Category "E-Commerce"

The e-commerce landscape is fiercely competitive. With over 12 million e-commerce companies vying for attention worldwide, how do you make your online store stand out from the crowd and increase sales? You need a solid marketing strategy, adaptability, and an understanding of what truly resonates with today’s online shopper. Ultimately, increasing ecommerce sales comes down to optimizing every step of the customer journey and making sure you’re using the right sales tactics.

Harnessing the Power of Personalization for Ecommerce Sales Growth

Personalization is the key to turning casual browsers into loyal customers. In a world saturated with generic marketing messages, a little personalization goes a long way. Would you be more likely to engage with an email that addresses you by name and recommends top-selling items you might actually be interested in? Or one that feels generic and impersonal? It’s a no-brainer, right? By tailoring the shopping experience to deliver personalized experiences, you make customers feel valued and understood. It’s been proven that this approach yields impressive results. Personalization can boost revenues up to 15%, increase marketing ROI by up to 30%, and drastically reduce your customer acquisition costs according to McKinsey.

Practical Ways to Personalize the Ecommerce Journey

Here are a few actionable tips for integrating personalization:

• Personalized Product Recommendations: Recommend products based on past purchases, browsing history, and indicated preferences. Sophisticated AI algorithms can do this extremely well now.
• Targeted Email Campaigns: Segment your email list and tailor your messaging based on customer demographics, purchase history, and interests. For example, you wouldn’t send the same promotional email to a first-time buyer that you would to a loyal, repeat customer. This simple, customer-centric strategy helped increase a brand’s open rates to 75%.
• Dynamic Website Content: Show content relevant to user behavior, like recommending related products or highlighting items they’ve viewed before.
• Personalized Customer Support: Use chatbots or AI-powered tools to offer tailored support based on customer history and preferences.

The Future is Now: Using AI to Supercharge Your Ecommerce Sales

After unprecedented hype in 2023, AI has shifted from a buzzword to a business necessity. This year, smart businesses are discovering how to extract real value from a healthy partnership with generative AI (genAI) to boost sales. AI can revolutionize how you approach every stage of the customer lifecycle – especially when it comes to driving more ecommerce sales. One powerful example of this is leveraging AI for content marketing and SEO optimization. Did you know you can even use AI to help you rank your store organically on search engines? Here are several ways AI can transform how you manage and scale your e-commerce business:

• Content Creation: AI-powered tools like Content at Scale help you create engaging, SEO-friendly blog content. This frees up time to focus on strategic growth initiatives.
• Product Description Optimization: Imagine generating compelling, search-engine-optimized product descriptions with a click. Platforms like eBay are already seeing success with AI-generated product descriptions. In fact, eBay claims that 30% of its US sellers have already tried their AI tool and over 95% kept the AI-drafted descriptions.
• Customer Service Chatbots: AI-driven chatbots can handle customer inquiries 24/7, provide instant support, and even personalize interactions to increase conversions. It’s no wonder experts predict chatbots will be the primary customer service channel for about a fourth of businesses by 2027.

Influencer Marketing: Tapping into the Power of Social Proof

When it comes to online purchasing decisions, people trust people. Especially if those “people” are relatable influencers who seem to align with their lifestyle or values. Around a quarter of people say they make purchasing decisions based on influencer recommendations, demonstrating how influential online personalities can be. Moreover, 36% of brands report that influencer content outperforms branded content, underscoring its effectiveness in capturing attention and driving action. Partnering with relevant influencers in your niche can expose your brand to a wider, engaged audience that already trusts the source of the recommendation. This can lead to increased brand awareness, website traffic, and ultimately, more sales. If you’re on the fence about adding this to your strategy for how to increase ecommerce sales – it might be time to experiment. Here are a few platforms where you can connect with influencers who align with your target audience:

Social Media Platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube): Directly reach out to influencers through their platform of choice.

Influencer Marketing Platforms (Grin, Upfluence): These platforms simplify finding and collaborating with influencers in a more streamlined way.

The Magic of Bundling: Skyrocketing Your AOV and Driving Revenue

Want a simple yet surprisingly effective tactic for how to increase ecommerce sales? Bundle related products together. Product bundles naturally encourage larger orders by offering discounts or showcasing the value of buying complementary items as part of a sales promotion. For example, if you sell skincare products, a “Complete Nighttime Routine” bundle would entice more customers compared to selling the serum, moisturizer, and night cream separately. One brand used a strategic bundling strategy and, by offering products together at a 15% discount, they were able to increase their average order value by an astounding 250%.

