|
|
|
|
|
|
Meantime's guide to getting the best from e-commerce
|
|
|
|
|
|
E-commerce is often seen as the poor relation of the retail world, with too many businesses thinking they can skimp on costs, cut corners and still pull in customers. But in internet retailing, ALL your competitors are right next door, and unless your offering is different and individual, you'll be overlooked in favour of household names.
In order to be successful at e-commerce you have to approach it in the same way you would a high-street shop in terms of your investment of both finance and time. A surprising amount of people overlook fundamental issues such as making sure the site's working, is updated frequently and the look and content remain relevant, yet still expect customers to keep on coming back and spending their money. But with Amazon or TopShop just next door, why would they?
You need a USP, and your site should strongly reflect that at every stage. And when you've got the look right, you need to make sure your navigation and back-room processes are simple and welcoming enough to keep your customers coming back.
In this e-commerce special, we've written a full report which tells you how to get the best from e-commerce. In 'e-commerce explained', we look at everything from the look of your site to your payment systems, and give our advice on how to keep you at the top of the Internet tree.
Of course, anyone who sells on the Internet will be aware of the minefield that is PCI compliance, so Fenner has explained it all in the latest version of his blog.
We'd love to hear about your pet e-commerce hates, whether they're from your customers or experiences you've had when buying online. Email us at feedback@meantime.co.uk with your details, and we'll compile a list of your top gripes for a future issue of our newsletter, with our suggestions on how to avoid them.
The team at Meantime |
|
|
|
|
Fenner's links
Bobby McFerrin on power of pentatonic scale
People are sometimes sceptical when we suggest that some ideas and processes can apply to everyone. Here Bobby McFerrin demonstrates just how much we all have in common. Do watch it, it's fun!
Twitter tool
Ever wondered just who follows whom on Twitter? Here's a nice graphical interface to help you see who's connected and how.
The end of the laptop?
Earlier this year, Light Blue Optics unveiled their interactive projector that turns any flat surface into a touch screen. At the same time, companies like Texas Instruments are producing 'pico projectors', lampless projectors that will fit into a device the size of a mobile phone. It seems to us, then, then within a couple of years we will be able to have small hand held devices the size of mobile phones, that project their own keyboard and screen, continuing the trend away from laptops as the portable computing device of choice.
Browser charts
As a direct result of as a result of an anti-trust settlement with the European Commission, Windows users in Europe are now being offered a range of browsers by Microsoft. While this has the intention of releasing Internet Explorer's perceived stranglehold on the browser market, it will also have an impact on Firefox, Chrome and Safari, opening a relative wealth of choice.
Facebook topples Google as most visited site
The social media revolution shows no sign of slowing down, with Facebook becoming the most visited site in the US for the first time in March 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you'd like to comment on any of the content in this newsletter please get in touch - we'd love to know what you think.
From the team at Meantime
Meantime Information Technologies Ltd
w: www.meantime.co.uk
t: 01539 73 77 66
a: 1, Riverside Business Park, Natland Road, Kendal, LA9 7SX
Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 2589414 |
| |
|
 |
|
Latest News |
|
| E-COMMERCE SPECIAL |
|
| We've written a special report on how to get the most from e-commerce... read it here... |
|
|
| Meantime's system eliminates stress and enables growth for Coniston Corporate |
|
| The e-commerce system and associated processes Meantime created for Coniston Corporate Embroidery has enabled the work-wear provider to 'grow beyond all expectations'. Find out how we did it here... |
|
|
|
Links |
|
|
|
|
