ProductCart Blog

Category: Tips & How-Tos

Upholding GDPR & UK-GDPR and Cookie Compliance
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a data privacy and security law passed by the European Union (EU) which was put into full effect on May 25, 2018. The goal is to provide legal guidelines to protect the personal data of all EU people online. However, many other countries are following suit as they look at the GDPR as the next standard of personal privacy and data protection. For example, the United Kingdom (UK) has already adopted its own version of the GDPR called the UK-GDPR. This was done due to separating from the EU in December 31, 2021.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.productcart.com/contact.asp” button_text=”We Can Help with Online Privacy!” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#4067B1″ box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_color=”#8DC640″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

The GDPR, UK-GDPR and Cookie Compliance Explained for Businesses

Laws like the GDPR, UK-GDPR, CCPA/ CPRA are steps governments are taking to protect the personal data of its citizens. Personal data is information collected that may include things like IP address, location, contact info, ethnicity or any data which contains details that make a person individually identifiable. Under the GDPR, this applies to all websites, not just the websites owned in the EU. Those who ignore this law may face penalties reaching €20 million or 4% global revenues. This could be why over half of US based companies are making compliance a top priority, of which 77% are budgeting at least $1 million on GDPR optimization.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Was the “Cookie Law” Replaced?

The GDPR is NOT the ePrivacy Directive (EPD) or “Cookie Law” that was passed in 2002, but expands to data collection practices as a whole within the EU, rather than a focus on just tracking methods. Although in some areas the EPD may supersede the GDPR, one doesn’t replace the other.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Who Does the GDPR Apply To?

If You Process Data of EU Citizens: Any person or entity that processes data of or sells products to EU citizens or residents, falls under the GDPR rules. These regulations apply to any website around the world who handles or stores any personal or private data of those who live in the EU.

If You Are an EU Based Company: These regulations provide protection to ALL visitors to a website if the data controller (website owner collecting the data) is based in the EU. For example, a citizen of the United States is protected by the same law as a person who lives in the EU if the website owner is based in the EU.

In short, unless you plan to deny website access to ALL EU visitors online and hold no operations within EU countries, then the GDPR will apply to your website and business.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

7 Principles of GDPR

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
1. Lawfulness, fairness and transparency – People need to have the ability to know how their data will be handled and processing must follow established laws and fairness practices.
2. Purpose limitation – A person’s data cannot be used for anything outside of what is specified.
3. Data minimization – Only collect information necessary to accomplish the objective.
4. Accuracy -personal records must be current.
5. Storage limitation – Personally Identifying Information may be held no longer than how long it’s needed for processing.
6. Integrity and confidentiality – Business must keep personal data secure and not share it unnecessarily without consent.
7. Accountability – Any person who is collecting and processing personal data must show proof following these principles.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GDPR-300×300-1.jpg” alt=”GDPR Compliance Stamp” title_text=”GDPR Compliance” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

GDPR Website & Cookie Compliance

Despite its length, the GDPR only mentions the term “cookies” once within its 88 pages. According to the GDPR, any cookie that is not strictly for the functioning of your website AND collects personal data (EU) must be deactivated until users manually opt into those scripts being used.

There are four major types of cookies:
1. Necessary Cookies. These cookies belong to the website’s owner and are needed to be active for your website to function properly. They usually only last as long as the session and don’t follow the user off the website.
2. Preference Cookies. These remember the user’s settings like language and saving form information.
3. Statistics Cookies. These are for third-party programs like Google Analytics that collect and measure data.
4. Marketing Cookies. These allow for ad customization to be served based on the user characteristics like location and collect behavior and data to be sent back to the ads service for remarketing. Facebook and Google Ads make use of such cookies.
Under the GDPR and EPD, your website must allow visitors to choose which cookies to enable on your website. Only cookies considered “necessary” can bypass being opted out by the user. Your website must receive user consent before allowing any unnecessary cookies to run, provide clear and easy to read privacy policy, give ability to users to withdraw you consent, and ultimately, the ability to use your website regardless of opting into cookies. Below is more of this in detail.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.productcart.com/contact.asp” button_text=”Contact Us for GDPR Compliance!” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”20px” button_text_color=”#4067B1″ box_shadow_style=”preset4″ box_shadow_horizontal=”5px” box_shadow_vertical=”5px” box_shadow_color=”#8DC640″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

How To Optimize Website for GDPR
1. Create a Cookie Notification: Have a cookie notification through a banner or pop-up where visitors can opt-in to what cookies they want turned on. It is not allowed to have boxes pre-checked or assume users opt-in if they ignore the box. Any set of cookies that are NOT necessary must be actively opted-in by the user.
2. Have a Cookie Policy: Within your notification, have links to your policy on your cookies and any third-party cookies like Google Analytics. Policy should explain the “what” and “why” about the cookies in use.
3. Update Privacy Policy: Make sure your website’s privacy policy is current with a more detailed explanation about the cookie policy. It should mention how you collect and store data, as well as, what you do with the data. There should be contact information listed so users can get in touch with you on how to access, modify or delete their data. Include things like IP addresses are captured or tracked for specific purposes.
4. Purchase SSL: If you don’t have one, then it would be worth getting one. It’s important because it secures data transfer between user’s devices and web servers, and it’s Google best practices. Plus, do you want to be that website that displays “not-secured” in the URL bar of a user’s browser?
5. Capturing Leads: Don’t store any digital user information that is unnecessary. If you do, make sure that stored information is encrypted. Make sure your email service provider (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Outlook, etc) also has a GDPR policy in place as well. Lead information can be passed through email, so you want to be covered there. On lead forms, don’t pre-check any boxes like “terms & conditions” or “subscribe me to newsletter” on the form. If you print any digital copy with user information on it, shred it or dispose of it securely when you are finished with it. That cannot be left out.
6. Third-Party Services: Make sure any third-party services that you use within your business and website have GDPR policies in place to protect you from being liable for violations. These services include payment gateways, cloud storage, website chat bots, analytics, email providers, or any other service which collects, stores, and processes personal data.
7. E-commerce: Must delete or “cleanse” any personal information after a reasonable amount of time.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