Expanding Your Reach: How to Increase Ecommerce Sales Through International Expansion

While going global may feel intimidating, selling internationally unlocks huge growth potential for your ecommerce business. You’ll be able to reach new customer bases and boost e-commerce sales. The numbers speak for themselves – the AOV of an international sale can be up to $9 higher than the average domestic sale. This statistic highlights the significant revenue opportunities available in new markets. Interested in exploring the exciting world of global selling? Keep in mind that customers in EMEA have a reputation for higher spending overall. Lululemon, a renowned athletic apparel brand, attributed much of its recent success to international growth. They saw a remarkable 60% growth internationally, generating $2 billion in the first quarter – a substantial 24% increase year-over-year, highlighting the significant revenue opportunities available in new markets.

Customer Service is King (and Queen.): Building a Loyal Customer Base

The statistics show a clear link between outstanding customer service and ecommerce sales growth. A whopping 81% of consumers say they’re more likely to purchase (or become repeat buyers) after having a great customer experience with a brand. A customer-centric approach can make or break your brand’s reputation and bottom line. Think of it this way: you’ve invested heavily in marketing and driving traffic, but a single negative interaction can undo all those efforts and send 30% of customers packing. People are also quick to tell others about bad customer service experiences, so making this a priority can impact brand reputation.

Beyond the Cart: Exceeding Customer Expectations

To take your customer service from average to exceptional, consider these impactful tips:

• Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Anticipate customer questions. Offer comprehensive FAQs, size guides, shipping information, and return policies so shoppers have easy access to what they need without waiting for a response.
• Multiple Support Channels: Provide a variety of ways for customers to get help – whether that’s email, phone, live chat, or social media messaging. Having multiple points of contact shows you’re accessible and invested in their satisfaction.
• Offer Fast and Free Shipping: Shipping costs and speed of delivery are consistently top pain points for online shoppers. If you don’t offer free or at least affordable shipping options, you’ll inevitably lose business. People are accustomed to Amazon Prime now. They’ve been conditioned to expect speedy delivery.

Using AR/VR to Bridge the Online/Offline Gap

Imagine a customer being able to “try on” a piece of clothing from your online store in the comfort of their own home or envision how a piece of furniture might look in their living room. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have moved far beyond “cool technologies.” They are quickly transforming the online shopping experience into an immersive and engaging experience. An impressive 79% of customers express interest in trying products before they buy, signaling a desire for greater confidence in online purchases. The numbers don’t lie. Interactive AR product experiences are proven to increase conversion rates by 94%. Investing in this technology might seem frivolous – but the returns speak for themselves. Sephora, the beauty giant, provides a stellar example of using AR/VR effectively to create an omnichannel shopping experience that seamlessly blends online and offline engagement. This strategy isn’t a temporary trend. This strategy has proven its efficacy year after year. In fact, it played a crucial role in Sephora driving a 23% increase in revenues for the LVMH group in 2023, a testament to its enduring effectiveness in today’s competitive retail landscape.

Going Omnichannel: Creating a Seamless and Consistent Shopping Experience

Shoppers use many touchpoints on their path to purchase. They might browse your site, interact on social media platforms, add something to their cart, and come back days (or even weeks later.) to actually check out. With so many potential interaction points, providing a consistent experience across every single channel is no longer just a good idea – it’s crucial for survival in a competitive marketplace. This includes your ecommerce store, social media profiles, marketplaces, and brick-and-mortar locations (if you have any). While the initial setup of an omnichannel strategy requires effort and integration, the payoff can be immense for forward-thinking companies. Done right, an effective omnichannel strategy has the power to increase your year-over-year (YoY) revenue by nearly 10%. This impressive statistic underscores how critical it is to adapt to ever-evolving consumer behavior. Meeting your customers wherever they are throughout their shopping journey is now the key to sustainable growth.

Avoiding Ecommerce Pitfalls: Why Many Fail (and How You Can Succeed.)

The e-commerce world is filled with incredible stories of triumph—but also cautionary tales of ventures that didn’t quite make it. The statistics tell us that a significant percentage of new businesses don’t survive their early years. This emphasizes the need for strategic planning, thorough research, and adaptable strategies from the outset. The reality is this: a staggering 75% of venture-backed startups ultimately fail. This underscores the importance of thoughtful planning, sustainable strategies, and understanding what it really takes to build a thriving business. Let’s face it, starting a business can be overwhelming. But here’s the thing: by understanding common pain points, learning from those who’ve been there, and focusing on building a solid foundation – you set yourself up for lasting success in a crowded marketplace. Here’s how you can overcome common obstacles associated with how to increase ecommerce sales:

Invest in High-Quality Photography and Videography: The quality of your visual assets is non-negotiable in the e-commerce space. Since potential customers cannot physically engage with your products, they rely heavily on visual cues to make purchase decisions. Professional, enticing imagery helps to build trust and reduce the perceived risk associated with online purchases.

