Must Market

This original research by Internet Retailer offers insights into whats driving growth in sales conversion among Americas leading web merchants.

Marty Note
Listening to David Payton discuss the cool conversion report FedEx created with Internet Retailer:

1. Free Shipping = top way to convert visitors to buyers.
Some will even opt for a slower time for free shipping. Some want ship to store. Free shipping is "essential" said VP Marketing David Payton at SMB Conference today.

2. Responsive = device agnostic.
The ability to see the site and have the site function across platforms is key. Company in David's slide deck saw a 40% increase in conversion from responsive design.

3. Email Marketing Still Matters
David's and FedEx's study shows email is still very important. Persoans and personalizing emails is key. No more batch and blast.

4. Ratings and Reviews
Ratings and reviews boost online sales 62%. David referenced a Bazaar Voice review. Add one product review = 10% product review. From 0 to 30 increase 30%, 0 reviews to 100 = 37% sales increase.

5. Loyalty
Easier to sell those who are already in the boat. Make sure you value and reward those who are loyal to you.

Holiday Ecommerce Trends
First Holiday Ecommerce awards are in with REI.com and Williams-Sonoma winning top honors and L. L. Bean most improved from November to December.

Trends Include
Free Shipping All Orders especially in December.

Free Shipping Out and back (returns) is also trending with several majors.
Deal of the Day is trending with REI.com having the best example.
Williams-Sonoma's explanation of BMSM (Buy More, Save More) is the best we've seen. 
Bean wins kudos for its Holiday Shopping Made Easier graphic.

Overall creative performance was lackluster this year in the 36 ecommerce websites we reviewed with the overall grade going DOWN in December.

Report card is on Google Plus: http://bit.ly/1bPhwz3