The Difference Between the UK-GDPR and the GDPR

The UK-GDPR (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation) took effect on January 31, 2020 alongside the Data Protection Act of 2018 and the PECR. Due to leaving the European Union on December 31, 2021, the UK was quickly drafted and accepted the UK-GDPR. The UK-GDPR is almost identical to the EU GDPR, except that it has changed to accommodate UK law rather than EU law.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Similarities Between the UK-GDPR and GDPR:

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
- Both require websites to obtain explicit consent from users before processing their personal data via cookies and third-party trackers.
- Both require storing and documenting each valid consent.
- Both require websites to enable users to easily change their consent.
- Both provide citizens the right to delete and correct already collected personal data.
- Both share core definitions like personal data, the rights of data subjects, controller, and processor.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GDPR-cart-400×300-1.jpg” alt=”Mini shopping cart filled with bags in front of laptop.” title_text=”Online Shopping” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Differences Between the UK-GDPR and GDPR:
- Although UK is now considered a “third-country” by the GDPR, the EU adopted an adequacy decision for the UK to allow free flow of personal data from individuals within the EU to the UK. However, the UK adequacy decision by the European Commission is limited to June 2025 and will not automatically renew.
- The Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (EU Exit) Regulation (DPPEC regulation) which was adopted by the UK. This document is what adapts the EU laws to the domestic UK laws, as well as revising the Data Protection Act of 2018.
- The UK-GDPR expanded and changed areas like National Security, Intelligent Services, and Immigration, which are outside the scope of the European GDPR.
- The leading data protection authority in the UK, the Information Commissioner, is the lead supervisor, regulator, and enforcer (ICO) of the UK-GDPR. In the EU GDPR, this role was assigned to the European Data Protection Board.
- The UK Secretary of State has been given powers to determine or revoke adequacy decisions on behalf of the UK-GDPR, without consulting the ICO.
- EU companies doing business within the UK will have to appoint a “natural or legal person established in the United Kingdom” to represent them.
- In the UK-GDPR, the age of valid consent is lowered to 13 years old in the UK. It’s 16 years in the EU.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Is GDPR and UK-GDPR Compliance Necessary?

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

GTo understand why taking these steps are necessary, you must first know the purpose of documents like the GDPR and UK-GDPR. These rules have been put into place by the government authorities to do as much as they can to eliminate data breaches of personal data by reducing the amount and frequency of data freely passing unsecured from place to place. It is also forcing transparency and accountability between businesses and people who use the business services.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”margin: auto;” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/GDPR-mobile-400×300-1.jpg” alt=”Lady about to buy something on her smartphone on couch” title_text=”GDPR Helps with Online Privacy” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

Although it may seem like a hassle, following the GDPR and UK-GDPR regulations, along with cookie compliance, puts power of choice back into the hands of the end-user…the customer! In addition, it validates the businesses who take these steps as being more responsible and respectful of the privacy and protection of personal data. Additionally, what business wants to pay compliance penalties up to €20M ($28M) or 4% of its global revenue?

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta title=”Is your ProductCart website GDPR compliant?” button_url=”https://www.productcart.com/contact.asp” button_text=”Contact Us Today!” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ header_font_size=”30px” background_color=”#4067B1″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#000000″ button_bg_color=”#ffffff” button_border_width=”5px” button_border_color=”#8DC640″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

We are here to help you navigate through global website compliance to privacy laws like the GDPR and UK-GDPR. Let our professional automated services keep you legal and current with best practices. Contact us today for a free consultation!

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-6px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”11px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

*NOTE: This article is not professional legal advice, rather a summary of GDPR key points and its implications as it entails to websites and cookies. To ensure complete compliance, speak with an attorney certified in the appropriate areas of law for official legal counsel.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/social-square-gdpr.jpg” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
May 3, 2023
Call Tracking for Your Ecommerce Website
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_margin=”|auto|-31px|auto||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Once upon a time, the phone numbers of every person known to us were kept in the archives of our minds. Phone numbers were another way to brand a business, but not anymore. With the invention of the smart phones, remembering phone numbers is no longer necessary. Using a call tracking phone number, or multiple numbers, your business can drill down to the details and find out which marketing efforts give you the most return on investment. In short, see what advertising brings in more quality leads and sales.

In addition to knowing how and where to advertise, using a call tracking phone number will also give you vital data on your customers and their habits. What does this do for your business? It allows tracking of the data provided from all incoming calls. This data will tell a business so many things.
- Where leads are coming from.
- How many conversions you’re getting by phone.
- Data showing what works for your target audience.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Ask a Marketing Specialist About Call Tracking Benefits – FREE Consult Here!” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#4ed129″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#226012″ button_border_width=”2px” button_border_color=”#4ca2f7″ button_icon=”%%24%%” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_padding=”17px||0px|||”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Diving Deeper into Call Tracking

Businesses often advertise through more than one medium at a time. With so many options in marketing, it’s important to know exactly which advertisements are bringing in the most leads, and eventually conversions. When something is successful, it makes sense to repeat it. Using a tracking phone number system will offer so much information that can be used for your benefit.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/iStock-687884534.jpg” alt=”Ecommerce Store Call Tracking -Phone call button on smartphone screen. Mobile phone call consept. Hand holding smartphone, finger touching screen. Answer the call. Creative flat design vector illustration. ” title_text=”Phone call button on smartphone screen.” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_margin=”-32px|auto||auto||”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″ min_height=”478px”]

Origin of Incoming Calls

With call tracking, each medium used for advertising your business can have its own phone number. This could be paid advertising on a social media platform, through Google Ads, Google Search, your website, third party websites, or even other avenues of digital or print advertising. Since people don’t memorize phone numbers these days, using many different tracking numbers isn’t a problem…it’s a beneficial solution! Businesses can then see which advertisements are bringing in the most phone calls, even which ones bring in the most conversions.