Leverage the Power of User-Generated Content: Don’t underestimate the power of social proof. People trust recommendations from real people—and nothing showcases the value of your products like genuine user reviews. Encourage your happy customers to share their experiences, and actively incorporate this type of content into your marketing efforts. It could be through customer testimonials, engaging unboxing videos, or visually-driven reviews.

Optimize for Mobile: In this mobile-first era, your site needs to look great and perform flawlessly on any screen size. Poor user experience and slow loading times lead to high bounce rates and lost conversions.

Streamline the Checkout Process: Don’t give shoppers an excuse to abandon their carts. A complicated, lengthy, and clunky checkout flow frustrates buyers and increases cart abandonment. Keep it clear, simple, and remove unnecessary hurdles or extra form fields that may seem intrusive. Offering multiple payment options like credit card, mobile wallets, etc. can also help you increase sales.

Don’t Ignore Post-Purchase Engagement: The relationship shouldn’t end after someone buys something from you. Nurture ongoing customer relationships through personalized email sequences, loyalty programs, and enticing promotions specifically designed to drive repeat business and boost e-commerce sales.

While you can use several effective strategies to increase ecommerce sales in today’s fiercely competitive digital marketplace, focusing on a customer-centric approach, using the latest AI tools strategically, embracing a seamless omnichannel experience, and understanding that we live in a mobile-first world are non-negotiables in today’s business environment. Remember that knowing how to increase ecommerce sales boils down to constant learning, adapting, and adjusting as needed.

You need to know how to choose the right keywords for ecommerce brand success. It’s not enough to slap any old word on your website and hope for the best. There’s a lot of strategy involved, and, frankly, a little bit of art, but we’re going to make sure you understand how to choose the keywords for ecommerce brand growth. If you need help choosing keywords, you should hire an ecommerce SEO agency. They can help create more than just keywords and help with a national SEO campaign to get your ecommerce store to the next level.

Why Knowing How to Choose the Keywords for Ecommerce Brand is Crucial

Every single day, over 8.5 Billion searches happen on Google. That means 8.5 billion opportunities for your ideal customer to find you… IF you show up. If you want to grab even a tiny slice of that delicious traffic pie for your own store, you’ll need to show Google what you’re about. This is where your ecommerce keywords come into play.

Keywords act like a virtual address, pointing customers to the specific products or information they seek. When you use relevant keywords that match their searches, you increase the chances of them finding you organically. Doing this will help increase your monthly search volume for the terms you want to be found for.

Step 1. Understand Your Customers

Before you even think about plugging anything into keyword tools or spying on the competition, we have to take a moment for your secret weapon; actually understanding your customers better than your competition does.

You know how sometimes you stumble across a brand or piece of content that feels like it was made specifically for you? That’s because somebody out there put in the effort to get really, really clear on their customer persona, their pain points, desires and even fears. This will help with coming up with an initial list of keyword ideas that are specific to your target audience.

Empathy is Your Superpower: Conduct Keyword Research Using Real Conversations

Sure, AI is super useful. But don’t underestimate the power of actual human insights. You’d be shocked at what you’ll find by taking a few extra steps like:

• Listening in on social media conversations and forums.
• Sending out surveys or polls to your audience.
• Checking customer reviews—yours and your competitor’s.

Are you picking up common themes and pain points that aren’t being addressed? That, my friend, is keyword research gold. It will also help you understand things such as the user intent, search terms, and search intent of your potential customers.

Step 2. Identify Relevant Keywords That Speak Your Customers’ Language

This step is where you dive into keyword research, crafting a list of terms that are a blend of what customers type into the search bar AND how they actually speak. We all have those little quirks in how we search for something. Capturing this will allow you to craft copy that truly resonates. For this, you’ll leverage some stellar tools like Google Search Console, SEOApp.io, Ahrefs, Helium 10, Semrush, and even the Google Keyword Planner.

Brainstorm a List of Seed Keywords

This is as simple as jotting down every term or phrase you can think of that relates to your products or niche. Don’t worry about being comprehensive; think of this as your launchpad. These are generally short-tail keywords that serve as a starting point for your keyword strategy.

Dig into Competitor Research

The Semrush keyword tool lets you deep dive into your competition’s strategies—a powerful way to gather keyword intelligence. Let’s face it, spying on the competition, whether in ecommerce, PPC, or, heck, even the schoolyard, gives you an advantage.

While Semrush does offer a free version, it pales in comparison to what you can achieve with their Keyword Magic Tool, which unlocks a database of millions of keyword suggestions. Trust me, I used the free version for too long.

Use SEO Tools to Broaden Your Keyword List

Let’s dive into more details with a couple more keyword tools and techniques.

