Online Security in Germany

I was recently reviewing a German Article about online security. It was so interesting to find that a German organization is pushing to increase their online commercial value by 10% this year. If they do this, their online turnover for 2013 would reach 32 Billion Euros.

So how did the Germans get so involved with the online networking world? Well, in 2012 more the ¾ of all Germans above the age of 16 bought multiple products and services over the Internet. It is proven that the online world is no longer focusing its strength in the U.S.  Asia, and most of Europe are also engaging in the art of the online business world.

Though this is a great national breakthrough for the inter-web, it also demonstrates the need for international online security.

With people accessing the web all over the world, it is even more crucial to have your online businesses, websites, and personal computers secure. International online services offer more diversity of goods, services, and pricing, but they also invite more hackers and identity thieves to access your personal information.

In the Eurostat and recent German Articles, Author Jan Valcke states:

“Most consumers know that online security has two sides. On the one hand, they are afraid to fall victim to obscure criminals; on the other hand, they are well aware that malware on their own pc can forward banking and credit card information to criminal units, even though they only deal with serious and trustworthy traders.”

Valcke continues to say, “Online providers that want to differentiate and ensure a safe shopping experience for their customers can do more than just the bare necessities. They can, for instance,set up a defense against online theft and password hijacking by Trojans and rootkits. They cannot avoid that there may be some malware on the consumer's PC that can have a negative impact on the shopping process, but at least, they can diminish the risks and consequences.”

You online security is important, and everyone who does business online, no matter where they live, knows it. Don’t take the risk by avoiding PCI Compliance. Make sure your website and your computer are secure today.

Boost Your Online Business Sales with Citations

Why Are Citations Good?

All successful businesses are online. The world is evolving and enhancing to make it so that you can practically buy anything you want from the comfort of your own home. Consumers love purchasing products from online businesses. So if you are a business owner, or if you are an entrepreneur thinking of starting your own business, get started online!

If you do have an excellent website hosted for just $5.00, for your online business, then your next step is improving that online business! One of the best ways to bring in more customers is with social networking citations.

What are Citations? When it comes to Social Media Optimization, there is an added dimension in that Google and other search engines that you have to pay attention to – it’s when someone or some entity (especially one with clout) gives you and your company credit for doing something or being someone positive. The more citations you have, the better your website will rank on those search engines for searches related to what you do and where you are geographically located.

This increased page ranking with Google will bring you more web traffic, and more web traffic means more customers. Citations are good for your in-store business and especially your online business. Anytime someone mentions your business on their website (in a positive manner) they’re bringing energy and attention to you and providing you with exposure to potential customers or clients. 

Citations are especially important for businesses that operate within a limited geographic range, (like a small city,) because it is in part by citations that Google can determine that a certain business is active within a certain city and not the one next door. When you use citations and other SEO tactics effectively, a small company can outflank a large company on the search engines. This is because it can prove itself to be more relevant to local search results than a national firm, simply because of social networking. 

So, if you don’t have your business online, you can sign up with hosting for just five bucks a month. If you are already set up online, start boosting your website with citations of your business from your fans and followers. Then, provide citations (short testimonials) of your friends’ businesses boost sales on their sites.

What Trust Logos Can Do for Your Online Business

Do you know what Trust Logos can do for your online business? Millions of business owners conduct their business online. They have websites connected to social networking sites, because they understand that this is a proven method to increase their customer base. 

Of these millions of businesses, about 85% of them (the most successful online companies) use Trust Logos to enhance the level of trust visitors have when coming to a new website. Trust logos convey a message of security and honesty to consumers.

When your customers visit your business website, they are interested in your services. But in most cases, consumers won’t buy from someone they do not trust. Many statistical case studies have shown that websites that have a trust logo displayed on the top of their front page, almost immediately increase conversion rates by as much as 30%.

When you have a trust logo displayed on your website,consumers don’t just see a logo, they see that this is a website they can trust. The purpose of a trust logo is to allow your customers to identify a qualified, respected security verification organization likeTrust Guard, Norton, and MacAfee. When your online visitors recognize the secure trust logo on your site, they know that the company values its security as well as the safety and security of their visitors.

When consumers feel a sense of security, they are more willing to purchase products. This increases conversion rates and ultimately your business’ profits.

The best way to have trust logos do more for your business is to post them to your website correctly.

1.      Don’t display more than two Trust Logos on your website. Having too many trust logos tells people that you are trying too hard to gain their trust and research shows it actually makes them trust you less. If your site has too many trust logos, it is guaranteed to actually have the opposite effect and reduce your conversion rate.

2.      Place the trust logo on the top right hand side of your website. You want this to be seen right from the beginning of the buying experience but you don’t want it to over power the rest of your site. Keep it small and simple. Big enough for consumers to notice, but no so big that it is distracting.

Just by adding Trust Logos to your website you will be able to create an all around more successful business. It is easy, inexpensive and guaranteed to almost instantly increase your conversion rates. People purchase products from companies they trust, and that is a fact.