When Call Volume is Highest

With call tracking, businesses can review what days and times leads are most likely to call and how long they speak to your sales team. You can be sure you’re adequately staffed when it’s most beneficial to your bottom line. Scheduling staff break times and even days off during slower times for business will be beneficial to your inquiring callers and your business. Have your staff prepared to answer the phone and sell products when your target buyers want to buy.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/time-on-call.jpg” alt=”ecommerce store call tracking – Man with headset is sitting at his computer and talking with client. Clients assistance, call center, hotline operator, consultant manager, technical support and customer care. Vector illustration.” title_text=”Man with headset is sitting at his computer and talking with client. Clients assistance, call center, hotline operator, consultant manager, technical support and customer care. Vector illustration.” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Measuring Call Time Averages

As leads call your ecommerce store, tracking how long calls last will provide insight into the quality of your sales team communication. Leads calling in are great. It is equally important that your staff is able to provide those leads with information that sells them on your ecommerce store by providing them with what they need. Online retail stores can be sure their staff members are communicating well with leads reaching out by phone.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Ask a Marketing Specialist About Call Tracking Benefits – FREE Consult Here!” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#75b5f4″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#0a279b” button_border_color=”#438927″ button_border_radius=”5px” button_icon=”%%24%%” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset3″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Call Tracking Conversion Rates from Call to Sale

When a business finds certain actions successful to making sales, it’s important to be able to explain the actions and duplicate them repeatedly.

Here’s an example: If a certain advertising medium averages 10 incoming calls per week, and five convert to sales, that is a successful marketing effort. Let’s say another advertisement yields 20 incoming calls per week, but only one to two sales weekly on average. If both advertising options cost about the same, Option 1 is the more beneficial marketing solution for your bottom line. In the future, you will likely be more successful spending your marketing dollars and efforts with Option 1.

Tracking calls can help quantify this information and use it to your benefit. You can directly quantify all the conversions your business receives from incoming calls, then duplicate those actions and make more sales.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Is Your Digital Marketing Agency Working for You?

When using a third-party marketing agency or advertising firm, it is important to be able to show an accurate return on your investment. Call tracking phone numbers are an excellent way to do that. When a company provides an advertising service for your business, you’ll be able to report exactly how many leads they’ve been able to send your way. Then, you can find out how many of those leads turned into closed sales. Call tracking will provide a major insight on if your digital marketing agency is providing successful actions for your business.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_cta title=”NetSource Technologies has your Call Tracking Solutions” button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Talk! – Call Tracking Phone Numbers” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#2fe2dc” background_color_gradient_end=”#017c70″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#424242″ button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#ffeebf” button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#f9c700″ button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_icon=”%%24%%” button_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″]

Whether you’re starting a new marketing plan internally or hiring a professional digital marketing agency to handle your lead generation and growth, tracking calls is a no brainer. It will allow your business to see all the ways your digital marketing is helping your business thrive, and all the ways it is not. For more information, contact NetSource Technologies today!

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
June 11, 2021
Lifestyle Content and Retail Websites on Facebook

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

The idea of using lifestyle content to grow a business may seem irrelevant to sales. In the past, it has been ingrained in the minds of many businesspeople to push products, advertise sales, and deals on social media. Without breaking up your sales content, the overselling can lead to a decrease in your bottom line, making your ecommerce store or retail website less money. When users don’t interact with your page, social media giants like Facebook will hide your content from its users because your page looks uninteresting!

Using lifestyle content, whether you create it digitally or curate it at your retail store location or home-base, will engage social media users, giving you free exposure. Even if users aren’t ready to make a purchase now, they’ll remember your retail website when ready because Facebook will keep your page at the top of their News Feed.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_cta title=”Don’t know where to start for social media strategy?” button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Get Your FREE Social Media Audit!” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ background_color=”#1b2289″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#2a55d6″ background_color_gradient_end=”#1b2289″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#2d2d2d” button_bg_color=”#05af00″ button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3faf3f” button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#adffaa” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_alignment=”center” link_option_url_new_window=”on” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″]

We will help you succeed in your marketing and help keep your business thriving for years to come. Let our Facebook Certified Marketing Professionals strategize for you. Get a FREE social media audit with strategic recommendations just for you.

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

What Is Lifestyle Content?

Before we go into the details of how lifestyle content is beneficial, it is important we define the phrase.

Lifestyle content tells a story with images or ideas related to real, everyday actions and scenarios. It is not selling you on a product, it is selling you on a lifestyle, or type of living.

Traditional sales-based content will revolve around features and function, as well as information on the items or services you sell. Lifestyle content is used to build a positive association in the minds of your prospective customers. It allows them relate to you, your staff, and your business on a personal level. Many retail websites and ecommerce stores discount the power of lifestyle posts, but that is a major mistake in today’s retail and sales markets. Another major downfall to not entertaining your social audience with relevant and positive posts is the fallout from social media platforms. If users are not interacting with your posts, your page will look uninteresting to your followers, and they will remove your content from the users News Feed.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Real Content Earns Exposure

Your leads want to know they are more than just another sale. No one wants to feel like another number, not even consumers. Consumers seek information that will benefit them. You can be the one to provide that information. However, you first must gain their trust. Once trust is earned, you can make the sale more easily.

