iMark Interactive

This is a guest post by Glen. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

Online shopping has become a fad since the Internet has reached the homes of many people. The reason why it is popular is because of these three things: convenience, cost effectiveness, and the wide variety of goods or brands that consumers can select on. Looking through online shopping stores can be quite entertaining too. It is because of the way successful online shops have been created. It’s not only a matter of design, but as well as the content found in it that adds up to entertainment.

Although online shopping can be a good venture to work on these days, taking some factors into consideration such as ecommerce website development including programming, website design, and internet marketing, and as well as shipping, taxes, and different payment options are things an online marketer or a company has to make research on and learn. The question is: How will you be able to compete with the rest of the online shopping websites and stand out? To enhance your website to become suitable for online shopping here are some guidelines:

Choose a good domain name

A domain name is what identifies your online store or your business. Some companies do not necessarily use their company name because the names have probably been bought and have become too expensive to repurchase or because of internet marketing and SEO purposes to get better rankings in keyword search.

Choose a good web host

A good web host has features that will help you stand out from other online shopping websites. Look for features that will enable you to operate your business smoothly such as web marketing tools, secure online payment and other transactions, reliable up time, and most of all, dependable online support.

Web Design

When you are strolling around the mall, what makes you enter a retail store? It’s because the colors are very attractive and the “sale” logos are placed in a strategic spot of the store. These only are a couple of important factors as to why people are drawn to shop. In websites, colors play an important factor in influencing the actions to be done by online shoppers. Graphic design, in general, plays a very significant role in persuading people to shop online. But limiting “website design” into colors and graphic design is a poor way of describing web design.

A good web design calls for functionality and easy navigation. All buttons, links, graphics, landing pages, website pages, contact forms, and other website elements should work as they should. It calls for faster speed, and that means being able to load a page with all its information in less than 4 seconds. It also calls for quality, and that means being able to put high quality content and high quality product photos and descriptions.

Product Pages

Product Pages are the “shelves” of the website. An online web store’s shelf, however, contains product information like size, color, texture, weight, height, and other notes to describe the products. This part of the website is very important as this will do the selling for you. You don’t have a sales representative to “do the talking” to encourage your customers to buy. All you need is a good product description and the other information to demand a call for action.

Successful product pages are able to display a good picture of the product, specifications, and customizations a customer can do to it. When customers work freely around product pages you are now able to capture a lead. Work around creating a good link or button to help your customers to check out.

Payment Options

The best thing about online shopping is convenience. People need not go to physical retail stores to purchase because it can already happen by some clicks in the mouse. But sometimes online retailers tend to forget or devalue this by not offering different payment options for customers. Most of the time, this is where customers leave the online shopping cart because they do not have lots of options for payment.  To be able to overcome this, you can always setup a merchant account from Paypal as it accepts credit card payments, bank drafts, and of course, Paypal money.

Customer Registrations

Make customer registrations easy for your customers. You need not ask too many information just as so they can start making purchases because the most important factor in making a successful online store is keeping it fast and smart working. Also, be sure to add notes about privacy.

Checkout Pages

Checkout Pages are simply the “checkout counter” or the “cashier” of a website. This is also where some online stores fail to finally make a customer checkout. It’s the process that discourages them to finally buy. Some websites have confusing checkout processes where they offer other products that instead of encouraging sale–it drives interested customers away. Checkout pages should be simple, and if you cannot help but apply suggestive selling, you can design your website with other products related to the ones in the shopping cart but make sure they’re organized and are not in any way interfering with the payment button.

Contact Pages

There are visitors who do not right away make purchasing decisions but instead have more questions to ask about certain products and services. Contact Page button should be visible from the menu and as well as content links. To add credibility to your website, it is important to include the following contact details:

• Telephone, Mobile, or a 1-800 number
• Fax
• Email
• Physical Store or Company Address (if applicable)
• Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Google+ accounts

Also, if you think you can afford to hire an online representative or develop ticketing options for your customers that would be best. Prompt responses to queries should be a standard as it helps you gain trust from customers.

Shipping Fees

The downside of going into an ecommerce business is shipping. Some customers are discouraged to buy because the product that they are purchasing costs lesser than the shipping fee. Offering free shipping all the time can hurt your business but offering free-to-reduced shipping or delivery costs in holidays for customers in the country can help you increase sale. Do not forget to add UPS, USPS, or FedEx shipping calculators to give your customers a glimpse of how much they should be paying for a product.

