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Showing posts from April, 2021

April 2021 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts

Our mission since 2005 is to publish independent content to help ecommerce merchants. What follows are the 10 most popular articles that we published in April 2021. Articles from early in the month are more likely to make the list than later ones. The post April 2021 Top 10: Our Most Popular Posts appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2QDb76y

Quality and Craft Drive Chisos Boots Founder

The idea for Chisos boots started with back pain. Will Roman, the founder, owner, and lifetime cowboy-boot buyer, injured his back in a motorcycle accident. Wearing boots became painful. He launched Chisos.com, a custom, handcrafted bootmaker, in 2019. Quality and craft drive Roman and his outlook on life. The post Quality and Craft Drive Chisos Boots Founder appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3u63NP6

The Increasing Complexity of Product Returns

The pandemic sparked an increase in ecommerce sales but it also generated a massive hike in product returns. According to U.S. Department of Commerce estimates, total ecommerce sales for 2020 were $788 billion, an increase of 32.4 percent from 2019. The post The Increasing Complexity of Product Returns appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3nBjPht

Product Page Tune-Up: 9 Timeless Ways to Increase Conversions

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Your product pages are where the majority of your customers finally make the decision to either buy a product or leave your store. Let’s revisit a few timeless approaches for creating high-converting product pages. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2wGIAyG

Using Google Analytics for Continuous Improvement

There is no shortage of articles on tips and tricks for improving Google Analytics. This article, however, will focus on using Google Analytics for its main purpose: driving continuous improvement in your business. To help, I've assembled a Data Studio template tailored to ecommerce.  The post Using Google Analytics for Continuous Improvement appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3vsjKzk

How to Sell Furniture and Home Decor Online: The Ultimate Guide

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Starting a furniture business? Experts share their best advice for aspiring furniture makers, designers, curators, and sellers alike. Learn about sourcing or making furniture and home decor products. Get advice about inventory, shipping, and marketing. And transform your idea into reality, as we walk you through the steps of starting your own furniture business and selling online. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3dULbvV

8 TikTok Ideas for Engagement

In “11 TikTok Video Ideas for Merchants,” I offered ideas to promote products. But there are other ways to attract and engage prospects on TikTok. Here are eight TikTok engagement ideas ... The post 8 TikTok Ideas for Engagement appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2R4SCaZ

The Retail Omnichannel Imperative

In 2021 and beyond, successful retailers with physical stores will likely become powerful omnichannel sellers as shoppers choose merchants with superior end-to-end buying experiences. "The reason that omnichannel is critical for retailers in 2021 is because the customer demands it," said Jess Huang, a partner at McKinsey & Company. The post The Retail Omnichannel Imperative appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3xmySAh

The Shopify Effect: How Entrepreneurs Are Changing the World

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When an entrepreneur starts a business, they create a ripple impact that can change lives, communities, and the world. That’s the Shopify Effect. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3xvGssb

How Offering Bundles Doubled Lume Cube's Average Order Value

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As content captured by smartphones and GoPros took over the internet, Riley Stricklin noticed how poor lighting could really impact the quality of photos and videos. Riley and Mornee Sherry launched Lume Cube to solve the problem by creating lighting attachments for cameras and computers. In this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with Riley about launching on Kickstarter, searching for manufacturing partners, and increasing margins by transitioning from wholesale to direct to consumer. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3dUFdel

13 WordPress Plugins for Membership Subscriptions

A membership plugin can transform a WordPress site into a resource for subscription content, courses, a paid community, and more. Sell one-time or recurring access to specific posts, digital downloads, The post 13 WordPress Plugins for Membership Subscriptions appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3xAefAK

Digital Advertisers Need to Pivot

The end of third-party cookies and the beginning of opt-in user tracking in Apple's iOS devices have some advertisers worried, but pivoting toward first-party data and better customer experiences may lead to even more success. The post Digital Advertisers Need to Pivot appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3nqcAsD