Traditional sales-based posts showcase your products and services, newly stocked items, discounts, and more. Due to the flood of sales content consumers are exposed to daily, there is only so much sales-type content you can push before people start to lose interest. Additionally, at some point, growth on social media will become stagnant. Your followers will lose interest in seeing the same repetitive sales posts. They may even unfollow you because of the frequency of these posts. This is where real life content comes into play.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/behind-the-scenes-baker.jpg” alt=”Retail Website Lifestyle Content – Social media influencer woman recording video content in kitchen, showing confectionery on table. Female confectioner filming herself of her online culinary show.” title_text=”Social media influencer” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/social-media-marketing” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Click Here for Expert Help Building Your Social Media Presence” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#02007a” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#2749c4″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#0daa3a” button_border_width=”5px” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_border_radius=”2px” button_icon=”%%20%%” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Types of Lifestyle Content for Retail Websites

Lifestyle content can be used across multiple digital mediums. It can be used in social media, blogging, and website content and branding. Pictures, videos, reviews, and shared information are all successful forms of lifestyle content. Using these to be more relatable to your target customer helps humanize your business, and provides them with entertaining or informational content. Branding is also an important practice. It is aimed at improving customer relationships by making your ecommerce store memorable and recognizable through your content.

Leads and customers feeling as if they know the “real” people behind your business builds trust. With proper branding and use of lifestyle content, your business will represent a positive experience to consumers. This makes them more likely to buy from you, not the other guy.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/posting-on-social.jpg” alt=”Retail Website Lifestyle Content A young woman using her mobile phone for texting at work.” title_text=”Woman Posting Online in an Office” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Click Here for Expert Help with Organic Posting ” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#02007a” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#2749c4″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#0daa3a” button_border_width=”5px” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_border_radius=”2px” button_icon=”%%20%%” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Organic Social Media Posting Matters!

A simple and free way to introduce lifestyle content into your social media marketing strategy is to create it yourself! Take pictures of happy clients post-purchase or ask for pictures from your buyers using the product purchased from your online retail store in their everyday life. Content of yourself or your staff members performing “behind the scenes” work at your business also makes great lifestyle content. Consumers want to know their purchase process will be simple, easy, and enjoyable, not dread the experience.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Post these pictures and videos on your social media pages in between your usual sales and information posts to break up your content. People following your social pages will be less likely to click the “unfollow” button if they see content they find relevant. Since not every follower is looking to buy your product right now, lifestyle content is the perfect way to stay relevant with everyone!

Lifestyle content keeps followers engaged without feeling like they’re constantly being sold something. In addition, if you don’t share organically on your social media pages, you will likely be removed from your follower’s news feed. Even if you pay for social media ads, your exposure will still be limited. When users are not interacting with your posts daily, the computers crawling social media will think your followers are not interested in your content. This is how your business gets removed from the viewers news feed.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_cta title=”Make your marketing an investment in your future!” button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Schedule Your FREE Consultation to Find Out More!” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#2b48d8″ background_color_gradient_end=”#1b2289″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#2d2d2d” button_bg_color=”#05af00″ button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#3faf3f” button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#adffaa” button_font=”|600|||||||” button_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″]

Social media giants have confirmed they will continue to make changes to their platforms. No matter how much you spend on advertising, you will still be hidden if you don’t post organically. You don’t have to go at this alone. For more information on how to beat Facebook’s algorithm changes and stay relevant, contact a Marketing Specialist today. We’re here to make your marketing successful!

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Retail Blogging

Creating a blog for your business is a beneficial way to start creating your own lifestyle content. By creating content yourself, you control the image of your retail website. This gives you a way to connect with your audience and give them useful information that will benefit them in their current or future ownership of your product. Your audience will see your business as a trusted source for information and education, building faith in your brand.

By not constantly selling your products to your audience, you are selling them on your reliability. Showing your future customers you’re a real person who understands their wants and needs often goes much further in making the sale than a discount or sale price. Most consumers that feel respected and understood are more likely to choose your retail website for their next purchase.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Branded Website Content

Lifestyle content shouldn’t be use sporadically. Showing consistency and dedication to the way consumers see your ecommerce brand is key to being believable. Using lifestyle-type branded content on your website shows dedication to your consumers view of your retail website.

Previous buyers want to know you are the same now as when they first purchased from you years ago. New buyers want to know you are the same now as when the person who referred them purchased from you. Show website visitors your retail site’s number one priority is buyer satisfaction year after year through your branded lifestyle content.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_image src=”https://blog.productcart.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/man-on-computer-at-desk.jpg” alt=”Retail Website Lifestyle Content – young man sitting at desk on laptop” title_text=”Working at home” _builder_version=”4.4.7″][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/web-development” button_text=”Click Here for Assistance with Website Design & Content ” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#ffffff” button_bg_color=”#02007a” button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#2749c4″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#0daa3a” button_border_width=”5px” button_border_color=”#ffffff” button_border_radius=”2px” button_icon=”%%20%%” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style=”preset1″ url_new_window=”on”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.7″]

Humanize Your Brand with Real Content

As an ecommerce store owner, you are fully aware of all the awesome and fun benefits to owning your product. You see happy customers enjoying their new purchase day in and day out. Your potential customers don’t, so it’s your job to show them. Sell your future buyers on real life benefits of owning your products. Show consumers that you understand their needs and are the trusted business owner who can provide them with exactly what they want and need through lifestyle content.

