Use a compelling call to action

It's a simple phrase. A common phrase. We've all heard it... "If you don't ask, you don't get."

So why do so many websites offering products ignore it?

Unfortunately it's because they don't know any better, which is why just following this and other rules in "10 things your website must do" gives you a competitive advantage.

But asking for the sale or another action doesn't mean just saying "Buy Now" or "Click here."

Try something more imaginative. Something that solves their problem. Like:

It's amazing how many websites don't ask for the sale or another action.

In fact, a lot of your competitors probably make this very common mistake.

So if you ask, you will be more likely to "get."

It's the same in email campaigns. Don't just invite people to click a link. Clearly label that link and tell them where the link will take them and, again, what's in it for them if they do.

You must always stress the main benefits of your offer wherever you can. And no more so than when you get to the stage where you're asking someone to part with some of their hard-earned cash.

Tell them what to do and what will happen next. Walk them through your sales process. Make sure you stress they will be buying over a secure server, and their credit card information and other personal information will not be seen by anyone else, to remove any final doubts they may have about buying online.

And just ask! For the click, the sale, the phonecall.