I like the article although for this group don't you think we know about domain names and the like?
I sell two ebooks online at my site http://www.consultantsadvocate.com and I have it setup so it's all hands-free. As a visitor buys from my site,when the credit card has been verified I take the response from the verification, check the verification code and if it's approved I add the user's email address, taken from the form, add it to my MSSQL db, add a newly generated password and set theexpiration date to be 3 days from the order date.
I used a third-party software package to control access to the download directory. This package checks my MSSQL db for authentication.
After inserting the new record into the db, my system creates an email with the link to the download directory, the username (which is their email address) and the newly created password. Then all they have to do is click on the link, enter their credentials and download the zip file with the ebook in pdf format and some other files I include such as marketing letters to use.
It's easy and I never have to perform any manual functions.
Oh yeah, by the way, my two ebooks cover marketing your consulting services, and the other one is about the business of consulting; insurance, taxes, etc.
http://www.consultantsadvocate.com
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I noticed that both Mike and Tom are still dealing with hands on management. Do either of you plan on being away from the office?
My suggestion, go fully automated. All the steps you are currently doing can be done automatically, and for practically nothing in cost.
To start off, you want a download process, not an email. Main reason, is that there is a limit to a lot of email services on the size and kind of attachments. A lot won't forward .exe files (yours might be self extracting, the email service thinks its a virus). Second, I would hate to get a 5 mg file on a 28k connection.
Next, you want to use the email address as a login. You can provide a random password (you can find free scripts around the internet, save the $800-1200 for your marketing campaign), or allow customers to create their own. In either case, it would be rare that people would allow their email/password to be used to get by others to get into a secured location. You can monitor the activity easily by checking the log files. If you find more that 3 IP addresses logging in with one email, you probably have a cheater.
Most merchant services provide the approval code electronically. They then send approved customers to your download page, and declines are stopped. No manual intervention.
Also, I would make sure that you collect name, address, email, etc., and forward that to the card service, rather than just link to them.
Finally, you should set up an auto responder that manages several processes - one for giving away information/newsletters, and one for post sale (and future sale) follow-up.
Once this is all setup, you can go on vacation (and leave the laptop at home).
David McCauley
1WebUSA, LLC
Small Business Web Marketing and Design
http://www.1webusa.com
My suggestion, go fully automated. All the steps you are currently doing can be done automatically, and for practically nothing in cost.
To start off, you want a download process, not an email. Main reason, is that there is a limit to a lot of email services on the size and kind of attachments. A lot won't forward .exe files (yours might be self extracting, the email service thinks its a virus). Second, I would hate to get a 5 mg file on a 28k connection.
Next, you want to use the email address as a login. You can provide a random password (you can find free scripts around the internet, save the $800-1200 for your marketing campaign), or allow customers to create their own. In either case, it would be rare that people would allow their email/password to be used to get by others to get into a secured location. You can monitor the activity easily by checking the log files. If you find more that 3 IP addresses logging in with one email, you probably have a cheater.
Most merchant services provide the approval code electronically. They then send approved customers to your download page, and declines are stopped. No manual intervention.
Also, I would make sure that you collect name, address, email, etc., and forward that to the card service, rather than just link to them.
Finally, you should set up an auto responder that manages several processes - one for giving away information/newsletters, and one for post sale (and future sale) follow-up.
Once this is all setup, you can go on vacation (and leave the laptop at home).
David McCauley
1WebUSA, LLC
Small Business Web Marketing and Design
http://www.1webusa.com
You would certainly like to develop long-term relationship with the bank that is close to your working place, provides high interest rates, and better services at low fees.
Visa Credit Card Application Online
http://creditcardapplication.cc/
Visa Credit Card Application Online
http://creditcardapplication.cc/
If you are an online shopaholic then using dual factor authentication and telephone authentication system is a must.
TeleSign provides phone-based Two-Factor Authentication that works with any phone and can be deployed worldwide. Using the telephone as a second factor prevents the hassle of managing hardware, increases scalability, and provides significant cost savings. Since it is widely deployed, users are already comfortable with the process.
Know more about their dual factor authentication at http://www.telesign.com/products-demos/two-factor-authentication/
TeleSign provides phone-based Two-Factor Authentication that works with any phone and can be deployed worldwide. Using the telephone as a second factor prevents the hassle of managing hardware, increases scalability, and provides significant cost savings. Since it is widely deployed, users are already comfortable with the process.
Know more about their dual factor authentication at http://www.telesign.com/products-demos/two-factor-authentication/
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