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Showing posts from September, 2020

Preparing for Black Friday Cyber Monday: 4 Shopify Experts Weigh In

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This year, Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) promises to be a different kind of shopping season. But one thing holds true: experience only makes you stronger when it comes to navigating the new normal of BFCM. In this article, four seasoned Shopify experts share their top advice for preparing for Black Friday Cyber Monday 2020. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3ieb20F

September 2020 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts

Our mission since 2005 is to publish articles, webinars, and podcasts to help ecommerce merchants. What follows are the 10 most popular articles that we published in September 2020. Articles from early in the month are more likely to make the list than later ones. The post September 2020 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/349u973

2020 ‘Time Machine’ Elevates All of Ecommerce

The ongoing global pandemic has accelerated retail and B2B trends that make it relatively more difficult for some businesses to survive while upping the competitive bar for the entire ecommerce industry. These trends include everything from an increase in online sales and the growth of click-and-collect shopping to how software is built and integrated. The post 2020 ‘Time Machine’ Elevates All of Ecommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3kXZmRy

Sustainable for the Long Term: 7 Ways to Stay True to Your Values—and Meet Customer Expectations

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Our research shows that customers say they care about sustainable and ethical consumption—but once price or shipping times factor into buying decisions, those good intentions can start to crumble. How can brands act as role models for sustainability and turn good-intentioned browsers into buyers? More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3ieD1NK

The Potential of Real-time Payments for Ecommerce

Real-time payments are immediate transfers of funds from a payor to a payee. The topic is trending and for good reason. The promise of immediate settlements and instant access to funds is compelling, especially for merchants frustrated by their bank's policy of holds and reserves. The post The Potential of Real-time Payments for Ecommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3n5TJCS

Mall Owners Become Retailers Amidst the Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent store closures have brought new momentum to the decline of brick-and-mortar retailing, especially malls. More than 50 percent of the department stores that anchor malls in the U.S. will permanently close by the end of 2021, according to real estate investment firm Green Street Advisors. The post Mall Owners Become Retailers Amidst the Pandemic appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/30jeZv0

The Scientific Way to Generate and Test Business Ideas

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As Stefan Gehrig started CrossFit, he saw a gap within the market for bags specifically designed for this fitness regimen and launched King Kong Apparel. In this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with Stefan on product development, prelaunch strategies, and how to generate repeat sales. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/348o8HH

14 Tools to Sell on Facebook and Instagram

Shopping on Facebook and Instagram is finally here. With the recent launches of Shops on both apps and Live Shopping, Facebook is facilitating easier commerce across its platform. Here is a list of tools to help you sell on Facebook and Instagram. The post 14 Tools to Sell on Facebook and Instagram appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3jowCRL

SEO: How to Target High-demand Keywords (or Not)

Search engine optimization often has lofty goals, such as ranking on page one for a high-demand phrase. How can you reach a seemingly impossible objective? The sites that rank on the first page of the search results are Google's assessment of the best options. The post SEO: How to Target High-demand Keywords (or Not) appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3kS7XFm

10 Print-On-Demand Companies for Selling Your Own Custom Products

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Print on demand is a fulfillment model that lets you create custom products without having to hold inventory. But choosing the right print-on-demand service to partner with can be tricky. Each platform has a distinct catalog of products, shipping considerations, and unique features that will factor into your decision. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2t3eWWI

9 Pointers for High-converting Instagram Ads

Instagram ads appear in users' feeds. They look like a regular post but with a sponsored label and a colored call-to-action button. What follows are nine tips for high-converting Instagram ads. The post 9 Pointers for High-converting Instagram Ads appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3j7Ziy7

‘My Wife Quit’ Founder on SMS Marketing, SaaS Platforms, osCommerce

In 2007 Steve Chou's wife, Jennifer, wanted to spend more time with their growing family. So she quit her job. Fast forward to 2020, and Bumblebee Linens, the Chou's ecommerce company, is prospering. Steve is now an ecommerce celebrity, having launched the "My Wife Quit Her Job" blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. The post ‘My Wife Quit’ Founder on SMS Marketing, SaaS Platforms, osCommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/343OKto