Using a Smartphone for Stellar Product Photos

Manufacturer-supplied photos are not the greatest. Professional photographers can help tell a product’s story. However, photo sessions are cumbersome and pricey. Need an alternative? Consider a modern smartphone. The post Using a Smartphone for Stellar Product Photos appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3dR3SQU

Personal-care Founder: No More Petrochemicals

Many of the entrepreneurs I've interviewed for this podcast developed organic consumer-care goods. But none did it before Eric Malka. He and his wife, Myriam, devised shaving oils from their kitchen in 1996 and then launched The Art of Shaving. Their new company, Ingredients, focuses on wellness and sustainability. The post Personal-care Founder: No More Petrochemicals appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3sFh27W

Charts: U.S. Direct-to-consumer Sales 2018 to 2020

The growth in U.S. direct-to-consumer ecommerce sales continues, albeit at a slower rate. In 2018, year-over-year growth was 56.6 percent. In 2020, it was 24.3 percent. The post Charts: U.S. Direct-to-consumer Sales 2018 to 2020 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2PdCfs3

4 Simple, Low-Cost Ways to Run a More Sustainable Business

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Companies can thrive while also contributing to positive environmental change.  But getting started can be daunting—which is why we’re simplifying it with four of the most impactful ways to make your business more sustainable. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3tF4Xkl

Pop-Up Shops 101: Everything You Need to Know to Try Temporary Retail

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Consumers miss feeling connected to brands and to each other in real life .  If you’ve been thinking about adding a physical presence to your online business but are put off by the cost and commitment, a pop-up shop could be the solution for you. In this post, we’ll explore why now is the time to test the retail waters, as well as offer a step-by-step guide for launching, marketing, and evaluating the success of your pop-up shop.  More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2uqV6BU

What Google Chrome FLoC Says about Targeted Ads

A proposed alternative to third-party cookies may provide insights into the future of targeted ads. Modern digital ad targeting relies on individual and personal information. An online retailer, for example, can use networks such as Google or Facebook to target potential customers. The post What Google Chrome FLoC Says about Targeted Ads appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/32wPV4r

Email Conversion Guide, Part 3: Retargeting

Retargeting with email can encompass several tactics. All include a follow-up email to a previous message or action. Retargeting can produce among the highest conversions from email. This is the final installment of my three-part email conversion guide. The post Email Conversion Guide, Part 3: Retargeting appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3egQ2Gz

Consumers Want Fast Deliveries — and a Green Environment

Customers want fast deliveries. But they also care about the impact of shipping on the environment. Sadly, the “last mile” is notoriously eco-unfriendly. The post Consumers Want Fast Deliveries — and a Green Environment appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3ealtlO

3x Sales in One Year: Lounge Underwear’s Story of Building a Multi-Million Industry Disruptor

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With nowhere to go last year, many of us found ourselves lounging around at home—in Lounge Underwear. The UK-based direct to consumer giant just closed out a banner year: they earned $19 million in sales, a 3X increase from the year before, and quadrupled their team to 80 employees. In this episode of Shopify Masters, we chat with the life and business partners behind Lounge, Dan and Mel Marsden, to learn how they created a brand beloved by influencers, and how they are incorporating sustainability and inclusivity into their day to day operations. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3n5E1Ii

16 Tools to Create an Online Course

An online course can generate revenue, grow an audience, and establish expertise. Given the range of helpful tools, it’s relatively easy to create, distribute, and monetize a course. Here’s a list of tools to create an online course. The post 16 Tools to Create an Online Course appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3x5nisZ

CommerceCo Recap: 3 R’s Are Changing Targeted Advertising

For years, online sellers large and small have depended on targeted advertising to acquire and engage shoppers. But changes at leading tech companies, legislation, and consumer-privacy concerns are hastening the end of individual tracking and some forms of ad targeting. The post CommerceCo Recap: 3 R’s Are Changing Targeted Advertising appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3xaZFj0