No matter your ecommerce store size, using real-life content is a tried and true way to get you on an upward path! If you are still curious and want to learn more, reach out to one of our social media experts today and learn even more about how you can use social media to grow your brand and your bottom line!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.7″][et_pb_cta title=”Make more sales with branded lifestyle content!” button_url=”https://www.netsourceinc.com/contact” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Let’s Talk – Social Media & Lifestyle Content!” _builder_version=”4.4.7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”#294ed1″ background_color_gradient_end=”#1b2289″ custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#2d2d2d” button_bg_color=”#05af00″ button_bg_use_color_gradient=”on” button_bg_color_gradient_start=”#efef56″ button_bg_color_gradient_end=”#3ed148″ button_font=”|600|||||||” button_alignment=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ box_shadow_style_button=”preset3″]

No matter your dealership size, lifestyle content is a tried and true way to get you on a consistent upward sales path. Learn more about how lifestyle content can help you sell more, without pushing sales. Grow your dealership brand and your bottom line!

[/et_pb_cta][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

June 11, 2021
How to Drive More Sales with Better Images

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.14.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

It goes without saying that many consumers shop with their eyes. Sure, reviews left by people who already purchased the product are brutally honest and sometimes ruthless. But what closes the sale can often be the quality of the photo for the product you’re looking at and the sheer quantity of photos taken at different angles to see every square inch before you buy.

For those who sell their products online (nearly everyone) that shell out for the best photographer, they can get their hands on and know the importance of a good, high-quality image, move on to the next article. For the remainder of you, right here is where you want to be. Let us explain.

In 2019, the average attention span of an adult is 12 seconds. For millennials, (the ones who make up most of eCommerce shopping and sales) it’s a mere eight seconds. That means you have between 8 and 12 seconds to convert a consumer into a customer before they move on to your competitor that has the same product in a higher quality image.

Humans also tend to form opinions and impressions within seconds. This, again, tells you that you must show rather than tell the consumer that it’s your product that’s worth buying. Put your consumer shoes on and think about it. If you’re trying to find the best set of bedsheets on Amazon, are you going to choose the one with only one, blurry photo? Even if they are the best set, you probably still won’t buy them.

So, what actions can you take to drive more sales with better images?

Choose high-quality images.

Honestly, your website won’t be taken seriously enough if you have low quality, blurry, tiny images to showcase your merchandise. Even if they do show up high in search results, shoppers won’t be inclined to click on them, because nobody clicks on a blurry photo. Choose photos based on who your audience is and what their needs are rather than your preferences. Be sure the background is simple, the product you’re selling is the main focus and is NOT blurry, and isn’t too dark or too light. Also, be sure to show your product in as many angles as necessary.

Upload multiple images.

You have to build the customer’s trust, and there is data supporting the link in more images to higher sales. Having more images uploaded to show your product won’t leave any questions unanswered, and will help keep the buyer’s attention, as most people do scroll through all images available. The images are the closet the customer can get while shopping online. Say you’re selling a pair of shoes. You’ll want to include angles that display the shoe from each angle so the customer can see the side, the bottom, the top and inside the shoe. Think about it. You’re more than likely going to click on one website over another if it has more images. By the seller showing everything about the product, they’re saying they believe in it, and they hope you will, too.

Upload larger images.

Research shows people are more likely to buy a product that has larger images on display. This means the images are high quality enough to zoom in over each image for the customer to simply inspect each aspect of the product. This also makes the customer more in control of their decisions as they are able to interact on a higher level.

Add lifestyle photos into the mix.

If you choose to include lifestyle photos, you’ll drive more sales because the consumer will picture themselves using the product. Let’s say your product is a nonstick skillet. You’ll want to use photos of someone using that skillet in several different ways, like scrambling eggs, flipping pancakes, and maybe even someone washing it to show it’s easy to clean. The point is that if you simply upload a few photos of the skillet with a white background and nothing else, it won’t look user-friendly and the shopper won’t see how versatile is it.

If your product has different uses, show them.

Let’s say you’re selling a scarf that can be worn eight different ways. Instead of showing just one way, you’re better off showing each way it can be worn. The idea is you’re telling the shopper they’re getting a great deal and they’ll only ever need this one scarf because of its versatility.

Crop your images in closely.

As a general rule, you want your product to take up most of the canvas. Your customer isn’t shopping for a white background, so crop in the image as close as you can. And while we’re talking about backgrounds, as long as it’s not a lifestyle shot, keep it a simple white for fewer distractions.

Use keywords for each photo.

This doesn’t necessarily help with having a better photo, but it will help drive sales. Many SEOs upload their photos using the image name that came from the camera (IMG_001.JPG). By changing the name to, let’s say, “blue-bedsheets-500-thread-count,” your page has a better chance of showing up higher in the rank. The consumer might type that into the search bar. Not IMG_001.JPG. Use specific words that will help Google better understand what the photo is, and you’ll rank better.

Now that you’ve got some background on why better images increase sales, take these tips and ideas and apply them into your next photoshoot or update your current photos on your website. It’s not about having the best industry software and technology, it’s about asking the right questions that will get you to the right conclusion. You must ask yourself how to gain the consumer’s trust, and then your sales will increase.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

October 11, 2019
Why Up-Selling & Cross-Selling Are So Important to Your Ecommerce Success
If you’re an eCommerce business, you’re always focused on getting as many customers as possible. To get the sale, you employ a variety of marketing tactics to bring attention to your website. It’s exhausting to bring in anyone who has even a slight interest in buying a product. More importantly, you need to entertain and engage the loyal customers who buy frequently. What if there was a way to get the sales you need from fewer customers?

The tactics of up-selling and cross-selling are sure to increase your sales easily. Both methods will help you get more buys from customers who have bought from your business before or want to add something else to their cart. The following are explanations of each strategy and why they’ll work for your eCommerce.

Up-Selling

Up-selling is intended to encourage customers to buy a more expensive or premium version of something they bought, which is in the same product grouping. It’s important to consider your customers’ needs whenever you are up-selling, because offering a product that is completely outside of their price range will not work. If you offer a different version of what they want with slightly more expensive modifications, then you might convince them to upgrade to something that accommodates all of their wishes.