• Google Keyword Planner: Sure, some might argue that Google Keyword Planner is better for PPC than finding SEO keywords, but there are some tricks to mining that platform, especially when looking for ideas surrounding YouTube. And since we know more and more customers want video shopping options these days, I like to leverage the platform to give my clients that advantage. It’s also great for looking at Google searches related to your niche.
• Ahrefs: Ahrefs gives you in-depth keyword data. This includes search volume, keyword difficulty, and related terms that might’ve flown under the radar. This is super helpful to figure out which keywords will bring in the most traffic with the least amount of effort.

Step 3: Prioritize Keywords With Search Intent

Once you’ve gathered an extensive list, don’t be afraid to group your findings by Search Intent. What are your potential customers really looking for? Are they in the mood to browse and be inspired by inspirational content? Or are they primed to hit that “buy now” button? Targeting the right long-tail keywords, that match search intent, can increase the chances that you’ll convert a reader into a paying customer. You should be looking for long-tail keywords that have a high monthly search volume but low keyword difficulty.

Search Intent Matters for These Common Types of Queries

Don’t be afraid to niche down and become the leading authority for that highly specific need. While chasing every trending term is tempting, this method might get lost.

Remember Backlinko shared, keyword difficulty listed on platforms may not be completely accurate. And don’t forget, when that perfect visitor finds your product page…it’s crucial they are greeted with relevant information, or they are bouncing right back to that Google search bar for someone else. Your product descriptions should use relevant keywords as well.

Don’t assume just because an SEO platform told you this magical long tail term was “low competition”, that it is accurate. You do need to factor this in when mapping things out. But consider this; even with all the right keyword strategies, a potential buyer could bounce because their search experience was not ideal, negating your efforts.

Step 4: Group Similar Keywords Into Clusters

Keyword clusters are incredibly useful and can boost those coveted organic clicks because they take the stress away from needing a different page on your site for every possible phrase. A keyword cluster will help you group keywords long-tail keywords by search intent. You can then use these keyword clusters to create high-quality content for your ecommerce site.

So instead of hyperfocusing on one phrase on one page— think more topically. This allows your site to cast a much wider net. It also allows you to better target specific topics with your blog content and create high-quality content that ranks well in search engine results pages (SERPs).

Here are a few best practices when mapping out Keyword Clusters for maximum effectiveness:

• Avoid Keyword Cannibalization. Be mindful of creating similar pages targeting similar phrases and cannibalizing traffic, like that awkward Thanksgiving with the in-laws…
• Leverage variations on a core term to enhance relevance for various search phrases. It allows your page to appeal to Google’s desire for relevant content that fully answers searcher intent.
• Create targeted content. Clusters not only boost rankings but give content marketers those golden nuggets that become focused, helpful blog posts or page content that answer your reader’s questions in depth. For example, an online organic dog food store might identify “grain-free,” “best,” “puppy,” “large breed,” and “salmon” as relevant modifiers to the core term “dog food.” By strategically combining these modifiers, you create variations like “best grain-free dog food for large breed puppies” or “salmon-based dog food for sensitive stomachs” targeting various subtopics within their niche. This would be considered your main keyword. Other variations could be “best dog food for puppies” or “dog food for large breed dogs”. These keywords all fall under the general product category of dog food but target different search terms within that category.

Mastering how to choose the keywords for ecommerce brand growth is a game-changer for building your online visibility and growing your audience of loyal customers. It’s how you’ll attract those ideal customers who can’t wait to tell everyone about your amazing product, through organic rankings and traffic. This guide helped lay out all the steps. And now, because you’re armed with these strategies and tips, your ecommerce website will start to dominate Google’s search results. Contact us today if you are looking for a full digital marketing agency to take your ecommerce business to the next level.

So, you’re thinking about launching an online store and wondering, is Squarespace good for ecommerce? Choosing the right platform can feel overwhelming, right? You want something that looks amazing but is also easy to manage and helps you drive traffic to make sales. Let’s cut to the chase. Squarespace built its name on stunning design, and it definitely delivers on that front, even with their ecommerce features. But is it enough to build a successful e-commerce store? Let’s take a look into what makes Squarespace tick for online businesses. At SEO Locale we prefer to build new websites in Woocommerce or Shopify, but if you are looking to build your own ecommerce site on Squarespace you may have some success with a DIY on that platform.

Squarespace for Ecommerce: What’s the Deal?

Squarespace is like that friend who always looks effortlessly stylish – they just get it. What Squarespace lacks in ease of use, it makes up for tenfold in looks – which is no small achievement, given that judgments on a company’s credibility are 75% based on the company’s website design. It’s built for people who want a beautiful online presence without needing to code everything from scratch. And yes, that includes your online store. Think sleek customizable templates, gorgeous product displays, and a consistent aesthetic across your site.

But beyond looks, Squarespace has upped its game in recent years, adding powerful Squarespace ecommerce features that let you manage everything from inventory management to shipping, right from your dashboard. But like any platform, it has its pros and cons.