8 Reasons to Avoid Cryptocurrencies for Ecommerce

Cryptocurrencies are hot news. Merchants may be wondering if cryptocurrencies are ready for mainstream ecommerce. The answer is no. Here’s why. The post 8 Reasons to Avoid Cryptocurrencies for Ecommerce appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3dp9fGV

Our Commitment to App Quality in the Shopify App Store

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Apps play an integral role in enabling so many businesses, so it’s important you’re confident in the integrity, performance, and quality of those apps. In this article, we walk you through how we ensure every app in the Shopify App Store is of the highest quality, so you can be empowered to customize your store, and make your business work for you. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3dofTNR

Home Gym Provider Overcomes Supply Disruptions, Thrives

Imagine selling home gym equipment online at the onset of the pandemic. Athletic clubs were closed. Consumers were stuck in their houses. According to Kaevon Khoozani, the founder of Canada-based Bells of Steel, the demand for weight-training equipment was “obscene.” “We ran into two giant hiccups,” Khoozani told me. The post Home Gym Provider Overcomes Supply Disruptions, Thrives appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3gt9Old

Ecommerce Product Releases: April 15, 2021

Here is a list of product releases and updates for mid-April from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on live-stream shopping, eBay ad campaigns, customer experience platforms, loyalty programs, and more. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: April 15, 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/32hqnbf

How Businesses Go Carbon Neutral

Climate change is front and center in the news. How businesses can make a positive impact is not well understood. I'll provide an overview in the post. First, a few definitions. The post How Businesses Go Carbon Neutral appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3wZOpWk

Using Wikipedia for Content Marketing, SEO

Wikipedia can be helpful for content marketing, link building, and entity research, helping marketers reach an audience of potential customers. To be clear, since at least 2007, all external links from Wikipedia include the nofollow attribute, directing search engines not to count the links in page-ranking algorithms. The post Using Wikipedia for Content Marketing, SEO appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3gaQqJA

Authenticity Sells: A Beginner's Guide to Marketing on TikTok

In the world of TikTok, genuine content reigns supreme. Users favor raw and engaging videos over highly edited, curated posts—the type brands typically produce. Learn how to build a marketing strategy on TikTok to connect with Generation Z consumers and beyond. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2Rt5dER

Ask an Expert: How Does Artificial Intelligence Impact Ecommerce?

“Ask an Expert” is an occasional feature where we pose questions to ecommerce practitioners. For this installment, we've turned to Gagan Mehra, an international ecommerce consultant and a longtime contributor, who explains artificial intelligence. The post Ask an Expert: How Does Artificial Intelligence Impact Ecommerce? appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3sfGKzw

Converting Cold Traffic: How $200K in Ads Generated $1.8M in Revenue

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Ace Reunis and his team at Threadheads have turned print-on-demand on its head to create a three-in-one business. As an apparel brand, illustration studio, and printing hub in one, Threadheads specializes in unique pop culture apparel without playing the high sales volume game. In this episode of Shopify Masters, Ace shares with us how he leverages social ads to scale to a multimillion dollar brand. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2PP26a5

How to Start a Candle Business (+ Examples from Top Brands Selling Candles Online)

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Want to break into a multibillion dollar industry with low startup costs? Then candle making is for you. In this guide, learn how the candle business works, from developing products to selling online and everything in between. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/2RsHLI2

12 Tools for YouTube Search Optimization

YouTube is the second most visited website, after Google. Success on YouTube requires compelling videos, but it’s equally important to optimize them. Fortunately, there are tools to help. Here is a list of tools to optimize your video content on YouTube. The post 12 Tools for YouTube Search Optimization appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3dazUr5

What if 80,000 Brick-and-mortar Stores Closed?

A financial services firm has predicted that 80,000 or more physical store locations in the United States are likely to close in the next five years, reducing the total number of American retail outlets by approximately 10 percent. But what does that mean? The post What if 80,000 Brick-and-mortar Stores Closed? appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/39YQvMw

Types of Businesses: Which Legal Structure Is Right for Your New Venture?