Cross-selling

The strategy of cross-selling is to sell additional or add-on products that work with a customer’s initial purpose. For example, if someone orders a mattress, you could try to sell them bed sheets in addition. Protection plans and guarantees are also an effective cross-selling tactic. It’s a great way to get visitors to add more to their cart once they get to the checkout page.

How to Use Them

Now that you’re familiar with the concepts of up-selling and cross-selling, you’ll be ready to successfully implement them in your eCommerce marketing strategy. Make sure you consider these suggestions when you use these selling techniques.
- Don’t Oversell. It’s great to include a few product suggestions for whoever visits your website. However, customers are often annoyed if you throw products at them left and right. Make sure your product cart is still simple to go through and includes only a few steps or else your customer might get annoyed and not buy anything. Use these tactics in moderation to pique a customer’s interest.
- Provide Deals for Bundles. If you’re cross-selling or up-selling, your customers will be more inclined to buy multiple items if they get a great deal. Offer a discount for purchasing however many products. You’ll still be making more money while encouraging your clientele the spend at least the minimum amount for a deal. Bundles help both the customer and the seller because the customer gets everything they need and more and the seller receives a better return.
- Get to Know Your Customers. Tracking your customers’ order history is an essential component of cross-selling and up-selling. If you don’t know what someone is interested in, then how can you show them the products they would be likely to buy? Put analytics and a tracking system into place so you have access to each client’s data. That way, your sales strategies will be easy to perfect and personalized for every customer.
Do you need help starting your eCommerce sales plans? Feel free to reach out to us at ProductCart and give us a call at (800) 401-0353.
April 19, 2019
Super-Charged Online Marketing Strategies

An eCommerce company is nothing without a stellar marketing strategy. With all of your services online, it’s important that you understand the nuances of online communication and how to best market your business to consumers who occupy these channels. You can do several simple things to maintain an online brand, including making a website, publishing newsletters, and having a social media presence. If you need to up your online marketing plan, follow these strategies:

Great Web Design

When you consider the concept of marketing, a website might not come to mind as an important tool to drive sales, but it’s actually one of the greatest marketing mechanisms. Getting the design of your website right will definitely improve all of your marketing efforts. There’s no point in spending all of your money on marketing if your site is messy and unappealing. When you direct traffic to your website, your potential customers should be immediately impressed. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a quality eCommerce site, and you can do so by hiring a consultant.

Search Engine Marketing

One of the simplest ways to find a business is through Google or another search engine. That’s how most customers connect with eCommerce businesses, so it matters what page your link is on in the search results. To get to the top of the pyramid, you need to establish Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices for everything you do. By adding keywords and phrases and committing to PPC campaigns, you’re sure to land on the first page of a search. If you need help optimizing your online content, be sure to get in touch with an SEO Expert to help you through the process.

News and Events

A huge part of having an online presence includes updating your visitors with relevant content and announcements about your business. A great way to market yourself is by starting a blog or a section on your website dedicated to press releases. Adding this content to your site doesn’t just keep your business in the present, but it updates potential customers about any special promotions or events that they might want to be a part of. To start your own dedicated blog, contact an online marketing specialist.

Ready to pinpoint your online marketing strategy? Learn more about ProductCart’s capabilities here.

April 8, 2019
eCommerce Retargeting: Make the Most of Your Business

It’s one thing to have an enticing website that generates leads, but it’s another thing to convert those leads into loyal customers. For eCommerce businesses, the ability to encourage visitors to come back to your website and complete a purchase is crucial.

There’s only so much you can do to market yourself effectively online, so it’s important that you retarget your audience. Retargeting, or remarketing, is a technology based on cookies that will target your visitors as they explore different sites across the Web. To get the most out of your retargeting efforts, remember these tips:

Reach the Right Audience

Identifying the visitors who are most likely to make a purchase from your eCommerce is no easy task. There are several factors you need to consider when deciding who gets to see your retargeting ads, including number of previous purchases and how long ago they visited the site. Make sure that you pay equal attention to visitors who haven’t bought anything yet and your most engaged customers. That way, you’ll balance the number of new customers with repeat patrons.

Don’t Rely on It to Increase Traffic

Retargeting is a powerful tool to boost conversions from your site, but it won’t holistically improve your business. Remember that your content marketing strategies are just as important. Using blogs, social media, paid ads, and print media are all equally important to building your brand’s reputation because that’s what generates leads and traffic. Retargeting won’t increase new visits to your site. Use it as one part of your strategy and don’t think that it alone will change your business overnight.

Create a Rewards Program

The best way to keep customers is to incentivize them from the get-go. Having loyalty programs, coupons, limited sales and specials will ensure that customers keep coming back. Remarketing ads are a great platform to advertise these offers to your most committed customers. Think of all of the brick and mortar stores; they all have some type of rewards-based system. Mirror that in your eCommerce platform, and you’ll see the same success.

Want to find out how to upgrade your eCommerce website? Visit ProductCart to learn more about our innovative platform.

March 12, 2019
Common Ecommerce Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

With nowadays’ advanced digital platforms, it’s simpler than ever to run your own online business and attract a loyal customer base. Before investing your time in creating the most attractive online presence, keep these six common mistakes in mind in order to avoid pitfalls and maximize your company’s potential.

Having no search capability

Your customers are always looking for a certain product fast. To get them what they’re looking for in the first place, it definitely helps to have a dependable navigation system on your website. You’re missing a huge conversion opportunity if your search doesn’t produce the correct results or no results at all. To avoid this, make sure you consult your website’s designers when you’re first building it to ensure that your search bar performs to the best of its ability.

