Posts

Showing posts from February, 2021

11 TikTok Video Ideas for Merchants

You’ve downloaded TikTok and browsed the videos. Now you’re wondering what content to create for your ecommerce business. There are many types of videos to attract leads without dancing on camera. Here are 11 ideas for all types of merchants. The post 11 TikTok Video Ideas for Merchants appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2O9egtb

Your 9-Step Guide to Building a Business Website from Scratch

Image
In 2020, it became clear to business owners that customers are shopping more online. That means it’s time to invest in your online presence and build your business website. Here’s how to build one. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/37LyVuf

Tomlinson’s Feed: Fresh and Relevant after 75 Years

Kate Knecht is the fourth-generation owner-operator of Tomlinson's Feed, a family-owned retail business with 16 brick-and-mortar locations in Central Texas. The company is 75 years old. Amid the pandemic and the onslaught of online behemoths, can such a business transition to 2021 consumers? I asked Knecht that question and more. The post Tomlinson’s Feed: Fresh and Relevant after 75 Years appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3knJ59u

Your 9-Step Guide to Building a Business Website from Scratch

Image
In 2020, it became clear to business owners that customers are shopping more online. That means it’s time to invest in your online presence and build your business website. Here’s how to build one. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2ZTTfFq

Recovering Shopify Traffic After A Google Core Update

Image
This is an email blast that went out to our email list on 26-2-2021 Hey, This video might be handy or insightful for those that lost traffic in the recent Google core update in December 2021 . This is a brief overview of a client site that lost some traffic, and what we did to get it back......and then some. BUT, it's simply what every Shopify store owner should be doing anyway, if they want to continue to grow your organic traffic, rather then plateau! I hope this is insightful for all! Cheers, Jono https://ecomxseo.com ShopifyX SEO V2  – The Most Comprehensive Shopify SEO course on the planet: ShopifyX SEO V2 Course    (Get $150 with code:  v2launch ) (Payment plan also available) SHOPIFYX SEO V2 COURSE ShopifyX SEO V2 - The most comprehensive Shopify SEO course on the planet. Over 100 modules of deep, actionable content to drive free Google traffic to your store. get started The post Recovering Shopify

How to Conduct a Competitive Analysis for Your Business (Plus a Free Template)

Image
How well do you know your competitors? In a world where competition is fierce, you can’t afford to stay in the dark. Learn how to do a competitive analysis and stand out. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2PC82lQ

Major Brands Bet on DTC Ecommerce

Selling directly to consumers online is no longer just for start-ups. As brick-and-mortar sales decline because of Covid-19 and store closures, established brands are focusing on digital sales. Even before the pandemic, the traditional model of manufacturers selling to wholesalers who then sold to retailers was faltering. The post Major Brands Bet on DTC Ecommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3kn8oIy

Even Small Companies Use AI, Machine Learning

Data, technology, and people are at hand to make artificial intelligence and machine learning available to all commerce companies. To be certain, artificial intelligence and its sub-field, machine learning, have gone through cycles of inflated expectations followed by disappointments. The post Even Small Companies Use AI, Machine Learning appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2P02zFq

A Canvas for Creativity: Here Are 10 Print-on-Demand Products You Can Sell (Without Holding Inventory)

Image
With a print-on-demand business, you don’t need upfront inventory investments. Find out which popular products you can start selling right now. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3kjfJsP

10 SEO Tips for Podcasts

Podcasts have gone mainstream — 37 percent of Americans over the age of 12 listen to at least one podcast per month. But podcasts are often poorly optimized for search engines. Drive more organic search traffic to your podcast with these 10 tips. The post 10 SEO Tips for Podcasts appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3sloWDA

From Kitchen Experiments to Cult Favorite Skincare Brand

Image
When her children started having severe skin issues, Janell Stephens struggled to find safe, natural remedies that offered more than a temporary fix. So the mom of five turned her kitchen into a laboratory playground in pursuit of a solution, mixing fresh fruits, herbs, and oils into skincare and hair care products. In 2011 Janell launched Camille Rose to bring her products to the public. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Janell shares with us the hurdles of finding the ideal production partner, grassroots marketing, and how COVID-19 affected her business.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3shYQBx

5 Ways to Prompt First-time Customers to Buy Again

Loyal customers talk about the business and its products, driving more shoppers. So it makes sense to shift some of your marketing efforts to retain the buyers you already have. Here are five ways to do it. The post 5 Ways to Prompt First-time Customers to Buy Again appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2OQsdfJ