Pros of Choosing Squarespace for Your Online Store

First, let’s talk about what makes Squarespace a contender for ecommerce. Here’s what we liked:

Visually Stunning Templates That Scream “Buy Me.”

Squarespace’s templates are hands down their biggest selling point. They’re modern, sophisticated, and designed to showcase your products in the best possible light. And the best part? All these templates squarespace offers are fully responsive.

This is a must, since more and more people are shopping on their phones. In fact, projections show the US alone will have over 187 million mobile shoppers by 2024. Squarespace takes care of that seamlessly, ensuring your site looks just as good on a smaller screen. Need some inspiration? Check out these popular Squarespace ecommerce templates:

• Hester: Clean, minimal, and perfect for showcasing products.
• Vandam: Bold, dynamic, and ideal for a brand with an edge.
• Alameda: Modern and airy, a great choice for lifestyle brands.

Remember, these templates are just the starting point – you can customize them with your branding, images, and content to create a unique online store.

Built-in Features to Get You Selling Fast

So, Squarespace looks pretty – but can it handle the practicalities of running an online store? You bet. They’ve got you covered with built-in features like:

• Unlimited product listings: List as many products as your heart desires – no restrictions here.
• Payment Gateway Integration: Easily accept credit card payments and even PayPal through Stripe and PayPal integrations, making checkout a breeze.
• Inventory Management: Say goodbye to manual spreadsheets. Squarespace tracks stock levels and even sends low-stock alerts.
• Shipping and Taxes: Configure shipping options based on product weight or location. They even allow for automatic tax calculations, saving you hours of number-crunching headaches.
• Automatic Discounts and Gift Cards: Everyone loves a good deal. Set up automated discounts for specific products or entire orders, and offer gift cards to entice those shoppers.

Built-In SEO Features

You’ve got a stunning online store—great. Now, how do you actually get people to find it? This is where SEO – or search engine optimization – comes in. The higher your site ranks on Google and other search engines, the better. Higher ranking equals more visibility and ultimately more sales.

Squarespace offers some solid built-in SEO tools that help improve your ranking:

• Mobile Optimization: Google loves a mobile-friendly site. Lucky for you, Squarespace has this built-in.
• SSL Certificates: This one’s technical, but essential – it shows search engines that your site is trustworthy. Every Squarespace site automatically gets an SSL certificate.
• Customizable Page Titles and Descriptions: These are like mini-ads for your pages on search results, and Squarespace makes them easy to edit.

While these built-in tools give you a great head start, it’s important to note that for more advanced SEO strategies you’ll need to go beyond the basics, just like with most website builders. An SEO agency can help take you to the next level.

Cons – Where Squarespace Could Up Its Ecommerce Game

Alright, we’ve gushed about the good. But, let’s be real – no platform is perfect. Here’s what we found could use some improvement:

Limited Flexibility

While Squarespace is user-friendly, its simplicity can also be limiting. This especially applies if you need very specific features for your store. For instance, if your business model involves drop shipping or relies heavily on third-party apps, Squarespace’s app store isn’t as extensive as some of its competitors, like Shopify, which is the jack-of-all-trades of online stores.

Can Be Pricey for Growing Businesses

To sell, you’ll need one of Squarespace’s ecommerce plans, priced between $23-$52/mo, billed annually. You can try out the features risk-free with a 14-day free trial or save some cash using a discount code like WBE10 at checkout. While not overly expensive, the cost can add up as your business grows, especially if you need those advanced ecommerce features requiring higher-tier plans.

So, is Squarespace Good for Ecommerce… or Not?

In a nutshell, is Squarespace good for ecommerce? The answer depends on your priorities. If you’re starting out and want an attractive, easy-to-use platform with everything built-in, Squarespace is a strong contender. It’s particularly awesome for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses selling physical products, who prioritize aesthetics without sacrificing functionality.

However, if you’re a fast-growing business needing extensive customization and third-party integrations, or if you anticipate needing complex features down the line, you might want to weigh your options and consider platforms like Shopify that prioritize those aspects. Ultimately, the right platform depends on your business’s specific needs and goals.

Squarespace is an excellent option for individuals and small businesses wanting to launch their online store quickly. While the platform offers users great-looking design options, its strength lies in its ecommerce functionalities including things like unlimited product listings, a payment gateway, and automatic discounts. We would recommend pairing your ecommerce website up with ecommerce SEO to help get it found on Google.

Still, the key factor for figuring out if Squarespace is good for ecommerce ultimately rests in the unique needs and circumstances of your particular business needs.