Missing out on social media

Social media is becoming increasingly influential on what and how people buy. If you don’t have a large enough social media presence, your ecommerce business won’t be able to create a sustainable brand. Find the channels that your customers primarily occupy, and create an engaging profile. You don’t need to post everyday to keep a following. Just make sure your social media advertises your products or services in the best light possible. You can also create targeted ads on most platforms that will automatically lead to purchases and long-term relationships with consumers.

Not providing an efficient checkout

If you make your customers go through several hurdles just to buy a product, you’re making a HUGE mistake. Having a quick and easy checkout process is one of the most important things for an eCommerce business. Provide your customers with not only an “Add to Cart” function, but give them the option to buy a product immediately with the click of a button. If they can save their payment and shipping information to their account, it’ll be a lot quicker for customers to make a purchase and then subsequent purchases later on.

Not keeping a blog

One consistency every eCommerce business should have is a blog. Blogs are a great way to bring more visitors to your website by improving your SEO and brand awareness. You can use it to tell your company’s story, feature sales and products, or sharing your customers’ experiences. No matter how you choose to use it, having a blog will improve your online company overall.

Your site is NOT mobile friendly

Your customers won’t pull out their computers every time they want to buy something. Shopping from a phone has become one of the most popular trends on the rise in 2019, but many eCommerce businesses haven’t taken note and refuse to update their site to look good on a phone screen. Your customers will most likely frequent your business from their mobile devices, so make sure your site is compatible. That way, anyone can make a purchase on the go. Everyone knows cellphones are the new computers.

Using bad product descriptions

Whenever you’re listing your inventory, it’s essential that you include a description for every product. What’s more important is that it’s a well-written description. Stop yourself from just copying the manufacturer’s description of the item, because it won’t allow you to separate yourself from competitors. The best thing to do is write your own descriptions or hire someone else who will do it well. Having detailed, descriptive, and creative descriptions will help you bypass others in search engine listings while guiding your customers’ to making informed purchases.

March 6, 2019
Must-Use Facebook Strategies for eCommerce Marketing

Facebook is the largest social media platform on the planet today. Saying Facebook is massive is a bit of an understatement! At one point, many businesses built their entire clientele off of Facebook and using Facebook advertising. Unfortunately with the algorithm change in early 2018, many businesses were sent into a downward spiral. Because of the massive shift away from business pages in 2018, methods of Facebook marketing have had to change. For many eCommerce businesses, Facebook is still a viable option for social media marketing, but there are a few new strategies to look into if you want to “beat the Facebook algorithm”.

The 2018 Facebook Algorithm Change

Before we even get into the new Facebook marketing strategies, we really need to tough on why we need them in the first place. A little over a year ago, Facebook was a wondrous place for businesses. People would make their entire income off of Facebook! In early 2018 though, everything changed. With the change, Facebook began to highly favor personal profiles and business pages felt it! Engagement dropped off sharply, viability became nearly non-existent, and the cost of ads seemed to increase.

Facebook basically made it more difficult for business pages to be seen, but with some good social media marketing strategies, there are wonderful workarounds that make Facebook still a viable marketing option for eCommerce businesses.

Facebook Marketing Strategies for eCommerce Businesses

Now that we know why eCommerce stores need new Facebook marketing strategies, let’s dive into some of the things small businesses can do that will drive sales and increase online visibility.

Using Paid Facebook Ads

Look, you may not want to hear this but when it comes to Facebook marketing, using their paid ads is pretty much a must. Especially since the shift in 2018, your visibility is low, many of the people who opted in to follow your page wont even see your posts organically. It is a slightly annoying money grab from Facebook ? Sure is, but it is a necessary evil if you want to be able to successfully market your business on Facebook in 2019.

Create Custom Audiences

When it comes to using paid Facebook ads as part of your marketing strategy, it is important that you set up custom audiences that you want to reach. While some people will create one audience and run all of their ads targeting that group, this is not recommended. You want to show different ads to different people, so creating more focused audiences can help you more effectively market to the right people. You can target people who already follow you, people who have visited your website, as well as people with specific interests. Depending on what campaign you are running, you will want to tweak your audience and make sure you are reaching the best people for that particular ad.

Test Different Ad Types

Facebook offers quite a few different ad types depending on what your overall goal is. You can set conversion ads to sell more, traffic ads to increase website traffic, or engagement ads which increase your Facebook engagement. I suggest that you test out all of these ads depending on what you are promoting.. Trying to promote a particular item? Check out the conversion ads…. Want clicks through to a blog post? Traffic ads may be right for you!

eCommerce Re-targeting Campaigns

Another type of campaign that can be extremely beneficial is the re-targeting. These campaigns focus on users who have been to your site, places items in their shopping carts, and then abandoned the cart. Re-targeting ads are a bit more legwork, but well worth it to increase sales. One of the main reasons people tend to abandon their carts is because of high shipping costs, so a re-targeting campaign showcasing a deal on shipping may convince these people to return to their carts.

Use Videos!

People love video. It is no secret that video ads tend to preform much better than traditional ads with only photos. So if you want to increase your conversions, engagement, and lower your CPS try adding some videos to your Facebook ads schedule and watch how they perform.

Use Dynamic Ads

Another type of ad that you need to be using is the Dynamic Ad. These are highly automated and really tailored to the user who ends up seeing the ad. They are a type of re-marketing ad, commonly seen used by sites like Amazon and Walmart… You can select single or multi-product ( multi-product is highly recommended), and this will be shown to your target audience. According to internal and external studies, companies who are using these Dynamic Ads are seeing a 20-30% CTR increase and a 20% increase in conversions.

Organic Facebook Engagement for eCommerce

Facebook isn’t all about paid ads and driving conversions. Sometimes is pays to use your social media platforms to share your more personal story and really connect with your audience.