The 27-Point Checklist to Prepare Your Store for Black Friday Cyber Monday

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Every Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) presents a tremendous opportunity for businesses to reach new customers and generate more revenue. To help you sell your best we've put together a 27-point checklist to make this holiday shopping season your biggest (and most profitable) yet. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2zS6NFg

Covid-19 Exposes Inefficiencies in B2B Accounts Receivable

The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated long-standing inefficiencies with the B2B accounts receivable process, such as manual entry, little standardization, and errant data. Accounts receivable personnel have historically overcome many of these problems, but an increase in remote work may require B2B sellers to move to a more automated or integrated process. The post Covid-19 Exposes Inefficiencies in B2B Accounts Receivable appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3i054jY

Shipping Strategy: Get Packages to Customers Without Cutting into Your Bottom Line

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Choosing the best shipping strategy impacts your store’s conversion rate and profitability. Find out how to get it right. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2G4SDpA

7 Google Analytics Tips for Measuring Organic Search

Search engine optimization relies on the ability to measure performance. Google Analytics can make the task easier. What follows are seven tips to help. The post 7 Google Analytics Tips for Measuring Organic Search appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/32TS0bu

Forget Black Friday Sales this 2020 Holiday

The upcoming holiday shopping season is bound to shake the ecommerce sector. If you haven’t yet finalized your holiday sales schedule, now’s the time to get it done. But you may want to rethink your strategy for November and December. The post Forget Black Friday Sales this 2020 Holiday appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3hUb39Z

FAQ Snippets Expand Organic Search Visibility

There is one rich snippet that has become increasingly popular: frequently asked questions. An FAQ snippet expands a listing's real estate in organic search results. It's based on implementing FAQ Schema in the code. The post FAQ Snippets Expand Organic Search Visibility appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/33TOsWd

The Power of Data and Feedback for Growing a New Brand

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Charlie Gower and Jules Miller founded The Nue Co. to create the change they want see within the supplements industry. The Nue Co. formulates without chemicals, fillers, and sweeteners by merging science and natural solutions to create the supplements the team envisioned. In this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with Charlie Gower on the importance of data and customer feedback for growing a new brand.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3iVq8t9

What You Can Expect From Shopify For BFCM 2020

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Each week until after the holidays, we’ll be sharing the latest news and information through our What’s New newsletter to help you navigate BFCM and this holiday shopping season. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3kETjRw

Amazon Live: 12 Shows from Influencers, Sellers, Brands

Amazon Live combines streaming video with online shopping, letting influencers, sellers, and brands engage and interact with consumers in real-time. Here is a list of shows using Amazon Live from influencers, sellers, and brands. Episodes range from 30 minutes to two hours, though most are roughly one hour. The post Amazon Live: 12 Shows from Influencers, Sellers, Brands appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3kNXIlB

Covid-19 Driving Some Brands to DTC

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the pace of digital transformation in retail, prompting some brands to focus on direct-to-consumer channels. The retail and wholesale industries have long been undergoing an evolution toward ecommerce, digital brands, and DTC sales. But Covid-19 changed retail abruptly. The post Covid-19 Driving Some Brands to DTC appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2FS9Tyy

How to Develop a New Product (From Concept to Market)

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Bringing your vision for an original product to life is frequently one of the biggest hurdles for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially since the product development process varies from product to product. Luckily, there are six specific steps you can follow  to help ensure a successful launch. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2RMhUYi

Email Marketing: Optimizing ‘From’ Lines, Subject Lines, Pre-headers

Email marketing remains a cornerstone of most ecommerce companies. But optimizing "from" lines, subject lines, and pre-headers is challenging for even the savviest marketers. I'll offer tips in this post. The post Email Marketing: Optimizing ‘From’ Lines, Subject Lines, Pre-headers appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/33J4Toa

