Learning Zone Archives

Guide to Shopify Templates for Ecommerce

Selecting suitable Shopify templates can differentiate between blending into the digital crowd and standing out in innovative and stylish way. As a seasoned ecommerce coach with nearly two decades of experience crafting digital strategies for brands large and small, I understand the critical role that website design plays in the success of online businesses.

In this guide, I will make your Shopify template decision easier by delving into the importance of choosing the suitable template. Showcasing the top five Shopify templates, both free and paid versions. Whether you’re a multi-million dollar enterprise or a one-person startup, the choice of your Shopify template is pivotal in shaping your online presence and driving conversions.

Let’s explore the world of Shopify templates and unlock the secrets to crafting a captivating digital storefront that resonates with your target audience.

So, what exactly are Shopify templates?

In essence, Shopify templates, also known as themes, are pre-designed layouts that determine your online store’s overall look and feel. They serve as the foundation for customising and building your eCommerce empire. With Shopify’s extensive library of templates, you can choose a design that aligns perfectly with your brand identity and business objectives.

Now, you might be wondering why you need these templates in the first place.

Well, let me tell you, the suitable Shopify template can make all the difference in attracting and engaging your target audience. Think of it as the storefront of your digital store – it’s the first thing customers see when they visit your site, and you want to make sure it leaves a lasting impression. When choosing your Shopify template, reflect on your physical storefront.

Just as you meticulously design your brick-and-mortar location to create a memorable and engaging shopping experience, treating your Shopify template with the same level of care and attention is paramount. Your website’s layout, design elements, and user interface should reflect your brand’s identity and values, mirroring your physical space’s ambience and aesthetic appeal.

By seamlessly integrating your in-store design principles into your Shopify template, you can ensure consistency across all touchpoints, fostering trust and familiarity with your customers, whether they’re browsing online or stepping through your doors.

Shopify Templates: Free Vs Paid

But here’s the million-dollar question: Should you opt for free templates or invest in paid ones?

Free templates may seem like a tempting choice, especially for those just starting or operating on a tight budget. While they can certainly get the job done, they often come with limitations in terms of customisation and functionality. You may be constrained by design restrictions or lacking essential features needed to enhance the user experience.

On the other hand, paid templates offer a plethora of benefits that can elevate your ecommerce game to new heights. With paid templates, you gain access to premium designs crafted by professional developers, ensuring a polished and professional appearance for your store. Moreover, paid templates often come bundled with advanced features, such as responsive design, SEO optimisation, and integration with third-party apps, providing you with the tools you need to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Top 5 Shopify Templates: Free and Paid

1. Dawn

Dawn: A free, beginner-friendly theme by Shopify itself, perfect for new stores or those on a budget. It boasts a clean, modern design and prioritises product showcasing.

2. Sense

Sense: Free theme by Shopify, ideal for stores prioritising brand storytelling and visual appeal. It has a minimalist design that effectively highlights products and brand identity.

3. Impulse

Impulse: A versatile theme by Archetype Themes, known for its speed, customizability, and focus on conversions. It offers multiple layouts and features to cater to diverse needs.

The cost of this Shopify template is USD 380.

4. Vantage

Vantage: It is a fast, sleek, and conversion-focused Shopify theme with many features, including support for EU translations, a store locator, and a countdown timer. Customers who have used the theme have said they are pleased with the support they have received and that the theme is easy to use.

The cost of this Shopify template is USD 300

5. Prestige

Prestige: A modern and elegant Shopify theme designed for jewellery and accessories stores. It features a responsive design, product image zoom, and customer reviews. Customers rate the theme positively but mention that customer support can respond slowly.

The cost of this Shopify template is USD 380

Selecting the suitable Shopify template is not just about aesthetics. It’s about creating an immersive and seamless online shopping experience that resonates with your customers and drives conversions. Whether you opt for free or paid Shopify templates. Aligning your choice with your brand’s identity and values is critical.

Remember, your Shopify template should serve as an extension of your in-store layout and design. Maintaining consistency and reinforcing your brand’s image across all channels.

Feel free to ask for guidance if you’re overwhelmed by myriad options. Or need advice on which template best suits your business needs. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of Shopify templates and elevate your online presence.

Book a call with me today, and together, we’ll find the perfect Shopify template for your ecommerce business.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

How to use Google Gemini for ecommerce?

As an ecommerce coach with nearly two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how emerging technologies can revolutionise our online business. And Google Gemini for ecommerce is no exception.

Google Gemini formally known as Google Bard is a large language model (LLM) created by Google AI similar to ChatGPT.

It’s essentially a one-stop shop for reaching your target audience precisely and efficiently.

Gemini is:

It is not a person but a sophisticated computer program. I don’t have feelings or emotions, and I can’t perform actions in the real world.
It’s good at processing and understanding language. Gemini can analyse text, translate languages, and answer your questions, even if they’re open-ended, challenging, or strange.
It’s still under development, and it is always learning. Gemini may make mistakes sometimes, but they are constantly being updated with new information and improving their abilities.

How to use Google Gemini for ecommerce marketing:

Content Creation for Ecommerce

Product Descriptions
Google Gemini meticulously crafts product descriptions that showcase the key features and benefits. This evokes emotions and desires in potential customers. By seamlessly integrating persuasive language with factual information, Gemini ensures that each product description is tailored to resonate with the target audience. Ultimately driving higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Blog Posts & Articles
With Google Gemini for ecommerce at the helm, your brand’s content strategy is elevated. By analysing trending topics, consumer interests, and industry insights, Gemini generates blog posts and articles that inform, inspire, and engage readers. If you are delving into emerging trends, providing expert advice, or sharing compelling stories. Gemini’s content captivates your audience, fostering a deeper connection with your brand and positioning you as a trusted authority in your niche.

