Archive for the ‘Improving Conversion’ Category

When it comes to copywriting, I find that a lot of our clients overlook the importance of good copy, especially the influence it can have on a customer’s decision to make a purchase.

In a sales situation presenting information properly is vital. You may be providing the right information but if the delivery is flawed then you could be losing business.

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My article in November spoke of a large Retailer resisting the common sense approach to investing more on their website instead of classical advertising mediums (i.e. Print, Radio).

Every time I have another example of a large prominent New Zealand Brand and/or Retailer exhibiting resistance and/or ignorance to growing focus in their online channel, I will document their story under the title of ”Lead a horse to water”.

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During my time here at Exceed Online I have learned a great many things regarding the web and selling online. I have seen many an analogy to help describe why certain websites do not reach their potential or lack in certain crucial areas.

Today I would like to present to you the analogy of selling online being not too dissimilar to attempting to attract the interest of a potential date at a bar.

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Why does everyone hate painting (or is it just me)? It is not the act of painting itself, but the sanding, taping, laying down old blankets … in other words, the planning and the preparation … 

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Research by e-Tailing Group shows that 84% of online shoppers think free shipping offers are “very to most influential” when shopping online.

Free shipping may be the perfect way to tip an unsure customer over the edge, but unless this offer is communicated effectively, any persuasive advantage is lost.

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I had a bad dream. 

I dreamt New Zealand Businesses wanted to grow their eCommerce potential but had no idea where to turn for clear information or answers on Online Marketing. Hang on, it wasn’t a dream, it was me thinking about the Breakfast presentation on Online Marketing at the Crown Plaza (Auckland), where the speakers almost tried to confuse the 200 strong Marketing and Senior Managers in attendance.  It was then; I decided to write part 2 of the Online Shoppers Guide on how to find an Online Marketing supplier. 

Don’t get me wrong, they were all good speakers, but they didn’t help.  People come to these things for answers (I come for the food), after the Breakfast, they probably left with more questions!  I left with a stomach ache.

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The world of online marketing is full of acronyms, and SEO or Search Engine Optimisation, ranks up there with the best (for those that already know what SEO is, please excuse the pun).

Acronyms save time remembering and pronouncing all those long words, and make experts feel important as they drop capital letters like Liz Taylor drops husbands (for the record, she’s up to number 7, 8 if you count Richard Burton who she married, divorced, married, then divorced again)…

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Every week, every day, potential new customers come sniffing around your site, looking for the scent that gets their tail wagging. If you’d like your site to fetch you more new business, and let’s face it, who wouldn’t? Then here are the 3 things that might be getting in the way of potential leads following their nose to you.

A lot of sites do these 3 simple things wrong, so don’t hit yourself with a rolled-up newspaper if yours is one of them. Just so you don’t leave with your tail between your legs, also included are what you can do to fix the problems…

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We are back from an amazing adventure in Sydney.  The entertainment budget was completely blown, our livers are now officially in detox, and we came away with some amazing insights. 

We had an Alkemi stand right in the middle of the Search Marketing section of CeBIT Conference.  The conference is globally recognised and boasts to be the No.1 marketplace for digital solutions, trends and innovations and is said to be the catalyst for energizing the international ICT industry. 

Sounds impressive, and to be honest, it was.  If you dropped a bomb on the conference you would have eliminated 70% of the Australian Geek population.  “Geek” was “In”, for three full days.  Many stands had scantily clad girls handing out brochures, pretending to be interested.  I say “pretending” because they weren’t interested in me at all!  But I digress, back to reality, and back to the insights.  Four stand out for me:

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