22 Tools for Writing and Distributing Content

Generating informative and meaningful content can strengthen a brand and provide value to its customers. There are many tools to help. Here is a collection of new and updated tools to ... The post 22 Tools for Writing and Distributing Content appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3qM9obU

B2B’s Digital Shift Is Permanent and Incomplete

The pandemic has forced many B2B companies to add ecommerce capabilities quickly to keep orders flowing. The transformation is almost certainly permanent, changing how the companies operate. It's also incomplete. The post B2B’s Digital Shift Is Permanent and Incomplete appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/37wd75C

DTC Seller of Apple Watch Bands Soars from College Project

Braxton Manley was a sophomore at Texas Tech University in 2017 when he attended a workshop on entrepreneurship. The purpose was to conceive a product based on market research. "My idea was cool Apple Watch bands," Manely told me. Fast forward to 2021 and his company, Braxley Bands, is a direct-to-consumer seller of elastic, colorful bands. The post DTC Seller of Apple Watch Bands Soars from College Project appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3axK5oc

The Fight for Independents: Why Entrepreneurial Spirit Is Rising Against All Odds

Image
More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3sa5IRx

A Human Approach to Marketing Automation

Marketing automation can seem daunting. It may require segmenting customers, understanding behavioral triggers, writing dozens or even hundreds of messages, and developing complex if-then workflows. Fortunately, a successful automation campaign can be done in small, simple steps. The post A Human Approach to Marketing Automation appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/37q6924

Dear Entrepreneurs: We Build For You

Shopify’s mission is to make commerce better for everyone—you’ve likely heard us say it a million times. But what does that really mean? Shopify President Harley Finkelstein shares why  Shopify exists. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3b8ij0o

Email Conversion Guide, Part 1: Database Cleanup

This post is the first in a 3-part series on improving conversions from an email marketing program. Parts 2 and 3 will address templates and retargeting, respectively. In this part 1 installment, I'll review the importance of a clean subscriber database, including tips for ongoing maintenance. The post Email Conversion Guide, Part 1: Database Cleanup appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3u2MaQE

13 Free Video Editors from Basic to Advanced

The right software can help create compelling product videos, clips, or ads to share on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or anywhere else. Many free video editors offer basic, easy-to-use features as well as advanced tools and effects for professional-quality. Here is a list of free video editors. The post 13 Free Video Editors from Basic to Advanced appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3pl7kGh

How This Direct to Consumer Suits-Maker Disrupted the Wedding Industry

Image
When Jeanne Foley was planning her wedding and plagued with logistics, pricing, and fit issues when trying to find ideal suits for her groomsmen, she was motivated to create a brand of black tie attire that costs the same as rentals. Together with childhood friend Diana Ganz, the duo launched The Groomsman Suit . In this episode of Shopify Masters, Jeanne and Diana share why SEO and customer service is crucial for the growth of their company. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3di1JOo

It's Time to Close the Gender and Racial Funding Gap

Image
Entrepreneurship, by its very nature, is inclusive and diverse. But that doesn't mean opportunity is equally distributed—what if the systems in place work against you? We surveyed 300 business owners to understand exactly how bias in funding impacted underrepresented founders. The data was sobering. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3amwqAj

The best way to select a software vendor

As a company grows, so does its reliance on software. The right software drives efficiency and profits. It can lower employment costs. But software cannot become an obstacle. It cannot prevent a business from growing or evolving. When it does restrict growth, change your software. The post The best way to select a software vendor appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3dgITXR

Ecommerce Product Releases: February 15, 2021

Here is a list of product releases and updates for mid-February from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on headless commerce, payment options, live-video shopping, artificial intelligence, collaborative web development, and more. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: February 15, 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3dgEvbE

It's Time to Close the Gender and Racial Funding Gap

Image
Entrepreneurship, by its very nature, is inclusive and diverse. But that doesn't mean opportunity is equally distributed—what if the systems in place work against you? We surveyed 300 business owners to understand exactly how bias in funding impacted underrepresented founders. The data was sobering. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2ZiqTEp

SEO: Keyword Research for Product Content

For many commerce businesses — omnichannel retailers, ecommerce-only merchants, wholesalers — attracting a steady flow of site visitors from organic search results is vital for success. But achieving high rankings in those results requires optimizing a site with relevant content. The post SEO: Keyword Research for Product Content appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/378yycT