Social Media Content
In the fast-paced world of social media, standing out is paramount, and Google Gemini for ecommerce excels at creating content that commands attention. From eye-catching visuals to punchy copywriting, Gemini crafts social media content that stops the scroll and sparks meaningful interactions. By tapping into the latest trends, leveraging user-generated content, and fostering genuine engagement, Gemini helps strengthen brand loyalty and expand your reach across various platforms.

Email Marketing
With Google Gemini’s personalised approach to email marketing, every message becomes a powerful tool for nurturing leads and driving conversions. By analysing user behaviour, purchase history, and demographic data, Gemini delivers highly targeted and relevant email campaigns that resonate with each recipient. Either it’s a personalised product recommendation, exclusive offer, or informative newsletter. Gemini ensures that your emails not only land in the inbox but inspire action, ultimately driving revenue and fostering long-term customer relationships.

Unlocking Personalisation & Customer Service by using Google Gemini for ecommerce

Chatbots
With Google Gemini’s top-notch technology, your customer service reaches new heights of efficiency and effectiveness. Gemini’s intelligent chatbots are kitted out with natural language processing capabilities, allowing them to quickly and accurately understand and respond to customer inquiries. Providing product information, troubleshooting issues, or assisting with orders, Gemini’s chatbots deliver seamless and personalised interactions. This leaves customers feeling valued and supported. By offering instant answers and relevant recommendations, these chatbots enhance customer satisfaction while freeing human agents to focus on more complex tasks, ultimately improving overall service quality.

Personalised Recommendations
Google Gemini for ecommerce revolutionises how you engage with your customers by harnessing the power of data-driven personalisation. Gemini generates tailored product recommendations that resonate with each customer by analysing user behaviour, browsing history, and purchase patterns. Suggesting complementary items, highlighting best-sellers, or showcasing personalised promotions, Gemini maximises cross-selling and upselling opportunities. Driving revenue and increasing customer satisfaction. Gemini strengthens customer loyalty and encourages repeat purchases by providing a curated shopping experience that feels personalised and relevant, ultimately driving long-term business growth.

Dynamic Content
With Google Gemini’s dynamic content capabilities, your website becomes a dynamic and engaging destination tailored to each visitor’s preferences. Gemini dynamically adjusts website content, product recommendations, and promotional offers by leveraging real-time data and user interactions to create a personalised browsing experience. Showcasing recently viewed items, highlighting trending products, or recommending content based on past interactions. Gemini ensures that every visitor receives relevant and engaging content that resonates with their interests. By catering to individual preferences and behaviour, Gemini enhances user experience, increases engagement, and drives conversions, ultimately maximising the effectiveness of your online presence.

Marketing & Optimisation with Google Gemini for ecommerce

SEO Optimisation for Ecommerce
Google Gemini ensures your website content is finely tuned for search engines, giving it a leg-up in visibility and driving organic traffic. Gemini helps your site climb the ranks and stand out in the digital crowd by sprinkling in the right keywords and optimising content.

Keyword Research
Google Gemini for ecommerce delves deep into the digital jungle, hunting down the most strategic keywords to bolster your online presence. With its meticulous keyword research, Gemini ensures your content speaks the language of your target audience, attracting more eyeballs and clicks to your site.

Competitor Analysis
With Google Gemini by your side, you get a sneak peek into your competitors’ playbook. Gemini carefully studies their strategies, uncovering valuable insights that can be used to fine-tune and strengthen your marketing approach. By learning from the successes and shortcomings of others, you gain a competitive edge in the fierce digital arena.

Market Research
Google Gemini acts as your trusty market scout, scouring the digital landscape for valuable nuggets of information. Gemini equips you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and craft customer-centric strategies by gathering and interpreting market data. It’s identifying emerging trends or understanding shifting consumer preferences, Gemini helps you stay ahead of the curve and meet the evolving needs of your audience.

Additional Advantages

Multilingual Capabilities
You can break down barriers and expand your global reach with Google Gemini’s knack for languages. Between targeting parlez-vous français or hola amigos, Gemini communicates seamlessly in multiple languages, ensuring your message resonates with audiences worldwide.

Data Analysis
Google Gemini dives deep into the ocean of data, uncovering hidden treasures that can drive business growth. By analysing large datasets, Gemini identifies trends, patterns, and opportunities that might go unnoticed. From predicting future trends to fine-tuning marketing strategies, Gemini’s data-driven insights empower you to make smarter decisions and maximise your ROI.

24/7 Availability
With Google Gemini, your customers never have to wait for assistance. If it’s the crack of dawn or the dead of night, Gemini ensures round-the-clock support and assistance. By delivering unparalleled convenience and reliability, Gemini helps you build customer trust and loyalty, fostering long-lasting relationships that drive repeat business.

What are you waiting for?

Dive into Google Gemini today and unleash the power of AI for your ecommerce business!

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance getting started. I’m here to help you navigate the exciting world of online marketing and achieve your ecommerce goals

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Digital Marketing Plan for Ecommerce 2024

“Crafting a robust digital marketing plan is the cornerstone of success for any ecommerce business, ensuring targeted engagement, optimised conversions, and sustained growth in the competitive online marketplace.”

