When it comes to designing an effective Web site or online store...

  Words Sell!

A spellbinding headline stating your mayor benefits, clear and explicit navigation buttons in the menu, informative product descriptions giving the visitor a complete idea of what your products will do for her or him... Every word on your site or online store counts, and should be chosen and written carefully.

But now, let's talk about...

  The POWER of Graphics.

In combination with selling words, you want to present well-designed graphics to give a professional and unforgettable impression on your visitors.

Especially if you have an online store.

The graphics, colors and shapes should all work together making your visitors feel excited and comfortable using your store and buying your products.

Here are some tips...

Your logotype is extremely important. It should be clear and attractive but not dominate the design. It can be standing alone or part of a nice top banner. A well-designed top banner does half the impression!

Also pay a lot of attention to the navigation menu, it has to be very clear and easy to use -- so that your visitors can explore the entire store. It should quickly give them a summary of what you can offer.

The colors of the menu should work with your logotype and the text on buttons easy to read.

Individual product pictures should also be of the highest quality. After all, this is what helps the visitors to decide if they should buy or not.

Remember. If your graphics are of poor quality or cheap look, most visitors will think that your business is that too -- right or wrong -- but that is how it works.

So spend some effort to make your graphics shine and reflect the true image of your company!

Here are some great examples of online stores that have gotten it all right -- great design, colors, shapes, logos, top bars, menus, product pictures, and words...everything works together, giving a high-quality image of their online business!

  http://jotylingerie.redtienda.net
  http://clubchic.redtienda.net
  http://simbamusical.redtienda.net
  http://invitarte.redtienda.net
  http://cacio.redtienda.net
  http://ximbol.redtienda.net
  http://powerballmex.redtienda.net
  http://cueros-leathers.redtienda.net
  http://centrodulcero.redtienda.net
  http://servimusica.redtienda.net
  http://rbimportaciones.redtienda.net
  http://inversiontotal.redtienda.net
  http://ladavirtual.redtienda.net
  http://feromonaslatinas.redtienda.net
  http://melateenlinea.redtienda.net
  http://luct.redtienda.net
  http://streetminds.redtienda.net
  http://replibac.redtienda.net
  http://decor-arte.redtienda.net
  http://neoalimentos.redtienda.net
  http://masuno.redtienda.net
  http://exporarte.redtienda.net
  http://nutrishop.redtienda.net
  http://adawebsolutions.redtienda.net
  http://tufiesta.redtienda.net
  http://sija.redtienda.net
  http://nefertis.redtienda.net
  http://axcollection.redtienda.net
  http://saboresvirtuales.redtienda.net
  http://elmueble.redtienda.net

We hope these stores can inspire you to always improve the look and design of your own store. Keep it simple. Keep it clean. Keep it professional.

With content that is attractive and informative, products that are in demand, and design that is good looking and easy to use -- you will have a truly great online store. An online store that sells!

Lastly, we would like to congratulate...

  D`AIDA CHOCOLATES in Peru
  http://daida.redtienda.net

...for getting the most votes and winning the title of The redtienda store of the Year - 2006.

Contratulations D`AIDA and Peru!

Run. Relax. Enjoy!

Have a wonderful day.

All the best,
Erik G. Olsson, Editor
eolsson@redtienda.com

  El Pendiente, Spain
  http://www.elpendiente.com

Open a store: http://www.redtienda.com/english

That may sound like a big claim, but, if you follow the simple suggestions below, you will find you are getting more business and your customers are feeling better about your company. For the next 30 days, each morning before you begin your day's work, ask yourself the following:

How can I add more value to my products and services? How can I provide more service to my customers?

Take the time to write one or two answers to each question. At the end of a month's time you will have "brainstormed" enough creative, new ideas to have made a real change in your operation. Many of the ideas will be "less than wonderful" but you will have enough good ones to make a difference in your bottom line.

You may want to add the following two marketing questions to your morning routine (I know this is extra work but it's worth it).

What new products or services can I offer to my present customers? Many companies overlook the potential of marketing to their existing customer base. This is a big mistake. Your present customers are your best source of new business and the easiest group to reach. You know who they are. They like doing business with you and have already been sold on your company. Take some time to think about what you can do to increase your sales to your customer base. Many businesses send out newsletters to their customers as a way of "keeping in touch". Copy what the "big guys" are doing. You can send special promotions along with your invoices as a way to add business. Let your customers know that you appreciate their business and they will remain loyal, satisfied users of your products and services.

What new markets or uses can I establish for my existing products and services? A good example of this kind of creative marketing is the Arm & Hammer story. They had a product that everyone bought but it lasted a very long time and repeat orders were slow. When their marketing people put it in a box and sold it as a deodorant, sales soared. They've expanded even further by adding a complete line of products based on their original formula "Baking Soda"!

In times like these, it is crucial to your business success that you keep stretching your capabilities and resources. Highly focused questions are an ideal way to spark your creativity. Remember that our minds are conditioned to answer questions, even questions to ourselves and highly focused, direct questions will provide the answers we need to grow our business.

Great site in Spanish about online business
http://www.publicidad-internet.com

Global network and idea database for active entrepreneurs
http://www.springwise.com

Many good articles about customer service and help offered by Lic. Alejandra Vartuli
http://www.serviciosyclientes.com.ar

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Here we publish serious Web sites with valuable content for Internet entrepreneurs. If you would like us to review your site, please send us an email at newsletter@redtiendanews.com

  Sonia Cortez, caritas.pintadas(a)hotmail.com
  El Mundo Magico de las ”Caritas Pintadas”,
  http://caritaspintadas.redtienda.net

There's more: http://www.redtienda.com/english/comments.htm

PayPal: Receive online payments and accept credit cards
http://www.redtienda.com/english/paypal.htm

2CheckOut: Accept credit cards online
http://www.redtienda.com/english/2checkout.htm

SafeIT: Work with absolute security
http://www.redtienda.com/english/safeit.htm

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