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Which is more important; following up on prospects or following up on sales? Nine out of ten people would answer 'prospects'. This shows in the fact that most people believe marketing ends once the sale is made. However, marketing actually begins once the sale is made. That's right! Following up on the sale is the crucial most important aspect of Internet marketing.

Think about it. How many times have you received an e-mail after making an Internet purchase? Usually within minutes after making a purchase you receive a brief e-mail thanking you for your business.

It doesn't stop there. Most companies will continue to periodically send you e-mails. Sometimes it is to check up on how their product is working for you. Other times it is to inform you of a new or upcoming product that might benefit you. Regular contact form these companies results in a slow and steady relationship. The business is able to capture your trust, making it easier for them to sell you their services or products.

This follow up marketing tactic can work just as well for you. If you take the time to follow up on each sale you prove to the customer that you really care about their business and are available to help them become successful with your product. One fellow marketer commented that follow-ups are like a fruit tree ripe for the picking. Yes, follow-ups are a great way to garner extra business.

If you're like me, and your Internet ventures rely heavily on affiliate programs and residual income, following up becomes even more important. Why? Because a lot of residual income programs only pay you as long as the members in your down line stay in paid status.

I learned this the hard way. I do a lot of my marketing with a plug-in profit site that promotes a handful of affiliate programs like SFI, Empowerism and Host4profit. I remember the excitement the first time I made a sale with SFI and Host4profit. I remember thinking I was on the track to making monthly income. Boy was I wrong.

I made the mistake of making no contact with my customers after they joined the programs. I just assumed that they would be fine left on their own. Wrong! One or two months into the programs, they suddenly became inactive or simply quit.

I just saw my residual income drift unexplainably away. What went wrong? I have no way of knowing, since the quitters failed to respond to my sudden inquiring e-mails. I assumed it was my lack of support. After those embarrassing episodes, I made a decision to follow up on every sale. Now I immediately respond to each sale. I thank them for their business and then offer assistance in getting them going. Since that epiphany, the dropout rate in my residual income programs has dramatically decreased.

A lot of people join programs and are confused where to start. They don't initially realize that some effort is required to make them work. They become discouraged and simply quit. By having good follow up habits, you can provide them with a motivating kick in the butt. Always make yourself available for assistance. It may take a little extra time out of your day, but it is well worth it to keep that residual income rolling in.

No matter if you are marketing residual income programs or selling a product or service, your follow up habits can make or break your Internet business. Remember, marketing doesn't end with the sale, it actually begins.

Copyright © Robbie Fanucchi
http://www.RJFanucchi.com