Finally, do not forget to add analytics for you to know how to improve your website and as well as the products and services you offer.

Glen is a part of the NetIdnow team that helps individuals and businesses alike on how to create an online store using WebStudio Website Builder—an online store builder that allows people to make a website with or without HTML skills. Glen also enjoys sharing valuable information on SEO and Web Design.

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• Is eCommerce Right for Your Small Business?

This is a guest post by WebGuru India. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

If you are associated with website design or SEO industry, updating yourself about the latest trends is critical. Update yourself about the latest search changes, introduced by Google. These can include greater emphasis on original content and comprehensive indexing.

Industries, such as SEO and website design undergo changes regularly. This means that as an SEO services expert or a website designer, you have to update yourself consistently about the latest changes. In recent times, Google announced 10 search modifications. These changes included a mix of crawling, algorithmic, and user interface updates.

Parked domain detection and better long-tail indexing are also included in the declared changes. In addition, Google has decided to write a fresh post with algorithm changes every month. We discuss these changes in details.

1. ‘Related query results refinements’- This change will restrict high ranking of similar results, provided the original search contained a word that was not considered by the alternate query. Let us assume that you are searching for ‘high quality blue widgets’. In such a situation, Google will not display a page that contains the term ‘blue widgets’.

2. ‘More comprehensive indexing’- Google is placing more emphasis on long-tail optimization.

3. ‘Layout on tablets’- Those using tablets will notice certain modifications in layout and color that will increase usability of Google.

4. ‘Original content’- Google is placing more importance on original content. Now, it has implemented new signals for helping users pick out the original one, out of two same posts. In other words, Google has opted for scraper-counter measures.

5. ‘Image result freshness’- Google can now pick out new images for queries more quickly.

6. ‘New parked domain classifier’- Google can now sense parked domains quickly. Therefore, chances are less that parked domains will be displayed in SERP.

7. ‘Fresher and more complete blog search results’- Google has introduced a deeper and faster indexing system for blog content. This means that if your blog contains original content and good information, it is more likely to come up in the SERP. In other words, your blog will be considered more valuable.

8. ‘More autocomplete predictions’- The autocomplete prediction of Google is now quicker and more enhanced.

9. ‘Live results for Major League Soccer and the Canadian Football League’- Performs what it declares.

10. ‘Top result selection code rewrite’- This code deals with additional processing on the higher set of results. For instance, the code makes sure that Google does not display excessive results from a single site.

We think that most of these changes are useful for site owners and users. However, few changes, such as ‘Live results for Major League Soccer and the Canadian Football League’ will not be useful for most people.

WebGuru India is a website design company based in India, offering high-quality and cost-effective website design and website development solutions to people worldwide. The company has authored several articles on web design, Flash design, brochure design, logo design, graphic design, corporate identity design, SEO services etc, providing updated information on technological developments and advancements.

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This is a guest post by WebGuru India. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

Using symmetry can help you to create website designs that are balanced and proportional. However, if you want to convey an unusual message, go for asymmetrical designs.

Symmetry plays an important role in any website design. This is because of the fact that with symmetry, you can create balance and harmony. However, the problem is that using symmetry repeatedly can bore users. In such a situation, you can opt for asymmetry.

In this article, we will offer valuable information about symmetry. Later on, we will move to discussing asymmetry.

Types of Symmetry

Symmetry can be classified into three main types-rotational, reflection, and translational symmetry. We will discuss each of them in details.

Rotational Symmetry

To create rotational symmetry, you need to rotate an object in a particular direction. Flower petals can be a good example of rotational symmetry. In the web or graphic design industry, rotational symmetry is used to convey speed.

Reflection Symmetry

In reflection symmetry, a particular object reflects itself across a plane for creating a similar image of itself. Reflection symmetry can be horizontal, vertical, or even diagonal. Human body or butterfly is a good example of horizontal symmetry.

Translational Symmetry

Translational symmetry occurs when an item is moved to another position, while retaining its exact orientation. With translational symmetry, you can develop patterns that can include repeating web design elements and tiled backgrounds of websites. If used smartly, translational symmetry can convey a sense of motion and speed.

Asymmetry

As its name implies, asymmetry is the opposite of symmetry. With asymmetry, you can highlight a particular element or develop visual hierarchy in an aggregation of similar elements. Clouds and tree branches can serve as good examples of asymmetry.