Share Photos (No Links)

Want to engage your audience and expand your Facebook reach? Share photos! Either photos of product, customer supplied photos, photos of your storefront… the key though, is to have an engaging caption, typically asking a question, and to NOT include a link anywhere in the post! I know this may seem strange, don’t link to my store? But actually yes, not every post should link somewhere off of Facebook. Actually, the Facebook algorithm prefers posts that do not direct you off of Facebook. So share fun photos, stories, and videos to connect and engage with your audience and see your brand recognition continue to grow.

Respond to Comments

This probably doesn’t need to be said, but always respond to comments and messages. It shows you care about your clientele and that you are ready and willing to engage with them and answer any questions you may have. It humanizes you, makes your customers know you are a person and not just a brand. When they feel a connection with you, they will be more likely to want to spend their money with you.

No matter what kind of eCommerce business you are running, these Facebook marketing strategies can help propel your business and increase your sales.

ProductCart is here to help with all of your eCommerce needs! From marketing to backed content creation and website design, we want to see your business boom and will be here for you through every step of the process!

January 11, 2019
Proven Ways to Boost Your Instagram Following
With the influx of advertising on social media recently, it should come as no surprise that social media is the apex for digital advertisers. Consumers get the bulk of their information from social media as opposed to more “traditional’ means such as television or print media. Due to the massive growth in social media, especially for advertising, companies are beginning to focus more on their own social media and growing their followings.

One of the largest and most well loved social media channels at the moment is Instagram. Instagram is the perfect place to advertise your business and really connect with your clients and potential clients. The largest issue most creators and business owners have when it comes to Instagram is how to grow and how to be seen! So today we are going to help you grow your Instagram account, connect with clients, and increase your social standing with these 8 proven ways to grow your Instagram account!

Post on Instagram Regularly

First thing is first, if you want to grow your Instagram account and attract the right followers, you need to post on Instagram on a regular basis. People like consistency! Pick a schedule and stick to it! The more your post, the higher the likelihood you will be seen, but you don’t have to post daily! You can do 3 days a week and post on the same three days every week, and people will learn your schedule and look forward to your new post on your scheduled days.

The thing about Instagram is, the more people who see you the more people who will see you…. Yea that might sound crazy but hear me out! Instagram’s algorithm favors accounts who get a lot of interaction shortly after a post going live! So when people are waiting for you to post on a Monday morning, and they like that photo moments after it goes live, it is more likely to “appease the Instagram algorithm” and get your post out to a larger circulation.

Engage Engage Engage!

Instagram is all about engagement! If you want to really grow your Instagram following AND encourage sales, then you NEED to be engaged. There are a few things that I highly recommend you do in order to increase your own engagement and follower number.
- Respond to comments in a timely manner. Responding to comments quickly as possible will help give you a boost in the unpredictable algorithm.
- Follow large accounts in your niche. If you see a large account that has a similar aesthetic to yours with a similar target audience, FOLLOW THEM! Don;t just follow and forget though, you need to follow them, leave them genuine comments, and like their photos! While super large accounts may or may not notice you, they audience will and that is who you really want to notice you anyways.
  - So when you are engaging with those larger accounts, take a few minutes to check out their followers. See who is engaged with them, leaving likes and comments… Then I want you to go follow, like, comment on their posts! See, you now are engaging with the target audience of the larger page, who in turn should be your target audience as well!
Do those three things, and you will be well on your way to increasing your following as well as your engagement score! Honestly, while following is important, engagement is even more important! You can have a million followers, but if no one is engaging with your brand, then does it really matter?

Make Use Of Hashtags

If you aren’t making use of your hashtags on Instagram, then you need to reevaluate your social media marketing plan. Instagram is all about hashtags! They help you get found, help you get followers, and help you get engagement! Instagram allows up to thirty unique hashtags per post, and you should be using as many (relevant) ones as you can!
- Search relevant hashtags for your niche and make a list! Seriously, take the time to see what your competitors are using and what hashtags are performing well in your niche. Make a list of these so you can use them as needed.
- Change up your hashtags on each photo. While you want to use relevant tags, you don’t want to use the exact same hashtags on every single post! This makes the Instagram algorithm unhappy, and like an angry hulk they will smash your engagement and viability as they will suspect you as spam! While you can use some of the same hashtags, just make sure you change it up and keep things fresh!
- Use a mix of “big” and “small” hashtags in your niche. Large hashtags are great, but they can be hard to be seen in since so many people are using them. Smaller more niche specific hashtags will help you get seen by a very targeted audience. So, use both! Mix them up, see what works for you! Testing out new hashtags is never a bad thing!
Instagram Stories Are So In Right Now

Instagram stories are one of the newer features on Instagram, typically meaning they will be favored by the almighty algorithm. With most social media platforms, the newest features get favored and pushed so it is important to stay up to date on the newest releases. Stories are fun, and followers tend to really like them! You can use hashtags in your stories to increase their viability, and if you want your story to remain on your page after the typical 24hr time period, you can now save them as highlights to your profile! Stories are a great way to engage with followers as well.. Ask questions, create polls, and give them “inside looks” into your life and business!

Bonus*** If you have 10,000 or more followers and a business account, you can insert a link to your stories promoting users to swipe up, taking them to an off-Instagram destination!

Instagram really is the pinnacle of social media right now! They are one of the fastest growing and highest engaging platforms out there at the moment, and now is the time to take advantage of this to grow your eCommerce store. Instagram can help you grow your audience and increase your sales, all you have to do is put in a little time and effort and you will see a huge return on investment.

Don’t forget to stay up to date with all of our exciting eCommerce Tips and Tricks on Facebook and Twitter
December 3, 2018