Suze Bragg

10 Tips From Companies That Are Succeeding
December 7, 2007

I love reading everything I can about Internet retail trends, what is working, what companies are trying, and what is failing.  Here are 10 tips that I pulled for a week in review thanks to shop.org and marketsherpa.com:

• Cheaper prices / comparison shopping and free shipping are the biggest incentives for buying online, followed distantly by special coupons and promotions (per a survey by Synovate for Guidance)
• Target Corporation is increasing their online traffic by mirroring promotions in their brick-and-morter stores.
• Wal-Mart has tripled the number of online-only deals in the last week of November (compared to the same week in 2006
• Companies are expanding into the European markets by opening up e-commerce stores -- it saves on a huge investment.
• When advertising online, don't do stupid tactics to attract attention like, "You're a winner!" or "Click here to claim your prize."  Spam sites use these notoriously well..don't be associated with spammers.
• Your reputation with the customer can determine if your emails are being received in their inboxes.  Not sure how you rate? Ask.
• Bill Me Later payment option is on the fast growth track, attempting to change the way security-conscious consumers pay online.  The Maryland-based company pays the Internet retailer, then bills the customer later and is now the sixth fastest-growing company in the U.S.
• Need help collecting sales tax across state lines?  Shop.org reports that a witness testified on behalf of the NRF (National Retail Federation) urgining a congressional committee to approve sales tax simplification legislation to help make it easier for you when selling online.
• This is good news: more than 50% of online customers who write product reviews are usually positive in their comments (according to Bazaarvoice survey by Kellery Fay Group).  This is another opportunity to employ user generated content on your web site by having your customers give testimonials..

Posted by Suze Bragg on December 7, 2007 | Comments (0)