You find yourself drawn to a competitor’s sleek online store, wondering, “What platform are they using?” This question might pop into your head more often than you realize. Knowing how to determine an ecommerce platform can give you an edge. Thankfully, the process isn’t as mysterious as you might think. SEO Locale offers ecommerce SEO services, so if you are looking at other websites for what ecommerce platforms they may be on, you may want to look into SEO services that could help your own business.

Why Unmasking the Ecommerce Platform Matters

Identifying ecommerce platforms is a game-changer. It provides competitive intelligence, allowing you to analyze competitors and their technological choices. This understanding offers valuable insights for refining your ecommerce strategies.

It also helps assess platform security and reliability, ensuring a safe shopping experience. For instance, SAAS platforms often handle security, reducing the burden on store owners. Learning how to tell what ecommerce platform a site uses empowers you with otherwise hidden information.

Telltale Signs and Sneaky Tricks

Some ecommerce websites like to keep their chosen platform hidden, while others proudly display it. Uncovering this information may require some digital detective work.

Digging into the Code: View Page Source

Think back to computer science class. Right-clicking on a web page and selecting “View Page Source” might sound technical, but it’s straightforward. Search for familiar names like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or BigCommerce within the HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. You might need to use “Ctrl+F” to find them.

URL Structures: A Breadcrumb Trail

Ever notice how the address bar sometimes hints at a website’s content? The same applies to ecommerce platforms. Watch for telltale patterns in URLs. For example, seeing “/shop” or “/cart” can indicate an ecommerce platform, but don’t rely on this solely. Some platforms allow extensive URL customization.

Favicons and Footers: Tiny Clues, Big Reveals

Favicons, those tiny icons in browser tabs, can hold secrets. Some platforms incorporate their logo directly into the favicon. Also, scroll to the bottom of a webpage; the footer might mention the platform powering the site.

Tools of the Trade: Browser Extensions and More

You don’t have to rely on manual sleuthing. Let’s explore powerful tools for learning how to tell what ecommerce platform a site is using.

Wappalyzer: Your Ecommerce Detective in a Browser Extension

Wappalyzer will change how you browse the web. Available for Chrome and Firefox, this extension acts like an x-ray for websites. With one click, Wappalyzer reveals the site’s underlying technology—the ecommerce platform, content management system (like WordPress), web server, and even analytics tools. If you value speed and ease, this tool is your new best friend.

BuiltWith: Unmasking the Technology Behind Websites

Ever wanted to see the technology behind massive websites? That’s where BuiltWith excels. By entering a site’s URL into their search bar, BuiltWith generates a comprehensive report that’s both fascinating and informative. Since BuiltWith can be quite telling, it’s a valuable resource for understanding how to tell what ecommerce platform a site is using.

Shopify App and Theme Detector: Zeroing in on Shopify Stores

While Wappalyzer and BuiltWith cover a wide range of platforms, Fera.ai’s Chrome extension has a laser focus. This tool not only identifies Shopify sites but also reveals their theme. This is particularly useful for uncovering online shops utilizing a customizable Shopify theme.

Netcraft: Delving into the Server Details

Exploring a website’s server-side can provide crucial answers. Netcraft, an online tool known for network exploration, can shed light on server information, often hinting at the ecommerce platform. Just enter the URL into Netcraft and let it work its magic.

InterNIC: Unraveling Domain Name Details

Let’s get technical with InterNIC, a helpful tool for those curious about how to tell what ecommerce platform a site is using. While mainly used for domain name registration, InterNIC also reveals registration details like nameservers. These details can sometimes indicate specific hosting providers, often associated with certain ecommerce platforms.

Inspect Element: Going Deep into the Code

Right-clicking and choosing “Inspect” or “Inspect Element” in your web browser opens a window to the website’s code (HTML, CSS, Javascript). This method is more time-consuming than using previous tools, but it helps pinpoint clues like class names, IDs, and Javascript file references.

You might find a platform’s signature directly in the code, especially if the store uses a template from an ecommerce platform. You don’t need coding experience to get started; basic knowledge goes a long way.

Putting It All Together

Imagine discovering the perfect ecommerce platform, one you hadn’t even considered. Remember, a site could be using a blend of technologies. If you don’t find obvious signs of a specific platform after your investigation, the site might use a custom solution or be intentionally obscuring its platform information.

This journey into uncovering the secret lives of websites doesn’t stop here. You can deepen your understanding through platforms designed to keep you informed, like W3techs. They compile data on web technologies, providing a bird’s-eye view of trends and platform popularity.

As of March 2019, statistics showed WooCommerce Checkout in the lead, with Shopify rapidly gaining ground. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll master the art of how to tell what ecommerce platform a site is using.

Navigating online stores and understanding how to tell what ecommerce platform a site is using is like being a detective. There’s a world of knowledge to uncover. With practice, you’ll confidently decipher the digital breadcrumbs and become a true ecommerce detective.