A Passion for Cosmetics Leads to $1 Million in First-year Sales

The YouTube-to-ecommerce business model may be the best way to build an audience of customers. It worked for my company, Beardbrand, when I posted beard-grooming videos on YouTube. And it worked for Lisa and Paul Jauregui. Lisa’s passion for cosmetics led to her YouTube channel, which educated consumers on the use and selection of those products. And that audience generated customers for BK Beauty, a direct-to-consumer cosmetics brand that the Jauregui’s launched in August 2019. The post A Passion for Cosmetics Leads to $1 Million in First-year Sales appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3kvfMAw

After 20 years of ecommerce, change is the only certainty

Designing, building, and launching a website is just the beginning of an ecommerce business. Attracting and converting visitors is the next, all-important step. A website alone does not guarantee anything. But the most critical factor in long-term success is the ability to change and adapt. The post After 20 years of ecommerce, change is the only certainty appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2RDVFny

2020 Holiday Shopping Is a Tale of 2 Consumers

Covid-19 has throttled the U.S. economy, dropping the nation's gross domestic product 31.7 percent in the second quarter of the year. The economic effect, however, has impacted folks differently. The post 2020 Holiday Shopping Is a Tale of 2 Consumers appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2FLCSE9

How to Start a Jewelry Making Business: The Ultimate Guide

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If you're thinking of turning a jewelry hobby into a profitable small business, this post is for you. We’ll explore jewelry making businesses from conception and design to production and marketing. This go-to guide includes advice from the pros, tactical takeaways, and inspiration from established designers and business owners. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2fvIIIT

Getting Your B2B Team on the Digital Business Train

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation for many B2B companies. Implementing ecommerce and other digital tools requires rethinking how your organization operates and how it interacts with customers. It's an opportunity to improve sales and back-office efficiencies. The post Getting Your B2B Team on the Digital Business Train appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2H8fAsH

Purpose with Profit: Meet 9 Socially Responsible Founders Creating Change Through Business

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Beyond meeting customer needs or filling a market gap, socially responsible founders are creating movements through their businesses. Learn how nine socially responsible businesses and social enterprises are striving to create employment opportunities, reduce carbon emissions, share knowledge, and more.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2FDIwbe

Ecommerce Product Releases: September 15, 2020

Here is a list of product releases and updates for mid-September from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on social commerce, cybersecurity, international payments, product personalization, holiday shipping, artificial intelligence, and automated delivery drones. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: September 15, 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2FzUrae

13 New Ecommerce Books for Fall 2020

Here's a batch of new ecommerce books for your autumn reading list. There are titles on buying and selling a business, producing and fostering creative work, monetizing your podcast, live video marketing, Amazon, and the blockchain. The post 13 New Ecommerce Books for Fall 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3mkUw29

The Journey of a Million-Dollar Customized Jewelry Brand

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Jacob Pazos, Hanna Zameni, and Scott Shin are the trio behind Revival Jewelry, makers of pendants that project images once a light shines through its gemstones. On this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with Jacob Pazos and Scott Shin on their product development process, tips for crowdsourcing feedback, and ways to reach their target audience. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2ZCoTYe

Shopify’s Sustainability Fund: How We’re Investing to Reverse Climate Change

from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3bYVVGV

Privacy Changes on Apple Devices, Chrome Will Impact Targeted Advertising

Privacy-related changes impacting Apple mobile devices and Google's Chrome browser will make it more difficult for businesses to target advertising at specific customers across platforms, applications, and devices. At issue are two separate technologies that are connected because of their privacy implications. The post Privacy Changes on Apple Devices, Chrome Will Impact Targeted Advertising appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3bWYJUZ

4 Payment Methods to Integrate for the Holidays

Convenience and security increasingly impact online selling. That's especially the case for the upcoming holiday season, as consumers will likely seek flexible, seamless payment options. Here are four payment methods to consider for this year's holiday selling. The post 4 Payment Methods to Integrate for the Holidays appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/35Dc4Rd

Using Google Analytics to Optimize Google Ads

The Google Ads reporting suite in Google Analytics is essential for advertisers looking to drive profitable sales. I'll explain the setup and analysis process in this post. Before you can view Google Ads reports in Google Analytics, complete a couple of steps. The post Using Google Analytics to Optimize Google Ads appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2DZOdjo