I have spent over 20 years in ecommerce and witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a well-crafted digital marketing plan. Whether you’re steering a multi-million dollar brand or running a one-person band operation, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference in achieving your business objectives.

So, what exactly is a digital marketing plan, and why is it so crucial?

A digital marketing plan is a comprehensive blueprint outlining your brand’s online marketing efforts and objectives. It serves as a roadmap, guiding your actions and investments across various digital channels to maximise reach, engagement, and, ultimately, conversions. Think of it as your strategic playbook for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the digital world.

Now, let's delve into why having a digital marketing plan is essential:

Strategic Alignment:

A well-defined plan ensures that your digital marketing efforts are aligned with your overall business goals and objectives. It helps you stay focused on what truly matters, minimising wasted resources and maximising ROI.

Targeted Approach:

By clearly defining your target audience and segments, a digital marketing plan enables you to tailor your messaging and tactics to resonate with your ideal customers. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of capturing the right audience’s attention and driving meaningful engagement.

Measurable Results:

One of the most significant advantages of digital marketing is its measurability. A solid plan includes key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that allow you to track the success of your campaigns in real time. This data-driven approach enables you to identify what’s working and what’s not and make informed adjustments accordingly.

Now, let's talk about what should be included in your digital marketing plan:

Business Objectives:

Start by clearly outlining your overarching business goals and objectives. Whether it’s increasing sales, boosting brand awareness, or driving website traffic, ensure your digital marketing efforts align with these objectives.

Target Audience:

Define your target audience, including demographics, psychographics, and behaviour patterns. Understanding your audience and what motivates them is crucial for crafting personalised and relevant marketing messages.

Competitive Analysis:

Conduct a thorough analysis of your competitors to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This insight will help you differentiate your brand and capitalise on gaps in the market.

Digital Channels:

Identify the digital channels that are most relevant to your target audience and business objectives. Whether it’s social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), email marketing, or paid advertising, prioritise channels with the greatest potential for reaching and engaging your audience.

Content Strategy:

Develop a content strategy that aligns with your brand voice, values, and audience preferences. Create a content calendar outlining your content’s topics, formats, and distribution channels across various digital platforms. Use AI platforms such as ChatGPT to help you streamline this process and save you time.

Budget and Resources:

Determine the budget and resources required to execute your digital marketing plan effectively. This includes allocation for advertising spend, tools and technology, personnel, and outsourcing needs.

Now, let's wrap things up with some tips on creating a winning digital marketing plan:

Stay Agile:

The digital landscape constantly evolves, so be prepared to adapt and iterate your plan based on emerging trends, consumer behaviour shifts, and performance data.

Test and Learn:

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tactics and strategies to see what resonates best with your audience. Continuously test and optimise your campaigns based on insights gathered from A/B testing and performance analytics.

A/B testing is critical to any digital marketing plan, allowing you to optimise your website and email campaigns for maximum effectiveness. Let’s explore some ways you can conduct A/B testing for your ecommerce business:

A/B Testing for Your Website:

Homepage Layout: Test different layouts, headlines, and calls-to-action (CTAs) to determine which combination drives the highest engagement and conversion rates.
Product Pages: Experiment with variations in product descriptions, images, pricing, and placement of CTAs to identify the most compelling combination for driving sales.
CTA Buttons: Test different button colours, sizes, text, and placement to determine which combination yields the highest click-through rates.
Forms: Optimise your lead generation forms by testing variations in length, field requirements, and placement to maximise conversions while minimising friction.
Navigation Menus: Test different menu structures, labels, and dropdown options to enhance user navigation and website usability.
Page Load Times: Test the impact of page load times on bounce rates and conversion rates by comparing variations with different loading speeds.

A/B Testing for Your Email Campaigns:

Subject Lines: Experiment with different subject lines to see which ones result in higher open rates. Test variables like length, personalisation, and urgency to find the most effective approach.
Sender Name: Test variations in sender names (e.g., company name vs. individual’s name) to determine which instils more trust and generates higher open rates.
Email Copy: Test different messaging styles, lengths, and tones to identify which resonates best with your audience and drives higher engagement.
Visual Elements: Experiment with variations in images, graphics, and video content to gauge their impact on click-through rates and overall campaign performance.
Call-to-Action (CTA): Test different CTA buttons, text, colours, and placement within the email to determine which combination drives the highest conversion rates.
Timing and Frequency: Test your email campaigns’ optimal send times and frequency to maximise open rates and minimise unsubscribes.
Segmentation: Test the effectiveness of segmenting your email list based on demographics, behaviour, or purchase history to deliver more personalised and targeted content.

Remember, the key to successful A/B testing is to isolate variables and test one element at a time to measure its impact accurately. Additionally, track and analyse your tests’ results diligently, using the data to inform future iterations and optimisations of your digital marketing efforts. Continuously refining your strategies based on A/B testing insights can drive continuous improvement and achieve better results over time.

Invest in Analytics:

Leverage analytics tools and platforms to gain deeper insights into your audience, campaign performance, and ROI. Use this data to refine your targeting, messaging, and overall strategy for maximum impact. Want a challenge? We have our 21-Day Key Retail Metrics Tracking Challenge for Retail Success in 2024. Check it out.

Stay Customer-Centric:

Always prioritise the needs and preferences of your customers in your digital marketing efforts. Deliver value-added content and experiences that resonate with their interests and pain points.

