I'm in the Internet Retailer Magazine

Well, the back of my head is! I'm in the March issue of Internet Retailer magazine. The article, Designs of the Times, hits the conference highlights and included a picture of the main presentation room. Here I am (the back of my head):

Pretty funny considering there were professional photographers running around the entire time snapping photos, recording sessions, etc. The conference was attended by nearly 900 people and somehow I made it in a picture. LOL

To read the recap of how times are changing for the Internet retailer today, click here: Designs of the Times It's worth the read.

Ciao for now, Paula

3 Take-Aways from Internet Retailer Conference

I'm just home from the Internet Retailer Web Design & Usability Conference in Orlando, FL. [BTW - not a bad place to be for a couple of days in February!]

Thought I'd share a few tips I came away with after listening to a couple of days of speakers, visiting with vendors and networking with other eRetailers. I compiled these while listening to Rich Ruggiero, Resource Interactive wrap up our conference.

3 Main Take-Aways:

[If you don't want to read this whole post, scroll to bottom and watch the 2:59 video summary. :-) ]

1. Usability is a given - Usability=how easily can customers use your site and complete the action you'd like.

  * The future is now!

  * Expand your Web presence by integrating social and video tools that work for your business.

  * Make your site user-friendly for the rapid adoption and use of all types of devices - smartphones, tablets, notebooks, Internet on T.V. - everything that is portable and not a desktop computer

2. Keep an eye on what's coming - (i.e., trends, strategies, emerging media, etc.)
  *  Do your homework

      What do your customers want? What are their expectations while they are on your site? (not what you expect them to do, what THEY expect to accomplish while there and HOW they expect to do it)

      What is your competition doing? Can you get some ideas for your site? Can you match some of the usability expectations from the big box stores?

3. Evolve - Continually evolve your site to meet your customer's needs

  * eCommerce  - the "e" stands for everywhere! Every place is a point of sale! Be nimble with a customer-centric focus and find continuing ways to improve your sales process.

Here's a video from Resource Interactive (2:59) that really sums it all up!