The holidays are always a busy time of year, and you might be wondering how you can get the most out of the holiday season as an e-commerce business. The vast majority of people use the internet when they are looking for products and services they require, so you need to think carefully about your online presence if you want to capitalize on the holiday season. What do you need to do if you want to make the most of this year’s holidays?

Take a look at a few important points below, and consider partnering with an eCommerce SEO agency that can help you make the most of the holiday season.

1. Create a Holiday Gift Guide Using the Right Keywords

Countless people are trying to figure out what types of gifts they want to give their family members and friends this holiday season. Therefore, why not help them out? You should put together a holiday gift guide that can help your target market select the best possible gifts for their loved ones.

Of course, you should include the products and services you provide as a part of that gift guide. That way, they will have an easier time moving from your gift guide to your website, where they will purchase the products and services you offer. Consider putting together a holiday gift guide for different situations based on the products and services you provide.

2. Offer Personalized Gifts

Next, you should consider offering personalized gifts. There are only so many gift cards and coffee mugs that someone can receive. It might be time for you to think outside the box by customizing gifts for your customers and clients.

For example, if you sell t-shirts, consider offering some customizable options. If you sell sports equipment, consider monogramming names onto your sports equipment. If you offer ways for your customers and clients to customize gifts to meet the needs of the recipient, you may have an easier time increasing your orders and boosting your profit margins.

3. Upgrade Your Shipping Software

In addition, consider upgrading your shipping software. During the holiday season, you should be prepared to receive a lot more orders. Do you think your current software program is ready for the influx? You do not want orders to be delayed, as the vast majority of your customers will want to have their items by Christmas. If you miss the deadline, customers could show up asking for a refund, and the reputation of your brand will suffer.

Therefore, you should consider upgrading your shipping software. Upgraded shipping software will have an easier time making sure your orders reach the customer on time. In addition, a better shipping software program might find ways for you to reduce your shipping expenses. For example, there might be opportunities for you to secure a better deal if you ship in bulk.

4. Consider Partnering With a Complementary Brand

You may want to expand your target market during the holiday season, and one of the best ways to do so is to partner with a complementary brand. You do not need to partner with a competitor, but you should partner with a brand that offers complimentary products and services. You might be able to get your name in front of some new people.

For example, if your company sells tires, you may want to partner with a local body shop. That way, customers can go from your tire shop to the body shop, handling a wide variety of issues with their cars. Consider reaching out to some local small businesses to see if they might be willing to partner with you.

5. Target Multiple Revenue Streams

You should try to target multiple revenue streams. Even though plenty of people are going to purchase products and services directly from your website, do not forget to target other channels as well. You may want to try some other online marketplaces, and you should consider lifting your product on social media. Make it as easy as possible for people to find your product and services, and ensure you streamline the checkout process. That way, you can keep your cart abandonment rate as low as possible.

6. Test Your Promotions for Specific Categories First

Even though you may want to offer some promotions during the holiday season, you should test your promotions and various categories first. You may want to offer some holiday discount codes, or you might want to include BOGO offers. You might even want to consider matching sales with donations to local nonprofit organizations.

You may want to consider testing your promotions on social media first. See which ones are generating the most traction. Then, you may want to extend your most popular promotions throughout the holiday season.

Work With SEO Locale & Get The Most FromThe Holiday Season

The holiday season is a great time for you to boost your revenue numbers, but you need to work with a professional company that can help you get the most out of this crucial time. At SEO Locale, we are a professional digital SEO company. We can help you get your name out there, making sure your brand is synonymous with exceptional customer service. We can increase your online traffic, boost your conversion rate, and work with you to make sure you have a solid digital marketing plan in place. If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today!

Digital marketing is an all-encompassing tool for both e-commerce and service-based businesses. While there is no cookie-cutter strategy for either business model, there are certain digital marketing needs that require attention. Online platforms like websites and social media are now indisputably the most effective means of putting your business out for the world to see.

While there is a thin line between the digital marketing needs of e-commerce and service-based businesses, they are tended to in similar ways. After all, most people use their phones to browse businesses they need or looking to shop from. This article will discuss some of the digital marketing needs of these businesses and how they can be addressed effectively.

Website SEO & Visibility

Generally, your website should consist of useful content, be SEO-optimized by one of the best local SEO companies in the United States, and be user-friendly. The goal of any website is to be engaging and interesting to avoid high bounce rates. 

E-commerce businesses will benefit from high-quality pictures, infographics, and other visually appealing elements that will draw customers in to try your products. Adding customer reviews to products can help buyers decide on purchasing and increase trust with your customers. This is what differentiates e-commerce businesses from brick-and-mortar stores. The former heavily relies on online presence — however, the rapidly evolving technology also causes physical stores to step up their game and use the internet to their advantage.