Collaborate and Communicate:

Foster collaboration and communication across your marketing team and other relevant stakeholders. Ensure everyone is aligned on goals, priorities, and timelines to drive cohesive and coordinated efforts.

In conclusion, a well-crafted digital marketing plan is the cornerstone of success in today’s digital age. You can effectively drive your business’s engagement, conversions, and growth by outlining clear objectives, identifying your target audience, and leveraging the right channels and tactics. So, roll up your sleeves, get strategic, and unleash the full potential of your digital marketing efforts! Cheers to your digital success!

Need help with your digital marketing plan or want a FREE website review? Book a quick call with me.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Ecommerce email marketing changes: Gmail and Yahoo’s New Sender Requirements

In the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce email marketing, staying ahead of the curve is not just a strategy; it’s a necessity. Google and Yahoo, two of the most prominent email service providers, are rolling out new sender requirements that will reshape the way brands communicate with their audience via email.Let’s delve into the why and how behind these changes and discuss the importance of setting up your brand domain to ensure seamless communication and inbox delivery.

Understanding the Changes of Ecommerce Email Marketing:

Google and Yahoo are set to implement stricter measures surrounding email authentication protocols. These measures aim to enhance email security, reduce spam, and create a safer environment for users. As a result, every sender, including ecommerce businesses, will now be required to authenticate their email domain. This means that without proper authentication, your emails may be at risk of being marked as spam or not reaching your audience’s inboxes at all.

Checking Your Status:

To ascertain whether your email domain is authenticated, head to your Klaviyo settings. Navigate to the ‘Email’ section and click on ‘Domains.’ If you find a green checkmark, congratulations – you’re in the clear. This means that your domain is authenticated, and your emails are on the right track. However, if you see a prompt to add a branding-sending domain, it’s crucial to take action promptly to ensure uninterrupted communication with your audience.

Setting Up Your Brand Domain for Ecommerce Email Marketing:

The process of setting up your brand domain is straightforward, and it plays a pivotal role in establishing trust with both Google and Yahoo. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Access Klaviyo Settings:

Check Your Status:

Add Your Branding Sending Domain:

Monitor and Maintain:

In addition to authenticating your email domain within Klaviyo, another crucial aspect of strengthening your email security is understanding and implementing DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance).

What is DMARC?

DMARC is an email authentication protocol that works in conjunction with SPF (Sender Policy Framework) and DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) to provide a comprehensive email validation system. By deploying DMARC, you can enhance your brand’s email deliverability and protect recipients from fraudulent emails that may impersonate your domain.

To check your DMARC status and gain valuable insights into your email authentication setup, I recommend using the DMARC Inspector tool available here.

*Enter your domain without the www or https, eg theecommercetribe.com.

This user-friendly platform allows you to assess your DMARC records, identify potential issues, and ensure that your authentication protocols align with industry best practices. Regularly monitoring your DMARC status is an integral part of maintaining a secure and trustworthy email communication channel. By leveraging tools like DMARC Inspector, you empower your ecommerce business to stay ahead of potential email threats and uphold the integrity of your brand in the digital realm.

As an ecommerce coach with nearly two decades of experience in building and optimising digital strategies, I cannot emphasise the significance of adapting to these ecommerce email marketing changes enough. Setting up your brand domain is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a strategic move to safeguard the deliverability of your emails and maintain a positive relationship with your audience.

Stay proactive, stay authenticated, and continue building your ecommerce success story with confidence in the ever-evolving ecommerce landscape.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Ecommerce Platforms

In the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce, choosing the right ecommerce platform for your online store is a pivotal decision that can shape the success of your business. With abundant options available, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of each platform to find the perfect match for your unique needs.

As an Ecommerce Coach with over two decades of experience, I’ve worked with a diverse range of businesses, from multi-million dollar brands to one-person bands. I’m here to guide you through the top four ecommerce platforms and help you make an informed decision.

1. Shopify

Shopify has emerged as a powerhouse in the ecommerce world, providing a comprehensive and user-friendly platform for businesses of all sizes. The platform is renowned for its simplicity, allowing users to set up a fully functional online store easily. The pricing is transparent and scalable, making it suitable for startups and established enterprises. It is ideal for product-based businesses.

Pricing: Shopify offers a range of plans, starting from the Basic Shopify plan at $29 per month, making it affordable for small businesses. Advanced features come with higher-tier plans like Shopify and Advanced Shopify.

Features: Shopify has a robust set of features, including a vast library of customisable templates, secure payment gateways, and seamless integration with third-party apps. The platform’s user-friendly interface empowers users to manage products, track inventory, and analyse sales data effortlessly.

Benefits: Quick setup, scalability, and a thriving app ecosystem make Shopify an ideal choice for businesses aiming for rapid growth. The platform also provides excellent customer support and reliable hosting services, ensuring a smooth experience for merchants and customers.

Bonus: Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system seamlessly bridges the gap between online and offline retail, providing a unified platform for businesses to manage transactions, inventory, and customer interactions. With user-friendly features and real-time synchronisation, Shopify POS empowers merchants to create a streamlined and cohesive shopping experience, whether online or in a physical store.

2. WordPress with WooCommerce

WordPress, a household name in content management systems, becomes a robust ecommerce solution when paired with the WooCommerce plugin. This combination allows businesses to leverage the flexibility of WordPress alongside powerful ecommerce functionalities—more suitable for service-based businesses.