Success in Europe Requires ‘People on the Ground,’ Says Danish Entrepreneur

American businesspeople tend to view Europe as a single market with like-minded consumers and cultures. Rasmus Cort knows better. His company, Sorry Mom, sells tattoo ointments and lotions throughout the continent. I asked him how a U.S.-based company can succeed there. The post Success in Europe Requires ‘People on the Ground,’ Says Danish Entrepreneur appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3hl60PD

12 Profitable Hobbies You Can Monetize (You Probably Have At Least One)

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Hobbies can be more than an enjoyable pastime—they can be a source of income. If you take your hobbies seriously enough, you could turn them into a lucrative business. Here are 12 hobbies suited for exactly that. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2wrsXxf

5 Predictions for the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season

Despite strong increases in the past several months, predicting this year's holiday ecommerce sales made me feel a bit like Ebenezer Scrooge. I wanted to be optimistic about the Christmas sales, but three of my five predictions are negative overall. The other two, click-and-collect ecommerce and gig-economy delivery, are generally positive. The post 5 Predictions for the 2020 Holiday Shopping Season appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2FszTAo

How to Start a Dropshipping Business: The Easiest Way to Sell Online

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Dropshipping a low-risk way to start selling products online without having to invest thousands of dollars for inventory. Here’s everything you need to know about how to start a dropshipping business and make it grow. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3hlxQLs

Holiday Shipping Surcharges Are Coming

Selling during the upcoming holiday shopping season will not be normal. For the first time in its history, the United States Postal Service is imposing a holiday surcharge on commercial packages. The price increases will begin on October 18 and run through December 27, 2020, and range from $0.24 to $1.50 per package. The post Holiday Shipping Surcharges Are Coming appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2FqVk4t

5 Pandemic Buying Habits That Are Here to Stay—According to Shopify Research

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We surveyed shoppers in Canada and the US about their buying habits since the spread of COVID-19. Based on our research, buying habits, like everything else, have changed—maybe forever. Here, we’ll dig into the data and explore five consumer trends spurred by the pandemic, why they’ll have staying power, and how you can successfully adapt your business in 2020 and beyond. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3jZeHAT

Understanding P2P Payments for Merchants

P2P payments occur between two people. The term stands for both "peer-to-peer" and "person-to-person." Instead of using credit cards, consumers are now purchasing goods and services with P2P apps, and merchants increasingly accept P2P payments. In a sense, many merchants have become “peers” to capitalize on the trend. The post Understanding P2P Payments for Merchants appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3bEB1Nh

SEO: 9 Tips for Brand-friendly Content

Branded marketing content and excellent organic search rankings are not mutually exclusive. Content is among the most subjective aspects of search engine optimization. It has also become the most important: The strongest content signals are unique, well-written, and relevant. Here are nine tips to get started. The post SEO: 9 Tips for Brand-friendly Content appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3ieivxu

Is JAMstack Right for Your Ecommerce Business?

Looming changes in ecommerce development could provide a short-term competitive advantage for some businesses. Many platforms give a business just about everything needed to build an ecommerce site. They are comprehensive and monolithic. But they are also restrictive, or so JAMstack proponents imply. The post Is JAMstack Right for Your Ecommerce Business? appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2ZjLDvT

Using Life Savings To Kickstart A Planner Business

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Combining style with function, Marissa Groots created STIL, a collection of planners that’s purposeful and design focused. In this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with Marissa on how to scale a side hustle, working with large retailers, and how to stay creative with marketing strategies. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3hak4v0

9 exercise tips for desk-bound workers

It's easier to get stronger, fitter, and healthier than most people think. That's especially true for desk workers, such as digital marketers and ecommerce merchants. Here are nine tips for desk-bound personnel to get stronger and healthier. The post 9 exercise tips for desk-bound workers appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3jVv15K

21 Free Web Design Tools from Summer 2020

Free resources from the design community can add value to an ecommerce site. Here is a list of new web tools and design elements from summer 2020. There are designer and developer apps, coding resources, color tools, fonts, and more. All of these tools are free, though some also offer premium versions. The post 21 Free Web Design Tools from Summer 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2Zgh1LL