Utilizing Symmetry/Asymmetry

Smart usage of symmetry/asymmetry can help you to create mesmerizing designs and effects. However, to fulfill this goal, you have to consider few tricks.

Pay Attention to Message of the Design

If you are confused whether to use symmetry or asymmetry in your design, evaluate its message first. If you want to convey a trusting and classic message, go for symmetry. On the other hand, if you want to highlight an unconventional, risk-loving message, opt for asymmetry.

Convey Action with Rotational Symmetry

If you want to portray motion or speed, choosing rotational symmetry can be a good idea. It can also indicate forward movement.

For a Layout Structure, Opt for Translational Symmetry

If you want to incorporate pieces of same sized content in a web page, use translational symmetry. It will create a sense of balance, while providing the content with sufficient space to breathe.

Trust your Gut Instinct

If you are dealing with symmetry, occasionally a design may not feel right. In such a situation, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is!

Using symmetry or asymmetry depends on your preferences and project requirement. Opt for the one that suits you the best.

WebGuru India is a website design company based in India, offering high-quality and cost-effective website design and website development solutions to people worldwide. The company has authored several articles on web design, Flash design, logo design, graphic design, SEO services etc, providing updated information on technological developments and advancements.

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This is a guest post by Michael Chibuzor. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

Do you want to make money with your blog?

You’re not alone. Everyone has this desire to earn extra income. We’re not just bloggers, but entrepreneurs whose primary objective is to earn profit from our business, and blogging is a business. But the way to go about making money is slightly different from what we’ve been thought. Majority of us came from the affiliate business model and so, B.S. marketing and hype has been controlling us.

In the world of blogging, you don’t make money making flimsy exaggerations.

The Proper Blogging Mindset

Are you really in tune with what blogging holds? Blogging isn’t a hit-and-run affair. It’s a complete business that should be done with utmost care. A great number of internet marketers I know all made their fortunes from blogging.

I’m particularly thrilled with a pro blogger, who bought a house with the money he made from blogging. It shows that blogging works when approached with the right mindset. You start by readjusting your thoughts and thinking like an entrepreneur instead of a marketer.

Marketers are so concerned about making money that they neglect the most important aspect of doing business – meeting needs. If you can meet the needs of others, you will make money guaranteed!

1. Sell Your Own Product/Service

This is the first step if blogging should work for you. You need your own product or service as a source of bait to attract prospects. It’s your products and services that have the answer to the problems in your niche. It’s not your blog posts, neither is it your networking with top bloggers.

The easiest way to create your product today is to package it in a PDF format or video. E-books and short reports are still very lucrative in the core niches like health, internet marketing, family, relationships etc.

I believe that every blogger should have a product. Well, if you can’t create one, then sell your skill for money. It could be writing skill, designing, logo and graphic designs, web development, SEO consulting etc. Just make sure you’ve something that others can exchange their money with.

2. Money Is Not Real

That sounds ridiculous, isn’t it?

The real money isn’t seen with the optical eyes. If you want to make plenty of money online as a blogger, then take your eyes off money making and concentrate on the problems of others.

During a coaching class held in Africa in 2010, I was privileged to be the chief host and speaker for that event. One of the students stood up and asked me an emotional question. He said, “Is money difficult to get?”

My answer was straight forward. “Money is not real, if you want money, look for a value and fill it. It’s not a matter of being easy or hard, everything requires some level of work.” I answered!

What problems do you see around? Why not create a solution and sell it to those in need. You would make more money from this alone.

3. Earn Prospect’s Trust

Most successful bloggers have built a strong bond with their readers. This is why they earn huge income every month from a single product recommendation. While in college, we were advised to rely and trust the advice of an expert. Even when they’re wrong, we tend to draw closer to them. Experts can’t be wrong – it’s the fact in the blogosphere!

In order to earn their trust, ensure you deliver on what you promised. We’ve been told to always “over deliver” on our promises. But that’s not the point here. If you can’t over deliver, fulfill the little promises you made. Write intelligent and quality contents all the time and answer questions as prompt with all courtesy. You would earn buyers trust and that’s the key.

4. Think Outside The Box

You need to think outside your blog. Bloggers that are limited in their thoughts rarely make significant impact in life. Don’t stop at writing and submitting articles that are informative (in your own eyes). It’s about time you think like a sales manager that needs others people’s time (OPT) to earn a living.

You can never succeed in isolation. Get to know other people in the blogosphere. Not just the successful ones, but the upcoming ones. There is so much energy in most beginners that can transform your business if you allow it.