Pricing: WordPress is a free and open-source platform, but additional costs may be incurred for domain registration, hosting, and premium themes. WooCommerce is also free, with optional paid extensions for advanced features.

Features: WordPress with WooCommerce provides unparalleled customisation capabilities. With a vast array of themes and plugins, users can tailor their online store to meet specific requirements. The platform supports various payment gateways, shipping options, and tax configurations.

Benefits: The flexibility of WordPress and the extensive capabilities of WooCommerce make this combination suitable for businesses with unique needs. It’s an excellent choice for content-driven ecommerce websites, offering seamless integration of blog content with product listings.

3. Squarespace

Squarespace stands out for its elegant and visually appealing designs, making it an excellent choice for businesses prioritising aesthetics. The platform is an all-in-one solution that combines website building and ecommerce functionalities.

Pricing: Squarespace offers a straightforward pricing structure, starting from $12 monthly for personal websites and $18 monthly for basic online stores. Advanced features are available with the Business and Commerce plans.

Features: Squarespace excels in providing stunning templates that are fully responsive. The platform integrates seamlessly with social media, allowing for easy promotion. Squarespace also provides built-in analytics tools to track website performance.

Benefits: Squarespace is ideal for businesses that value design and want a visually striking online presence. The platform’s simplicity and integrated approach make it a solid choice for those who want a streamlined experience without the need for extensive customisation.

4. Wix

Wix is a versatile website builder that has gained popularity for its drag-and-drop interface and many templates. While initially known for general website creation, Wix has expanded its capabilities to support ecommerce.

Pricing: Wix offers a free plan with Wix-branded domain hosting and ads. Paid plans start from $14 per month for personal use, with the Business Basic plan at $23 per month providing essential ecommerce features.

Features: Wix’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor makes it easy for users to create visually appealing websites. The platform includes various ecommerce tools, such as customisable product galleries, secure payment options, and order management.

Benefits: Wix is an excellent choice for beginners and those prioritising a simple and intuitive website-building process. The platform’s affordable pricing and wide range of templates cater to users who want to create a visually engaging online store without a steep learning curve.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform is crucial in building a successful online business. Each platform discussed – Shopify, WordPress with WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Wix – has its unique strengths and is well-suited to different business requirements. Consider your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise when deciding. Whether you’re a multi-million dollar brand or a one-person band, finding the perfect ecommerce platform is a pivotal step towards achieving your online business goals.

Need help choosing your ecommerce platform or want a FREE website review? Book a quick call with me.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

How to use AI for Ecommerce

Ecommerce, a dynamic sector, is experiencing a profound transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). I am passionate about AI and using AI for ecommerce to save retailers time and money. Let’s dive into the reasons behind the AI revolution and explore its impact on reshaping retail businesses.

AI, especially ChatGPT, is rapidly growing worldwide and constantly improving itself. It only took ChatGPT 5 days to reach 1 million users compared to 3.5 years for Netflix. AI is forecasted to generate USD 100 billion in revenue in 2030.

So, if you haven’t started using AI for ecommerce to save money and time, what are you waiting for?

Influence of AI in Ecommerce

AI’s integration in ecommerce has sparked excitement, leveraging its capacity to analyse vast datasets seamlessly. This capability opens unprecedented doors for personalisation, process optimisation, and enhanced customer service. The result is a retail landscape that operates with heightened efficiency and is inherently customer-centric. This dynamic synergy between AI and ecommerce reshapes the industry, promising a future where personalised experiences and streamlined processes define the customer journey.

AI-Powered Personalisation for Ecommerce

In the dynamic world of ecommerce, AI emerges as a transformative force, enabling businesses to understand and cater to individual customer needs with unprecedented precision. By analysing extensive customer data, AI decodes patterns and preferences, offers personalised recommendations, and curates shopping journeys.

This level of personalisation extends beyond product suggestions to dynamically adjust the user interface in real time based on individual tastes and interests. The result is increased sales through targeted recommendations and heightened overall customer satisfaction.

Customers engaging with personalised content are more likely to convert, creating a positive and enjoyable shopping experience. This personalised approach fosters loyalty, as customers appreciate the effort to make their interaction seamless and tailored.

The iterative nature of AI-driven personalisation ensures a continuous evolution, adapting to changing customer preferences. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, ecommerce businesses can create enduring relationships, boost sales, and cultivate loyalty through genuine understanding and personalised value.

AI Streamlining Ecommerce Operations

Is the burden of repetitive tasks slowing down your operations? AI offers liberation by automating routine operations, freeing up valuable time for strategic decision-making and customer interactions. This boosts productivity and enhances overall operational efficiency, ushering in a new era of streamlined and agile business processes. By entrusting repetitive tasks to AI, businesses can redirect human resources towards tasks that require creativity, critical thinking, and a personal touch, fostering a work environment where innovation and customer-centricity thrive.

Elevating Customer Service with AI

Is your customer service available round the clock? AI-powered chatbots can make it happen. These chatbots handle customer queries promptly, providing 24/7 support and significantly enhancing the overall customer experience.

In 2024, AI’s impact will stretch from predictive analytics that tailor shopping experiences to advanced chatbots that provide personalised customer service. AI is refining supply chains, customising marketing and crafting virtual assistants that manage customer relationships with near-human experiences.

The Future of Ecommerce

Let’s peer into the future to understand where AI is taking ecommerce.