Ridge Wallet Hits $50 Million with Influencer Marketing

Ridge wallets launched via a Kickstarter campaign in 2014.  Ultra-thin, metal-clad, with RFID protection, the wallets are enormously popular in the U.S., with $50 million in sales in 2020 alone. Influencer marketing has driven much of the growth. Sean Frank is The Ridge's chief operating officer. The post Ridge Wallet Hits $50 Million with Influencer Marketing appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2ZaTQSJ

No Inventory? No Problem: 13 Low-Investment Small Business Ideas

Image
  You don’t need a big budget to kickstart an ecommerce business. Check out these 12 low-cost ideas to inspire your own business venture. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2Is1bD5

Raising Funds Becomes Easier with New SEC Rules

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has modified rules that affect how companies can raise capital via direct listings and equity crowdfunding. In a direct listing, a company sells existing shares (from employees and private investors) on public stock exchanges. The post Raising Funds Becomes Easier with New SEC Rules appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3qdJr4r

What's a Value Proposition? It's What Your Business Does Better Than Anyone Else

Image
Why do your customers buy from you? The answer: your value proposition. If you can perfect your value proposition, you can increase your conversion rate and improve your marketing strategies across many channels. Learning to present the value your company and products deliver in a compelling way is one of the most high-value, wide-reaching marketing activities. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2opTeWq

When to Consider Ecommerce Shipping Insurance

High-end products, high volume, and quality customer service are among the reasons for considering shipping insurance for ecommerce. Shipping insurance can protect businesses from costs associated with damaged, stolen, and lost packages. The post When to Consider Ecommerce Shipping Insurance appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2MK1f9b

The Founder’s Zodiac: A Guide to Personal Growth and Development

Image
While age brings with it the wisdom of experience, we’re all still human after all, susceptible to mistakes and ripe for learning. That’s doubly true for entrepreneurs. Here, we’ll discuss the benefits of personal growth and offer tips and tools to build your own plan—including tailored advice picked just for your personality type. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/36WFHg4

SEO: Common Fixes to Core Web Vitals

Google stated in November that Core Web Vitals would become a ranking signal in May 2021. When Google announces such a change, heed the warning. The sooner you prepare, the better chance you have of preserving or improving your organic search traffic. The post SEO: Common Fixes to Core Web Vitals appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2YZJ4hZ

9 Cloud Storage Services with Encryption

As businesses move their sensitive data to the cloud, security becomes an increasing concern. However, many cloud storage platforms now offer sophisticated encryption features for minimal cost. Here is a list of secure cloud storage platforms. The post 9 Cloud Storage Services with Encryption appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3p1WIMk

86 Rejections But Jay-Z Ain't 1: From Idea to Multi-million Dollar Investment

Image
In this episode of Shopify Masters, Denise Woodard shares her business journey of building a consumer packaged foods company from scratch and how she worked through many seemingly impossible hurdles. From finding an allergen-free facility to facing over 80 rejections from investors, we dig into the realities of challenging industry norms.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2N8yv9I

Hamlet Batista

All of us here mourn the death last month of Hamlet Batista, our friend and contributor. Hamlet first appeared in Practical Ecommerce in an interview. A mutual acquaintance, an SEO practitioner, had suggested that we publish his views. “He’s really smart,” said the acquaintance. “He’s applying for a genius visa.” The post Hamlet Batista appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/36PiNaw

Want Repeat Customers? Foster Long-term Relationships

Successful brands make a point of building long term relationships with customers. It’s a crucial step in a company’s growth. But it takes more than exclusive deals and special features. Here are seven ways to foster long-lasting relationships. The post Want Repeat Customers? Foster Long-term Relationships appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3d4mIo3

Shopify Image Optimization – Rank Images Easily

Image
The following is a copy of an email blast we sent to our list on 8-2-2020 Hey, WOW 2021 has got off to crazy pace. I hope everyone is kicking goals already with their Shopify stores. I’ve been meaning to do a video on  Image SEO for Shopify  stores, and I just keep forgetting. I think it’s because it’s so simple (we just do it be default with each store), that I’ve just keep forgetting. BUT it can be incredibly powerful to drive traffic. Most stores neglect image optimization. If you’re not doing it, you’re missing out. The good thing is it’s  super simple  to do, and more than likely, others in your market won’t be doing properly. So this presents a great opportunity for you. Check out the video I just recorded, with  PROOF!     Cheers, Jono https://ecomxseo.com ShopifyX SEO V2  – The Most Comprehensive Shopify SEO course on the planet: ShopifyX SEO V2 Course            (Get $150 with code:  v2launch )         (Payment plan also available) SHOPI

How to Start an Online Store with Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide

