2011 Top eCommerce Trends

If you sell online or are thinking about it, check out these top eCommerce trends from Americaneagle.com

1. One Page Checkout
   Streamline your online checkout experience  - it's one of the best ways to improve online sales. While many e-commerce websites still employ a multiple-page checkout system, a simplified one page checkout system reduces the number of steps needed to checkout and can dramatically improve conversion rates. 
2. Mobile & M-commerce
   Mobile has taken off this year and will only continue to grow, especially for online retailers. Companies are finding great success with their m-commerce storefronts by taking advantage of some of the leading mobile technologies. If mobile is not something you have looked to, now is the time to develop your mobile strategy. 
3. Intelligent Search
   Online shoppers can become easily frustrated and leave your site if they are unable to find what they are looking for. Intelligent Search is a great tool which instantly queries your entire site, allowing your customers to quickly and easily locate products. See Google Custom Search, a free custom search engine you can add to your site with the help of your Webmaster.
4. Video
   Online video has been growing steadily over the last several years. Video is a staple on many e-commerce websites. Examples of how to use video on your site  - to introduce your company, for product demonstrations and to boost your brand.
5. Customer Loyalty Programs
   One of the biggest challenges an online retailer may have is keeping a loyal customer base. By developing a strategic customer loyalty program you can encourage first-time customers to become repeat customers.
6. Personalization
   By personalizing your website to each individual visitor or to segments of visitors, you are ensuring they see content that best suits their needs or wants. Take advantage of personalization by displaying items similar to those your customers have viewed or purchased in the past (think Amazon). This tactic will enhance the customer experience on your site and help grow sales.
7. Social Media Integration
   Social media has been a growing trend for several years. In 2011, we have seen many retailers leveraging social media sites like Facebook to not only grow awareness, but also to implement social shopping tools.
8. Interactive Solutions
   Customers visiting an e-commerce website are often discouraged if they cannot find what they are looking for in a timely manner. Interactive solutions, such as live chat, enable you to instantly engage with a site visitor and get their questions answered immediately so they can complete a purchase.  
9. E-commerce Blogs
   Many online retailers have discovered that blogging can be a very successful marketing tactic to help increase customer loyalty.

How many of these are you doing? What is working for your business? Share your comments below.

Ciao for now, Paula

Content adapted from a whitepaper developed by Americaneagle.com, a leader in website design, development, hosting, and marketing. Americaneagle.com has developed over 5,000 Web projects for online retailers and wholesalers.