Predictive Analytics: Mapping the Future of Ecommerce with AI

AI-powered predictive analytics emerge as a strategic compass for retailers, navigating the future by decoding customer behaviour based on historical data. This powerful tool allows businesses to anticipate trends and facilitates proactive decision-making and strategy development. By understanding patterns and forecasting future actions, retailers can optimise inventory, tailor marketing efforts, and provide personalised experiences. In essence, predictive analytics with AI transforms data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Voice Search: The New Frontier in Ecommerce

Are you ready to engage in seamless conversations with your customers? AI-powered voice search, gaining traction through smart speakers, is poised to revolutionise ecommerce. This technology brings a new level of convenience and interactivity to shopping experiences. Customers can verbally express their preferences and queries, and AI algorithms, powered by natural language processing, respond intelligently. This simplifies the search process and enhances the overall shopping journey, providing a more intuitive and hands-free experience. As voice search becomes a prominent feature, businesses that adapt are poised to redefine customer interaction in the digital realm.

Personalised Search: Retailer’s new best friend

In 2024, it’s conceivable that the search landscape could be significantly influenced by AI-driven platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude.ai and Bard. These language models offer a conversational interface that can understand and respond to complex queries, making them preferable for specific searches.

For instance, when searching for products, users might use these AI assistants for a more interactive and personalised experience. Instead of sifting through pages of search results, a user could simply ask the AI for a product recommendation based on specific criteria such as budget and brand preferences. The AI could then ask follow-up questions to narrow down the options and present the most relevant products, complete with comparisons, reviews, and even buying options. This doesn’t necessarily mean that traditional search engines like Google will become obsolete. They may coexist, with users choosing the tool that best fits their immediate need – perhaps Google for broad, exploratory searches and conversational AIs for targeted inquiries and transactions.

AI is not merely a buzzword but a powerful tool that radically transforms the ecommerce landscape. As we navigate the path to AI implementation, retailers can anticipate a future marked by unprecedented personalisation, efficiency, and enhanced customer service. Embracing AI is the key to unlocking the full potential of your ecommerce business.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Top Ecommerce Trends 2024

Ecommerce trends 2024 to look out for

As we navigate the ecommerce and retail terrain of 2024, the following developments we’ve identified, based on our testing and trialing of new technologies at The Ecommerce Tribe, are not mere trends but the pillars of a new era.

Ecommerce Trends 2024

AI in Ecommerce

The most significant change and impact in 2023 came from the utilisation of AI. We’re seeing this being implemented in and propelling every aspect of retail. This year, retailers that used AI achieved, on average, 10 per cent growth in revenue and a 15 per cent reduction in time spent on processes now automated.

In 2024, AI’s impact will stretch from predictive analytics that tailor shopping experiences to advanced chatbots that provide personalised customer service. AI is refining supply chains, customising marketing and crafting virtual assistants that manage customer relationships with near-human experiences. 2024 is the year of AI.

The search that’s saying something in Ecommerce

In 2024, it’s conceivable that the search landscape could be significantly influenced by AI-driven platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude.ai and Bard. These language models offer a conversational interface that can understand and respond to complex queries, making them preferable for specific searches. For instance, when searching for products, users might use these AI assistants for a more interactive and personalised experience. Instead of sifting through pages of search results, a user could simply ask the AI for a product recommendation based on specific criteria such as budget and brand preferences. The AI could then ask follow-up questions to narrow down the options and present the most relevant products, complete with comparisons, reviews, and even buying options. This doesn’t necessarily mean that traditional search engines like Google will become obsolete. They may coexist, with users choosing the tool that best fits their immediate need – perhaps Google for broad, exploratory searches and conversational AIs for targeted inquiries and transactions.

Interactive retail products: touch, feel, engage

The emergence of high-definition 3D visualisations has revolutionised product interaction online. In 2024, we’ll witness tactile engagement with products via digital platforms. Using AR/VR, haptics, and 3D imagery, customers will be able to touch, rotate, and scrutinise products virtually so they can ‘understand’ them inside and out. Brands using this technology are already attracting increased customer engagement with reduced buying hesitation.

TikTok Shop: social commerce phenomenon

TikTok has transformed from a platform of trends potentially to a retail powerhouse. TikTok Shop integrates social media with ecommerce, enabling users to buy products directly through the app, unlike other platforms that have tried to achieve such a process. It’s shoppable live streams and product showcases connect entertainment with instant buying. The platform’s intuitive design and algorithm ensure that products find their way to the right audiences, revolutionising impulse buying and personalised shopping experiences.

If you want to know the other five ecommerce trends in 2024, read the full article (page 52) here or book a quick call with me.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Digital Marketing Course

Hi, I’m Kelly Slessor, your dedicated ecommerce coach, digital marketing expert, and proud founder of The Ecommerce Tribe, Digital Marketing Course and Community. Throughout the years, I’ve discovered a true passion for helping retailers grow online and transform their businesses to be successful online, as well as increasing their revenue and saving them time.

Today, I’m excited to shine a spotlight on a transformative tool – a digital marketing course.

Why a Digital Marketing Course is a Game-Changer for Retailers

Have you ever wondered why digital marketing has become a buzzword in the retail industry? The answer is simple: traditional marketing methods no longer suffice. In this era of ecommerce, understanding and leveraging digital marketing strategies are not just advantageous – they’re essential for outpacing your competition.

What's on the Menu in a Digital Marketing Course?