4 More Google Ads Scripts to Automate Tasks, Save Time

Google Ads scripts automate routine tasks. Last fall, I shared three such scripts that are helpful to me. In this post, I'll address four additional Google Ads scripts (JavaScript) that automate tasks and save time. The post 4 More Google Ads Scripts to Automate Tasks, Save Time appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/322YVi1

Quality Control Drives Ugmonk.com to In-house Fulfillment

By 2017, nine years after launching his t-shirt company, Ugmonk, Jeff Sheldon had expanded into posters and workspace products. Gather, Ugmonk's modular desk organizer, had just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign with two shipping containers of custom manufactured organizers en route, to send to customers. The post Quality Control Drives Ugmonk.com to In-house Fulfillment appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3hYBQCY

Out of Stock: This Founder is Selling Spirituality and Everyone’s Buying

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They say it takes 10 years to become an overnight success, but for Zakia Torres, founder of Quartz & Rainbows, it felt like it only took her two. Find out how Shopify Capital helped Zakia grow her self-care and spirituality brand based on her sales—not her credit score. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/31Wzzm1

5 Content Marketing Ideas for October 2020

Content marketing can help connect with new customers or deepen relationships with existing ones. But some businesses struggle to find topics to address. The good news is that opportunities abound in October 2020, when a company could cover National Taco Day, raise cybersecurity awareness, profile customers, provide a brief history of products, or identify Halloween do-it-yourself projects. The post 5 Content Marketing Ideas for October 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3587k5I

How to Create and Communicate Your Shipping Policy (Plus a Free Template)

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With many merchants experiencing shipping delays and increased carrier costs, it's more important than ever to keep your shipping policy up to date. Learn how to create and communicate a shipping policy that helps you set the right expectations with your customers. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2EZAJEi

Introducing Resilient Retail: A New Virtual Event Series from Shopify POS

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It’s been a year. We’ve all been hit by one crisis after another, and it’s fair to feel pretty burnt out. We need inspiration. We need stories. We need something to help us hold it together in the middle of these interlocking crises. Enter: Resilient Retail. Shopify’s brand new virtual event series is all about connecting retail industry experts and operators to share the tips, tactics, and cutting-edge knowledge they’re using to weather the current storm. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3jJw1tz

SEO: 7 Ways to Optimize Category Pages

Category pages target the keywords that consumers search for most frequently. But optimizing category pages for organic search rankings can be difficult, as default category templates on ecommerce platforms tend to hold less text than other pages. What follows are seven category-page elements that improve rankings on highly competitive keywords. The post SEO: 7 Ways to Optimize Category Pages appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2ADZH6a

The Founder’s Zodiac: Back-to-School Business Ideas, Based on Your Sign

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School can only teach you so much, and many young people are supplementing book learning by building valuable real-world skills through their side interests. Some are even making money doing it. Learn the benefits of gaining entrepreneurial skills at a young age and get started with a list of the best business ideas for teens. Plus, take our quiz to find out which Baby-Sitters Club character you are—and what it says about your own entrepreneur personality. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3hSbz95

Essential Elements of an Ecommerce Product Page

The elements of an ecommerce product detail page should work together to help shoppers make sound buying decisions. Each element — prose description, a list of features, product photos, videos — should tell part of an item's story. The post Essential Elements of an Ecommerce Product Page appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2QMrGJI

Shopify Payments Makes You Money Through Higher Conversion Rates and Fewer Chargebacks

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When you use anyone other than Shopify Payments, you are giving up dollars in order to chase cents. We make your business work better, in big ways—like increasing your checkout conversion rate by 50% or more. And we’re less expensive, in big ways—like winning 45% more chargeback disputes for you. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3lF5sHG

Ecommerce Product Releases: September 1, 2020

Here is a list of product releases and updates for late-August from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on social commerce, brand building, shopping in augmented reality, live-streaming premium events, and ecommerce for social good. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: September 1, 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/31Oe3zG