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Your business structure impacts personal liability, how you’re taxed, and more. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3t99nzT

Online Onion Seller Rises from Domain-name Auction

Most entrepreneurs start with a business idea and then secure the domain name. Peter Askew does the opposite. He purchases domain names and then builds the business. Take VidaliaOnions.com, for example. The post Online Onion Seller Rises from Domain-name Auction appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/39Xuo8S

Product Page Headlines Drive Conversions

Every product has a name. It could be short and simple or long and tedious. It can be definitive, witty, or subtle. And unless it's your company's product, you have no control over it. But there's an alternative way to grab shoppers' attention: headlines. The post Product Page Headlines Drive Conversions appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2POL3oi

Two-thirds of the Largest U.S. Retailers Use Content Marketing

Some 33 of the 50 largest U.S. retail companies use content marketing. And 22 of those are doing it fairly well. I reviewed the websites and social media channels of the 50 largest U.S. retailers, according to the National Retail Federation, to learn which ones used content marketing. The post Two-thirds of the Largest U.S. Retailers Use Content Marketing appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3rXjfLF

The Founder’s Zodiac: What Keeps You Motivated, Based on Your Personality Type?

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How do you stay motivated to work in a pandemic? To stay active when you’re low on sleep? To keep running your business when sales are low? Your personality type may unlock the secrets to what keeps you going. Take the quiz to explore ways to stay motivated in work—and life—based on your Founder Sign. More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3dAmAuY

The SEO Benefits of Web Scraping

In "SEO for Google Shopping," I addressed the need to optimize product feeds. I stated that including keyword product descriptions and titles in the feeds was scalable with "scraping." But I didn't describe it further. In this post, I’ll explain scraping. The post The SEO Benefits of Web Scraping appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3ume3Cs

Supporting 14,000 Artisans While Generating Over $4 Million in Revenue

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In this episode of Shopify Masters , we talk to Sujata and Taniya Biswas, the co-founders of Suta. Suta is a modern saree and apparel brand that supports the livelihoods of 14,000 weavers, with fair wages and high ethical standards. Sujata and Taniya share their journey of creating a $4-million company with social impact at its core, their process for hiring and building a team, and how they market sarees to younger audiences.    More from Shopify Blog - Company https://ift.tt/3fJb7Ma

14 Stock Photo Sites, Free and Paid

Quality images are essential for an ecommerce site. Not only do pictures display the products, but they also establish the brand and inspire the shopper. If you don’t have the means to produce all of your imagery, stock photos are an option. Here is a list of stock photo websites. The post 14 Stock Photo Sites, Free and Paid appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/31OAvIo

Understanding Google Ads Impression Share

I'm frequently asked by Google Ads advertisers how their campaigns compare with competitors. It’s an imprecise question. It could refer to performance, exposure, messaging, or more. The most relevant answer is typically impression share — the percentage of impressions your ads receive compared to the total available. The post Understanding Google Ads Impression Share appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3fPDcRY

Level up Order Management and Fulfillment With Mobile

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5 Content Marketing Ideas for May 2021

Need content marketing topics for May 2021? How about photography, comic books, the Clubhouse app, springtime, or the very products your business sells? The post 5 Content Marketing Ideas for May 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3rOtRfN

3PL Founder: ‘I’m in the Exceptions Management Business’

Jay Sauceda launched his ecommerce fulfillment company, Sauceda Industries, in 2013 in Austin, Texas. He says packing and shipping products is easy. What's difficult, he stated, is managing unforeseen events. "The shipping business is, essentially, the exceptions management business," he told me. The post 3PL Founder: ‘I’m in the Exceptions Management Business’ appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/3cMoQjI

Ecommerce Product Releases: April 1, 2021

Here is a list of product releases and updates for late March from companies that offer services to online merchants. There are updates on cryptocurrency payments, contextual bidding, carbon-neutral shipping, live-stream commerce, headless commerce, and more. The post Ecommerce Product Releases: April 1, 2021 appeared first on Practical Ecommerce . from Practical Ecommerce https://ift.tt/2ObqoKn