I’d agree with Matt on the ‘free samples’…because you’ll find that most people will take it. I think that if it’s a great product, you’ll see repeat business…and of course you’ll remind them to buy more along the way via database :)

If you could get the supplier to package the samples, then that would be even better…saves you work. They would need to be in some ‘light weight’ packing to keep the postage costs low…and then you’d just need a ’smokin hot’ salesletter to send along with the sample.

Another test you could try is to go and hand deliver some samples to people in your immediate area and see how the word of mouth spreads from there aswell. Your fellow church members would certainly take your samples given that they know and trust you (and your family).

Ebay sounds good also with same ’sample’ tactic.

Good luck with this one…sounds like a nice little niche you’ve found. Good for you!

Dean

PS. You’re a great blog designer by the way!

My thoughts: I like that it’s right out there with the price, that’s can sometimes work well, it all depends. I would also recommend putting actual info on the honey vs. our story (place that part below the facts).

Perhaps add a few more images, something of hawaii, or honey.. :)

All in all I think it has some great potential, and I look forward to seeing how it works! Keep it up Jonathan :).

@Bev: Thanks for stopping by Bev and thank you for your feedback. It looks like the intro story will be the first thing to make its way down or off the page. I’m going to work on the list of “reasons why” and then try presenting them up at the top.

– Once I’ve finished up a few more freelance projects it’ll be time to make changes and go for the second draft.

In less than a week since launching, though not huge deal, it’s nice to see our little honey site already ranking #1 for “raw hawaiian honey” - Now we just have to be sure that once people get to the site we’ve done our part to give them a reason to give it a try :).

The Intro story at the top does not make me want to buy honey. I want to know RIGHT AWAY why I should buy THIS honey when there are other choices for me or I’m going to leave. Is it organic? Fresh? Profits go to a good cause? Exotic and unique flavor or aroma? Good price? Good shipping rates?

I think it’s a worthwhile project to do what you’re doing. Best of luck to you.

This is a great little project! Can’t wait for future updates. Here are some of my suggestions for your little site…

1) Free Sample: Consider giving away a free sample of honey. When you send it out to them, include a mail order form, plus a little catalog and a coupon where they can get 10% off their order. You can also post your free offer on many of the hundreds of “Freebie Sites”. If the honey is as good as you say, people will definitely buy more!

2) I could consider changing the line “Hey, we should sell this online!”. People don’t like getting sold to. Make it feel more like, you are doing them a favor by offering them the honey. When I read through the copy, that hit me straight away. Other than that, I really like the copy.

3) Contact Form - I would put a contact form instead of your email address on the website. It make it easier for them to get in contact with you. They don’t have to copy the email, then open outlook, then paste etc. Your email also wont be harvested by the spam bots [smile]

4) Skype Number - Perhaps buy a skype in number. Give them the option of calling you. You get a free voice mail with skype in. Record a message and then let all calls go through to the voice mail. Then spend 15-30mins each day calling the people back who left messages. That means you don’t have to answer your phone 24/7. Of course you can have the lines open at times and answer straight away.

5) Right align image next to opening paragraph. I think the image of the honey bottle would look nice right aligned with some vertical and horizontal spacing next to the opening text and not on the header. On the header you can put an extra box for the free sample.

6) Switch to Paypal. It looks as if you have to have a google account for google checkout and have a card registered to that account? I would suggest switching to paypal or some other credit card processor that allows you to accept payments without people having to sign up.

7) Sell on ebay! Similar to the freebie idea, sell the honey on ebay. With the package you send out, include an order form, brochure and coupon.

I would definitely split test a lot of the things above and see what works.

Those are my suggestions. This is an awesome little project. I look forward to seeing it prosper in the future!

- Matt

@Dan in Seattle: Thanks for stopping by Dan and thanks for your suggestions. Excellent point, especially in a market where the processes, the “what makes this special”, are important. Thank you for the suggestions and I’ll definitely be taking note for the next update.

As for any ideas from me….
You may want to include a FAQ page, with answers like, do you ship international? other forms of payment.

Another idea that may help calm some nervous buyers (not everyone is use to buying food online) :), is to maybe have some pictures of the farm/field/bee thing, and of the whole process that you describe on the site.

Joel Osborne