Exchange contents with those in your niche, drive fresh visitors to your blog and strive to engage them. Once they’re engaged, they will buy your products and might subscribe to your service – who knows?

5. Be On The Lookout For Opportunities

I’m always on the lookout for profitable business opportunities. That’s why I launched my recent coupon blog that reviews sittercity coupon codes and 6pm discount deals. Passive and multiple streams of income is the best in this 21st century. What other ways can you touch lives and make money in the process of blogging?

Have you considered running a blog contest or guest blogging contest? Once a monetary reward is attached to it, it’s a lot easier to make money mingling with people in your niche.

You can also sponsor an offline event. Most bloggers are still strangers to their own community, but the growth potential it has is massive. Don’t be like them, start giving to your community monetarily and watch your business soar to the sky.

Marketing Takeaway

There you’ve it, the best five ways to make blogging work for you in 2012 and beyond. It doesn’t matter where you’re right now, the above simple strategies are proven to work and your case won’t be different. It’s time to take action and expand your online business. See you ahead!

Michael Chibuzor shares insightful Social media &  SEO content writing  tips. At leisure, he contributes on a learn french software review blog that makes available free french lessons and French language software. Take french quizzes, play games and become a master at French.

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This is a guest post by Alice Delore. If you want to guest post on this blog, check out the guidelines here.

As an online retailer, you work hard to put your products in front of buyers: You take professional-grade photos and write enticing product descriptions. Not to mention, you do all that hard work to actually get buyer traffic to your store via social media channels, search engines and perhaps even paid advertising.
However, what too many store owners overlook is the fact that once buyers actually get to your site, they can be easily repelled by your site, by a few common pitfalls that many e-Commerce websites consistently employ.
Here are my top 5 reasons why buyers will leave your web store without purchasing:

1. Your store has a flashy introduction

Most introductions obstruct site visitors from viewing your products when they land on your site.
Website introductions had their hay-day back in 2006… and even then, it didn’t last long. The truth is, buyers don’t want to see three minutes of stock images and abstract phrases morphing on their screen. Instead, they want to buy the products you sell or get information you offer. Fast. So please, skip the introduction and give it to them as fast as possible.

2. You site defies all laws related to web usability theory

If you don’t know a lot about web usability, that’s OK, but in order to maximize dollars spent by every buyer who visits your site, it’s best you learn the basics. Essentially, web usability theory tells us how site visitors interact with websites and therefore, how we can structure our sites so that they mimic that behavior. A rule of thumb in usability is to give buyers what they want (products or information) within two to three clicks from the homepage.

This will result in you converting your site visitors into buyers because it will be easier for them to engage with your store and find what they need.

Never forget that web users are impatient and short on time. If they can’t find what they want within seconds of being on your site, they’ll leave for good.

3. Your site is slow to load

A slow-loading site is not only something that will kill your potential customers desire to buy from you, it will also make it difficult for your site to rank in search engines.

You know yourself that if you are searching in Google, and a site is slow to load, it’s likely that you will hit the “Back” button and find another site to browse.

While there are not quick fixes for most issues which slow your site, there are some quick ways to find out what might be slowing things down. One of the best resources is Google Page Speed, an open-source hub that helps web site owners improve their site’s performance.

4. Your buyers must create a new account before they can make a purchase

Many web developers and usability experts will agree that forcing a buyer to create an account before they can purchase is just asking for lost sales!

While it can be valuable for you to collect customer data and get them wired into your store, don’t underestimate how many sales this could be costing you.

As a store owner, it is your job to make it as easy as possible for buyers to make purchases without placing hurdles in front of them.

5. You only offer one payment method

Buyers love choices at every step of the purchase process and that includes choice in how they pay you!
If you can offer PayPal (arguably the most popular among buyers) as well as Google Checkout or another alternative such as MoneyBookers, buyers will appreciate the options.

Hot Payment Tip: If you offer payment via PayPal and have either a Premiere or Business account, advertise the fact that you can accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover card. Some buyers don’t realize that they can pay via PayPal using their credit card (thus protecting their credit card information AND preventing them from having to sign up to PayPal) so make sure you point this out.

Which of these web store blunders does your site feature?

Alice Delore is an education specialist for SaleHoo.com, an online community of over 95,000 online sellers and retailers. Their product range consists of an online selling course, ecommerce software and their flagship product, a wholesale directory.

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