Image
Like many people, the first time I set up a Shopify store, I remember staring at the blank canvas before me not knowing where to start. That's why we put together this resource to help you save time by walking you through all the decisions you'll make while setting up a Shopify store. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3gl9gdw

The Benefits of an Ecommerce Technology Advocate

Managing an ecommerce technology stack is complicated. Many companies could use help. "As the marketplace for ecommerce [software] starts to broaden and becomes more complex, adding platforms and apps [can be] really hard," said Mark Wexler, a founder and partner at Whirlwind Ecommerce. The post The Benefits of an Ecommerce Technology Advocate appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/39XEKGA

Lessons from a Friendly Bet: Beardbrand vs. Supply.co

Patrick Coddou's company, Supply.co, sells razors and shaving accessories. My company, Beardbrand, sells beard products. He wants men to shave. I want them to grow a beard. We're both direct-to-consumer ecommerce merchants selling premium grooming products to males. We're competitors, in other words. The post Lessons from a Friendly Bet: Beardbrand vs. Supply.co appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/39SXKpv

20 Selling Sites and Marketplaces to Sell Your Stuff Online

Image
The top online marketplaces in the world sold over $2 trillion in 2019, accounting for 57% of global web sales, according to Digital Commerce 360’s analysis . The growth of marketplace sales leaves small business owners asking one question: to sell or not to sell on online marketplaces?  In this guide, we'll walk you though some of the best online selling sites, the benefits of starting your own online store, and how using both can help reach new customers and make more sales.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3tAaoSj

5 Practical Uses for Google Ads Editor

Many tools can help manage a Google Ads account. But the most effective, in my experience, is Google Ads Editor. It's an offline application to download an account and make bulk edits and additions. The tool has saved me days of tedious work by turning hours-long tasks into minutes. The post 5 Practical Uses for Google Ads Editor appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3pNMFLP

How to Use Pre-Orders to Validate, Pre-Sell, and Build Hype for a Product

Image
Pre-orders can be a versatile addition to your toolkit at whatever stage you are with your business. You can use pre-orders to validate a product idea, build hype for an upcoming launch, and improve cash flow throughout your new product development process. From the different types of pre-orders you can offer to how to effectively promote a pre-order, here's what you need to know to start selling before your stock is ready to ship. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2YHAILT

5 Content Marketing Ideas for March 2021

Content marketing is the act of publishing articles, videos, and similar to attract, engage, and retain customers and prospects. What follows are five content marketing ideas your business can use in March 2021. The post 5 Content Marketing Ideas for March 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3oLLACS

Marketing Attribution: Seeing the Customer Journey More Clearly

Image
 "What led a customer to buy from you?" It’s a simple question that becomes difficult to answer the more you start digging into it. The goal of marketing attribution is to help answer that question. But it all starts with laying the foundation for better attribution and understanding how different models will shape the way you view your marketing. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2mM88tC

Digital Payments in China Are Cheap and Convenient

In "China Is Dominating Ecommerce," contributor Marcia Kaplan addressed that country's innovation in online shopping. Digital payments in China are equally innovative. I'll address what that could mean for North American merchants in this post. The post Digital Payments in China Are Cheap and Convenient appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3jbtQzO

Social Media Updates for Commerce, Live-streaming, More

Social media sites help businesses build a brand, engage customers, and sell products. Many popular networks continue to innovate with new features, particularly around ecommerce. Here is a list of social media updates to explore in 2021. The post Social Media Updates for Commerce, Live-streaming, More appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3tiOClG

How This Dinnerware Brand Grew Through Influencer Gifting

Image
When Joe Parenteau had difficulties finding simple, timeless, and sustainably made dinnerware as a gift for his mom, he decided to create Fable as the answer. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Joe shares with us his approach of launching in one city at a time and the importance of influencer gifting. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2NMzvR9

January 2021 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts

Our mission since 2005 is to publishing unbiased, independent content to help ecommerce merchants. What follows are the 10 most popular articles that we published in January 2021. Articles from early in the month are more likely to make the list than later ones. The post January 2021 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/36yPmJP

SEO for Google Shopping

Google has a storied history with services that sell ecommerce products. The first was Froogle. Then Google Base absorbed Froogle. Both provided a method for merchants to inform Google about their products to improve visibility in organic search results. The post SEO for Google Shopping appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3j3qxL2

Ecommerce Product Releases: February 1, 2021

Here is a list of product releases and updates for late January from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on user experience tools, monetizing newsletters, promotional incentives, fulfillment, and hiring a developer. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: February 1, 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3pCeqHp