Service-based businesses will also find SEO-optimized and user-friendly advantageous for increasing their sales. Content also plays a big role in the digital marketing strategies of this kind of business. By sharing helpful guides, how-tos, and useful tips while promoting their services, businesses can reach more prospects and return clients who will soon become loyal patrons of the business.

The Target Audience

To reach the target audience, there is only one answer for both e-commerce and service-based businesses; visibility. People spend a lot of their time online, and gaining visibility on search engines will help your company thrive.

Research is necessary for finding your target audience. For instance, if your demographics are mostly teenagers, then you might keywords that resonate with teens versus middle-aged adults. 

Goals & Revenue

There are many competitors in the market nowadays. To help your business to stay visible at the top of searches, you have to stand out among the rest.

For e-commerce businesses, your product has to be thoroughly described on your website. Imagine face-to-face selling. How will you convince customers to choose and purchase your product?

The equivalent of this in digital marketing for e-commerce businesses is the appeal of your website and offering attractive deals that appeal to customers. These may include cross-selling, offering promotions, or incorporating clear call-to-actions (CTAs) that customers can act on.

Service-based businesses have more competitors in the digital space nowadays, and they must emphasize and highlight what makes them stand out from the competition. They should convey a clear marketing message that will entice new clients to try your services instantly. Most successful businesses resort to videos to sell their services.

You need to include a sincere message to make your future clients understand what you offer that they can’t find in other companies.

SEO Strategy & Keywords

Both e-commerce and service-based businesses employ this digital marketing tactic to rank organically in search engines and reach more people. This is where a reliable digital marketing and SEO company comes in. 

SEO strategies include activities that drive more traffic to websites and let them increase their ranking in search engines. Two of these activities are keyword analysis and targeting. By using the most searched keywords you can reach more people — hopefully, the business’ target audience.

This digital marketing strategy also proves to be helpful for customers and clients looking for products and services they need online. If the website of your e-commerce or service-based business is optimized, you’ll reach more potential clients, and they can find what they’re looking for immediately. It becomes a win-win situation.

Your Digital Marketing Needs Matter

As you pinpoint your possible digital marketing needs, you’ll also be able to address certain issues immediately. By employing the right strategies, your business can gain more traction and increased visibility. 

Whether you own an e-commerce business selling beauty products or a service-based business like an HVAC company, we can help you start your digital marketing strategy today. Contact SEO Locale today for more information!

COVID-19 shook the entire planet this year. Businesses in all industries have been deeply affected, but the apparel industry is one that has been hit the hardest. Since the pandemic, physical retailers have shut down, and billions of dollars worth of clothing orders have been canceled. 

According to the “Impact of COVID-19 Scenario on European and the US Apparel Market” released by Wazir Advisors, apparel consumption in Europe and the US is likely to be 40-45% lower than the 2020 projected consumptions. 

As businesses begin to slowly reopen, one thing is clear: the apparel industry will show lasting changes due to COVID-19. 

• Will retailers survive?
• What does the future of the apparel industry look like?
• Will retailers convert more marketing efforts online vs traditional?

In this post, we explore what will happen to apparel stores following COVID-19.

Converting to eCommerce

Brick-and-mortar stores suffered as a result of the COVID pandemic. Those who relied on digital selling have faired better. While apparel spending is down by 50%, an online strategy is paramount for any apparel stores looking to rebound after the pandemic.  Our client Cut The Shirt decided to shift to all online sales during the pandemic and sales are doing very well regardless of the industry being down. Pivoting your eCommerce digital marketing will be more important than ever,

Even after stores reopen, consumers will be hesitant to enter physical stores and touch clothing in-person. While a digital strategy and eCommerce SEO is not a guarantee for success, brands that sell online will lose less revenue. Prior to the pandemic, the transformation to online retail was already underway. While many apparel retailers were already in the process of creating a digital experience, the pandemic serves as a catalyst to quickly digitize sales to online channels. 

Fewer Small Businesses Surviving Post Pandemic

Small apparel retailers face the biggest risk of closing following the pandemic. Small businesses do not have the same resources and reserves as many larger corporations and are failing to survive the effects of COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, over 100,000 small businesses have closed for good, and many more face corporate mergings post-pandemic. 

Small businesses are essential for the economy and provide competition against large corporations, but small apparel companies are facing difficulties similar to those from the 2008 financial crisis. During the pandemic, shoppers were sticking to essentials and turning more to online retail than in-person stores. Smaller boutiques and retailers struggled to get local support and may not survive post-pandemic 

There is no doubt that COVID-19 will leave a lasting mark on the apparel industry. Few small businesses will survive the economic downturn from the pandemic and many apparel businesses will shift harder to online sales for direct-to-consumer relationships. The future of apparel stores is not clear, but we can expect a few major changes.