Have you ever pondered the ingredients that make up a comprehensive digital marketing course? It’s a rich array of knowledge – from SEO to social media marketing and email campaigns to content creation. This well-rounded course equips you with the essential tools to navigate the digital marketing landscape effectively.

SEO: Your Ticket to Top Search Results

Take a moment to reflect on how some websites consistently land on the first page of Google’s search results. That’s the magic of SEO, a vital component of digital marketing. By enhancing your online visibility, SEO drives organic traffic to your site, giving your brand the exposure it deserves.

Social Media Marketing: Harnessing the Power of Digital Platforms

Have you ever marvelled at brands with a strong social media presence? That’s the art of social media marketing. By effectively using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, you can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and engagement, forging stronger connections with your audience.

Email Marketing: The Art of Direct Communication

Have you considered the impact of a well-crafted email campaign on your audience? Email marketing is a cost-effective and highly targeted method of reaching your customers directly. It’s a powerful tool to promote your products, provide value, and foster customer loyalty.

The Perks of a Digital Marketing Course

What’s in it for you when you sign up for a digital marketing course? Beyond providing the digital fundamentals, such a course empowers you to steer your own marketing strategies, potentially saving costs on external agencies. Ultimately, it could be the key to unlocking increased revenue.

Amplify Your Online Presence

Is your brand struggling to stand out in the crowded digital space? A comprehensive digital marketing course becomes your roadmap to building a robust online presence. With the right strategies, you can attract more potential customers and boost your sales.

Boost Your Bottom Line

Who wouldn’t want to see a significant increase in income? With the right digital marketing strategies, you can enhance profitability by targeting the right audience, converting more leads into sales, and maximising customer retention.

FAQs

Length of Digital Marketing Courses

Do I need prerequisites?

Are these skills versatile?

The guarantee

Is a digital marketing course a smart investment?

Length of Digital Marketing Courses

Do I need prerequisites?

Are these skills versatile?

The guarantee

Is a digital marketing course a smart investment?

Now, let’s delve into the heart of The Ecommerce Tribe Digital Marketing Course, meticulously designed over an 8-week period to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of essential ecommerce fundamentals:

Customer Focus: Learn how to define your online customer and reduce acquisition costs, ensuring your marketing efforts are precisely targeted.
Ecommerce Platforms and Plugins: Master the use of technology to drive results
and upskill on platforms like Shopify for optimal performance.
Google as Your Shop Front: Uncover the secrets to securing a prime spot on Google’s front page, enhancing your online visibility and attracting more visitors.
SEO & SEM Mastery: Harness the power of both free and paid digital marketing strategies to grow your traffic, increase conversions, and boost overall revenue.
Content Strategies: Develop storytelling techniques that captivate and engage your audience, setting your brand apart in the crowded digital landscape.
Email Automation & Social Media Planning: Create compelling content and calls to action that builds customer loyalty through strategic email automation and social
media planning.
Conversion Optimisation: Make your website work harder for you by utilising Google
Analytics to analyse growth opportunities and enhance conversion rates.

What you will get in our digital marketing course

I’ll be your guide throughout this transformative journey, providing ecommerce coaching, the latest tools and techniques – including the revolutionary power of AI. Plus, you’ll be part of a thriving community of like-minded retailers, ensuring you establish a profitable ecommerce store without the endless complexity.

For a Limited Time, Get Over $977 in Bonuses When You Join The Ecommerce Tribe.

You’ve already proven your business model offline, and now it’s time to maximise your online presence. I’m opening enrollment to equip established retailers like you with everything needed to double your online revenue fast.

When you join today, you’ll unlock The Core Package, an investment of $897 per month, and gain access to:

8-Week Bootcamp: Covering all the Ecommerce marketing fundamentals to ensure
your stores are set for exponential growth.
Onboarding Planning Session: Identify gaps and opportunities and craft a strategic game plan.
Weekly Live Q&A Clinics
Private Community Access: Connect with a support network of retailers of all shapes and sizes.
Step-by-Step Playbooks
6 Weekly Ecommerce Strategy Planning Sessions
Access to Templates and Tools

But that’s not all. As part of The Ecommerce Tribe learning experience, I’ll personally guide you through my proprietary process for using AI to significantly reduce content creation time.

Leveraging over 8 years of AI expertise, these specific prompts have demonstrated:

A 15% reduction in overall content production time.
Increased organic traffic to product pages.
A remarkable 10% uplift in overall sales.

By integrating AI into your content workflows, you’ll scale your content faster than ever before – ultimately driving more traffic, leads, and sales for your business. The AI training and prompts alone are worth the investment for any retailer serious about dominating online and future-proofing their business.

Are you ready to revolutionise your ecommerce journey? Join The Ecommerce Tribe today and unlock the door to unprecedented online success.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Optimising your ecommerce store for Christmas

Let’s talk about Christmas. I know as retailers, you need a break, and your one day off (hopefully more) is so close.

But now is the time to focus on creating customer loyalty, surprising, delighting and ensuring your new visitors (approx. 80%) become lifetime customers.

True story – when I was working with Jane Lu and the team at Showpo, I sat in the boardroom running a strategy session. During the session, Jane hand-signed thousands of Christmas cards to her customers…

It is all about delivering great customer experiences, and maybe you don’t have time to handwrite cards (although – if Jane Lu can…. )

Maybe you can just make their journey easier by answering their questions upfront. The big questions your customers are asking right now are….

