In the 1940s and 50s, sales teams were issued perfect miniature replicas of the items they were selling. Called “salesman samples,” these metal or cast aluminum objects had full working knobs, doors, dials and other components. Mainly used in the appliance industry, a salesman sample allowed door-to-door sales showcasing all of the functions of an item without lugging a full-size washer, dryer or refrigerator from home to home.

 

Obviously, the marketplace has changed. Most of us purchase items sight-unseen. How do we do this? Via a website. Choose your favorite, Amazon, eBay, Zappos and of course Walmart, Target and Best Buy. You name it, you can buy it from a website.

 

What’s the best function of a good website? When it’s so easy you can’t remember actually using it. Sure, you went there, and you were able to make a purchase, but no memory of difficulty navigating, making the purchase or understanding terms based on delivery, returns or pricing.

 

Fact is, a good website can make that sale for you. Best of all, it can be made just as easily at 2 a.m. as 2 p.m. Don’t just think about items either, if you are selling services, wanting donations or have a special event, a website can be that always-open option for you audience to visit, understand, learn and take an action. Finally, understand what you like in a website that you often use is also likely what your consumer wants from your website.

 

The time a website remains viable is basically less than two years. If your website is older than three years, you need to think about getting a new one now. Also, understand your website should offer function from desktop, to tablet to phone, all seamlessly. If you want to make that sale while your asleep, then you better be open to those looking at your website in the wee-hours of the evening (on their phones)!