Tablets: M-Commerce or Not?
A recent article on Internet Retailer talks about the debate over whether or not tablets should be counted as m-commerce. It's an interesting discussion and one that will continue to get more focus as m-commerce sales keep climbing. Industry studies show that tablet sales are currently included in m-commerce figures and are widely considered a mobile device among retailers. Mark Beccue, a senior analyst at ABI Research, argues that e-commerce that...read more >>
Weekly Content Critique: Tens Unit
Recently, I found myself shopping for TENS units. Backstory: muscle pain, mildly slipped disc, chiropractor, application of TENS unit, pleasant relief from muscle pain, realization that I could buy such a machine for roughly the cost of one office visit. So I launched into the frustrating world of medical supply websites, which are not known for their easy navigation and good product pages. Around the same time, I read an Internet Retailer article...read more >>
Weekly Content Critique: Against Nudity
If we accept the rule of double negative elimination, I am for nudity. Because I'm most certainly against AgainstNudity.com, a clothing retailer of the H&M variety. This type of retailer focuses on clothing design rather than brand names; the nymphet shirt is a fine example. (Note: My objection is not to the aesthetic-over-brand mentality.) If they ever branch out to commercial advertising, I'm thinking they should hire Against Me! to do music...read more >>
Embrace User-Generated Content–Your Customers Do
If you've been leery or dismissive of user-generated content in the past, it's time to get over it. Yes, bad reviews sometimes result in a lost sale. However, reviews increasingly play a serious role in consumer decision making, especially for younger shoppers. Bazaarvoice Inc., along with two research firms, conducted a survey investigating shopping behavior of the millenial generation (which you have the privilege of belonging to if you were born...read more >>
Target Corp. Acts to Prevent Showrooming
Target Corp. has reportedly demanded exclusivity from its suppliers when it comes to some of the chain's best-selling products. According to an article in Internet Retailer, the chain feels undercut by e-retailers offering the same products for less money. Exclusivity would mean that if you want that sleek Michael Graves Tea Kettle, the only place you'll find it will be at a Target store or on Target.com. It's understandable that Target wants to avoid...read more >>
Smart SEO for the Year of Content
"Good, honest content to which other sites link impresses the hell out of Google," says Thad Rueter, Senior Editor at Internet Retailer. We at Content Ping have been evangelizing about the import of quality content since Donald Trump wore short pants. Not only does it offer the best strategy for higher conversion, it's also increasingly crucial to SEO success with every passing Panda update. Every time Google tweaks its algorithm, an angel gets...read more >>
Amazon Tests Urban Pick-Up Lockers
In the midst of increasing competition between Google and Amazon to deliver goods inexpensively and efficiently, Internet Retailer reports that Amazon continues to test its pick-up lockers in New York, Seattle, and London. According to sources including GeekWire, these lockers are not new territory in Amazon's push to efficiently deliver goods to consumers, and have been installed in their locations since early September, attracting curious customer...read more >>
Cashing in on Effective Multi-Tiered Content Merchandising
We've previously explored how a multi-tiered approach to content merchandising can help retailers boost online sales. But apparently some merchandisers were too distracted by those Occupy Wall Street drum circles to follow our advice. At content26, we recently got a front row seat on how not to approach multi-channel content creation. We would like to share what we learned in order to help your company plan a cost-effective, headache-free content...read more >>
Nordstrom Delivers Instant Gratification
I consider myself part of the 99 percent...of shoppers who refuse to queue up anywhere for the start of Black Friday. Much more tempting for me will be the chance to shop online and know that I could be swathed in cashmere by dinnertime. Just in time for the holidays, the fashion retailer Nordstrom has rolled out same-day deliveries in several markets. For $10 (less than the cost of parking and a cappuccino) online shoppers can order from...read more >>
Black Friday Mobilization
The New York Times reports that the long lines and impatient customers typical of Black Friday may offer a new way for online retailers such as Amazon to leverage their m-commerce capabilities. This year, in addition to providing online-only Black Friday deals, online retailers will also promote mobile-only deals that kick in at the same time as those in the physical stores. If customers are aggravated by the physical experience of dealing with crowds,...read more >>