers are fairly independent, but can become easily disillusioned with your site and product if the information they need is not accessible. Even if you have a small operation, customer support is fairly easy to implement.

Have clear links to support information throughout the site including the purchasing process. Any place where transition is required should have clear links just in case customers need help. Make support policies clear. If you plan to offer support only for certain hours of the day, indicate that on your page. Set expectations. Let your customers know when you'll get back to them. It takes you an average of 3 hours to respond to an email, let customers know. People, in general, are easier to work with when they know what to expect ahead of time.

The five P's of marketing can help you improve your site where it matters most-in the content and overall customer satisfaction of your site. By combining the elements of product, pricing, promotion, physical distribution and people with your site's design elements, you'll be on your way to more success on the Internet.

Source: MyComputer.com Network News (Volume 2, Issue 24)