Will this product arrive before Christmas? When are the Christmas Delivery cut-offs? Do they offer click-and-collect options?

What am I going to put in my Christmas stockings? I need to find a party/Christmas outfit.

Best Gift for her, him, they, them, he, she.

Let’s make it easy for your customers and answer their questions upfront.

3 ways to optimise your ecommerce store for Christmas:

1. Display Christmas Delivery and Cut off times on your ecommerce store

Displaying Christmas Delivery and Cut-off times on your ecommerce store is a crucial step to ensure a smooth holiday shopping experience for your customers.

Here are some tips and insights to help you effectively communicate this information:

Clear Communication: Clearly communicate your Christmas Delivery and Cut-off times on prominent sections of your website, such as the homepage, product pages, and checkout page. Use concise and straightforward language to avoid any confusion.

Highlight Important Dates: Emphasise key dates, such as the last day to place orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery. Make sure customers are well aware of these dates to manage their expectations and plan their purchases accordingly.

Delivery Options: Provide various delivery options with corresponding time frames. This could include standard shipping, expedited shipping, and express shipping. Clearly state the estimated delivery times for each option, especially during the holiday season when delivery times may be impacted.

Shipping Updates: Keep customers informed about their order status through timely shipping updates. Consider implementing order tracking features and notifications to provide real-time information on the location and estimated delivery time of their packages.

To make it easy we have made you an editable copy of these deadlines for you to add to your website, just make a copy and add your logo.

2. Provide Click and Collect on your ecommerce store

Implementing a Click and Collect service is an effective strategy to drive customer foot traffic into physical stores and concurrently boost the Average Order Value (AOV). This approach offers a convenient and seamless shopping experience, allowing customers to browse and select items online before physically collecting them from the store. Beyond the convenience factor, Click and Collect addresses the uncertainties associated with in-store shopping, particularly during peak periods or in times of urgency. Customers appreciate the assurance that their desired products are reserved and ready for pickup before they even set foot in the store, alleviating any concerns about availability or potential disappointment. This not only enhances the overall customer experience but also encourages additional in-store purchases as customers tend to explore and discover more products when physically present in the store, thereby contributing to an increase in the Average Order Value.

Here is how to set up click and collect to Shopify.

3. Christmas Gifting for Retailers

On Google Trends, searches for gift cards have increased by 110% in the last 30 days; there are 18,000 searches per month. It’s the perfect opportunity to add Christmas gift cards to your website and create a landing page.

To optimise your website for Christmas gifting, it’s crucial to strategically select three keywords that align with current trends, leveraging tools like Google Trends for insights. By identifying popular and rising search terms related to holiday gifting, you can tailor your website’s content to align with what potential customers are actively searching for. Additionally, consider the questions your customers may ask during their holiday shopping journey. Anticipate queries related to gift ideas, shipping times, and special promotions.

By incorporating these keywords and addressing customer queries in your website content, you not only enhance your site’s visibility on search engines but also provide a more relevant and engaging experience for your audience, ultimately driving traffic and boosting conversions during the festive season.

Here are some trendy Christmas searches:

And last but not least, think about extending your returns – Lauren Cantwell from Cue.co spoke to the importance of this in peak season.

If you want to increase revenue, drive conversions and create consistency with your online store, remember you have a whole tribe behind you.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.

Last-minute Ecommerce Black Friday Tips

In the last few weeks, I have been working with retailers on their Black Friday plans and campaigns.

I know some of you have gone early this year with your campaigns, but it’s not too late to do some final checks and tweaks….

Black Friday Tips for Retailers

Here are my tips for an even more successful Black Friday:

⚒ Test your platforms and experience:

Walk through your customer experience – around 70% of your customers will be mobile grab your mobile and test your user journey to make sure nothing is broken.

📦 Inventory Management:
If you have limited stock on certain items, create a sense of urgency for these products. Apps like “Hey Scarcity” are great for this; Use it on a few of your best sellers.

NOTE: don’t put it on all products; it will lose value.

🔧 Customer Support Readiness:
Prepare yourself and your team for the wave of customer inquiries. For smaller brands, make sure someone is assigned to and responsible for customer care and that there is a handover process in place. 2 minutes away from a desk could be the difference between a sale and a lifelong customer.

🔄 Refund and Return Policies:
Avoid any Black Friday drama with crystal-clear communication. Check that your refund and return policies are plastered everywhere so customers can’t miss them (on product pages, chatbot, faqs, and footer).

📦 Delivery:
If you think delivery times might be a bit longer because of the huge sales you will get, let customers know that delivery might be delayed by 1-2 days. Set the expectation in the order confirmation email to take the pressure off your customer service team and keep your customers informed.

🌟 Testimonials and Reviews: Add social proof to your Black Friday landing pages. Nothing builds trust faster than real people sharing their actual experiences.

Black Friday ecommerce email examples

I am sure you have all built out your email campaigns, but just in case, here are some awesome examples:

If you have any burning questions or need extra tips, you have a whole tribe behind
you. Just book a call.

BIO

Kelly Slessor, is an Ecommerce Coach and a digital marketing expert. Passionate about retail, hospitality and retail service providers. As the founder and CEO of Shop You, an AI powered personalised virtual shopping mall she has spent 20 years building retail technology that responds to customer needs, drives conversions and increases revenue. Over the past year she has worked with over 1000 retailers and hospitality providers. If you want discover more about digital growth and optimisation, work with me.