If you’ve been reading this blog you’ll know that a blog on your own business website is great for boosting SEO. This is because of the theory that fresh, updated content on your website will be more likely to catch the attention of the search engine spiders. But it is important that your blogs remain relevant to your website business.

Here we bring you some tips on using SEO more effectively in your ecommerce or e-retail blog:

•    Find out the most relevant keywords for your business by utilising the useful and free Google Keyword Tool. Then you can aim to include some of these keywords into your blog titles headlines, links and throughout the content. Do not over do this though as the search spiders do not like over-stuffed blogs.

•    Make sure you have an XML sitemap on your website so that the search engines know to crawl the pages with fresh content.

•    Make sure you post blogs at least a couple of times a week, or every other day if possible. Regular, updated blogs are more likely to gain higher rankings on search engines.

To have an integrated or properly branded blog on your website speak to a website design specialist such as WebCreationUK. Blogs can be written by professional writers, which will save you the trouble of keeping yours updated. Again a web designer should be able to point you I the right direction of a good blogger.

Another survey has confirmed that a growing number of consumers are using their mobile phone to make ecommerce purchases. A report recently released by a B2B integration firm found that 15% of people are buying via their smartphones.

But the report also found that many consumers think that mobile ecommerce is not necessarily secure enough.

A spokesperson said: “While the increasing consumer adoption rate of mobile devices has long been recognised by retailers, these survey findings suggest that offering mobile access to the brand is no longer just a ‘nice to have’; it has become a necessity.”

WebCreationUK can offer web design for mobile phone devices, come speak to us for more information from the leading website design company!

Trust is often the vital factor in gaining a customer on your ecommerce site or not. Here we bring you a guide to building customer trust on your website.

Product detail: Make sure your products are described in detail. Because customers can’t hold, feel or try on products they requite more than a shop-based type description. Be honest about the fit of clothing, for example. If an item is snug-fitting then tell the customer so that they do not end up disappointed and returning the clothing back to you.

Keep them informed: When people are making purchases make sure they know what is in their basket every step of the way. People want to be able to check and verify products and sizes. They may well walk away from their basket if they are not sure exactly what it is they are buying before giving their credit card details.

Reviews: Include a reviews section on your website. Consumers like to read reviews and will follow recommendations.

Secure payments: Use a system such as PayPal that consumers recognise as a safe way to pay for items.

Customer care: Consumers need to know you care so if they contact you via email or phone make sure you attend to their questions and needs. Showing customers that you understand their concerns reassures them that they can trust your ecommerce site.

Clear contact information: Many consumers want to know that there is a “real” person running the business. So ensure you have a phone number and a customer care line. Also include an email contact and a postal address.

Delivery and returns: Be up-front and clear about your delivery details, cost and returns process.

Are you looking to set up your own ecommerce store? Then look no further! Speak to WebCreationUK about your web design needs and see what we can offer you.

A survey of consumers who use their mobile phone regularly for on-line purchases found that 60% think it’s important to be able to verify product availability at a particular store.

The report also revealed:

• 20% of consumers use their phones to create shopping lists or baskets.
• Just over 20% would be interested in a mobile app to help with basket management for their favorite retailers.
• 66% are interested in the possibility of using their mobile phone to scan and purchase items, instead of using the usual checkout process.
• 25% believe that receiving specials/promotions/coupons is important.

Jim Bengier, a global retail industry expert, is reported as saying: “Mobility is more than a channel, and as consumers begin to use mobile devices in all aspects of their shopping process, cross-channel will be essential for retailers to succeed.

“Today’s consumers are transforming the shopping experience with their mobile phones, and retailers should be aiming to keep up with this.”

If you are looking for information on website design for mobile phone devices then speak to leading web design company WebCreationUK.

A new social media study has revealed that fashion brands have a much stronger social media presence than all other UK retailers. The eDigitalResearch report suggests that the leaders are streets ahead because they are embracing multi-channels, including social media platforms.

The survey assessed a brand’s presence over several different sites and their efforts to engage in two-way dialogue. It looked at72 UK retail sites and logged the volume of followers alongside active interaction between the brand and consumer.

eDigitalResearch found that fashion retailers are encouraging a larger degree of cross-communication through Twitter accounts and Facebook pages.

And it was revealed that Topshop and River Island claimed the top two spots, recording a large number of followers and higher levels of customer engagement. ASOS was third, followed by New Look and Next.

A spokesperson for eDigitalResearch is reported as saying: “It is not surprising that brands aimed at a younger, more dynamic audience came out on top. We are beginning to see more content-driven marketing from many multi-channel fashion retailers, such as in-house produced magazines, focusing on subjects that potential customers regularly talk about.

“It is only natural that consumers are turning to social media platforms to engage and identify with their favourite brands.

“The next challenge is for companies to utilise all this user generated content and integrate it into within their future marketing and business plans.”

WebCreationUK can assist you in any of your web design or social media needs, speak to us for more information on our social media packages.

A new piece of research has revealed the growing importance for retailers to create “multi-channel” outlets. The report from FreshMinds shows that traditional retail channels are shifting more towards the internet and mobile phone apps but that there is still a need to pay attention to back-end services, for example, good customer service and deliveries.

It’s become very clear that there are huge sales-boosting opportunities for high street retailers and offering an ecommerce outlet widens the potential net of customers massively. The problem occurs, however, when this expansion arrives and the retailers are not able to deliver products or deal with the increased need for customer service.

The message is that to retain your brand quality and shoppers’ respect it’s vital that companies pay attention to all areas of their business. Take note, if you’re planning an on-line expansion anytime soon.

* Make sure you check out the great web design and ecommerce website deals being offering by leading web designers WebCreation UK