Ecommerce

Checklist in Choosing Your Ecommerce Hosting Provider
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Gerri_Bryce]Gerri Bryce

Are you an online merchant shopping for a good ecommerce hosting provider? With the emergence of so many hosting companies offering various products these days, anyone can get lost. Before you plunge deeper in your search and make comparisons from one web host to another, see if they have everything that you need using this checklist I provided:

Customer service

Great customer service is about the closest thing you can get to long term ecommerce success. If your ecommerce hosting provider doesn't measure up, how can you trust doing business with them? See 7 Best Tools for Providing First-Rate Customer Service to find out if they have all that you need to reach them when you get in trouble.

Product catalogs, Inventory, Back orders

Your ecommerce host should be able to be offer flexibility depending on the number of products that you offer, and whether you intend to increase the products that you intend to sell in the future. Many providers offer hundreds of gigabytes of web space. Your online store should also be able to handle huge traffic despite a humongous web space. This is when bandwidth and server reliability matters. Your database should be able to house a huge number of products and customer information so you can efficiently manage your inventory. When products run out of stock, you should be able to coordinate with your shipping company and retailers through your web host. A plus would be your provider's ability to host multiple domains.

Ordering

The first thing that comes to mind is an ecommerce shopping cart. Shopping carts need never be complicated or expensive. Anyone can customize a shopping cart that matches his ecommerce store's operations using only open source software. A good ecommerce web host should be able to merge an efficient shopping cart to your existing system or create a new one that allows customers to purchase with the least clicks possible.

Security and Integrity

There are few ecommerce web hosting providers who cannot provide enough security for your online store. Security should run in all aspects of your business, from your database encryption to credit card details being input, to tracking down customer location (IP geolocation). Look into SSL security certificate and other anti-fraud tools. This will help you get the better of credit card frauds and chargebacks.

Automation

Automation in most ecommerce processes is a must since time is essential. Does your ecommerce host automate the billing, accounting, report generation, and email response (autoresponder) processes? Remember that the little things that take your time can affect your business in a big way too.

Payment processing

Does your ecommerce web hosting company offer a merchant account with the ability to accept payments in various methods? Will you be able to accept foreign currency as well as payments in e-check, debit cards, and even MOTO? This is extremely important especially to merchants doing business internationally. The more payment types you can accept and process, the more likely your business will profit.

Your choice of the perfect ecommerce hosting provider will always be dictated by the needs of your online store. The more comparisons you make, the better you will know which is best for you. Some merchants also seek recommendations from other merchants, so why not do the same?

Gerri Bryce is a versatile technical writer specializing in general web content copywriting and consultancy for finance and [http://www.ecommercekings.com/ target=new]ecommerce solution providers. She has contributed a massive number of articles for today's most popular technology, gadget, gaming, business, finance, and science news websites. She participates in a number of top webmaster, finance and merchant account forums. Currently, Ms. Bryce lives in Dallas, Texas. She keeps herself abreast with Web 2.0 and cutting edge Internet trends by attending business workshops, online meet-ups, and conferences for merchant account professionals.

She also travels extensively throughout the United States and Asia. e-mail: [mailto:gerri.bryce@gmail.com]gerri.bryce@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerri_Bryce http://EzineArticles.com/?Checklist-in-Choosing-Your-Ecommerce-Hosting-Provider&id=801955

Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com

Ecommerce and the Power of Belief
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay]Scott Lindsay

The Polar Express is a delightful story that infuses the simplicity of Christmas with an element of faith. Children ride the fabled express in an effort to reclaim trust in something they no longer believe in.

A pivotal point is evident at the end of the story when a little boy says, “I believe” after steadfastly denying the existence of Santa. The magical world of childhood reopens for the boy and we are left with the very warm fuzzies the author hoped we would feel.

Whether by DVD or by book this story is shared each holiday season to the delight of children everywhere.

I think this movie and/or story should be read/seen by everyone who decides to venture into the world of ecommerce.

It is possible (and even probable) for business owners to become a bit jaded in their view of a new business venture. If they have been part of business startups in the past they can treat business and, well, business. They can lack the passion they need to infuse their startup with something more than tried, tested and proven methods.

Sometimes a business startup will only make sense in context of the heart that is evident in the personality stamp of passion.

Yes, business is about calculated risk, business models and executive foresight, but without passion the business may be more cookie cutter than maverick.

Perhaps that is one of the biggest difference between the heart of those who really “believe” in the entrepreneurial idea they are pursuing and those who simply act in response to numbers.

That’s not to say a more corporate approach can’t work, but the reason many small businesses hang in there is because the owner “believes” so much in the product or service that they will passionately pursue their belief even if it leads to a failed startup.

One approach can seem cold and calculating while the other is new territory with no map in sight. It may seem that knowing everything about what you’re doing is a better approach, but this approach takes the personal and makes it something much less.

I tend to believe that a more corporate approach only works when team building occurs. Where individuals with complimentary gifts can make the new startup personal. If this happens the team can infuse passion into the most sterile startup.

Ecommerce is an arena that is perfect for exploration and discovery. It is a place where belief thrives and prospers. Ecommerce is a place for brave people to bring the faith of a child and imagine the impossible as possible and then prove the unbelievers wrong.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com

Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay http://EzineArticles.com/?Ecommerce-and-the-Power-of-Belief&id=783489


Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com

Labels: animation, animators, digital design animation studio, e-business consultancy, internet advertising and marketing services, internet solution providers, sql server, web, web consultants

Little SEO Tips For Your eCommerce Shopping Cart
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_Bennett]Philip Bennett

One way to drive traffic to your eCommerce shopping cart site is by Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Getting your eCommerce site listed high in search engines such as Google and Yahoo will bring valuable hits to your site. The traffic generated by SEO is normally very targeted, for example if someone searches for 'product x' and your site come up as the top listing the user that is going to be visiting your site is likely to be very interested purchasing 'product x'.

Structure and Validation

Following the correct HTML (or XHTML) structure on your site is very important. You should make sure you use the correct header, html, body tags etc and use them in the correct order. There are plenty of good article on this around on the internet, the practice is called on page SEO, you just need to make sure that your shopping cart software follows the correct HTML structure. You might be surprised to find that a number of popular internet store solutions are not deployed with valid HTML structure.

SEO Friendly URLs

The structure of the links (or URLs) on your site is important using URL structures that read like http:///my_category/my_product

as opposed to http:///?product_id=xsslkjl&cat_id=3424

are generally accepted to increase your search engine rankings. There is much debate about how much this kind of search engine optimisation improves your rankings but the undeniable benefit of this is that when your page appears in search engine listings, the URL is included. If your URL is readable by a human then there is more chance the person is going to click on your link. Search engines also highlight the search terms in bold in the results the more of your listing to can get to appear in bold the better.

Maximise Descriptions

Search Engines deploy software robots to search the internet looking for pages, they are normally referred to as 'Spiders'. Spiders love text, the more and more relevant the text on your site is then higher your chances of getting listed high in search engines is. Make sure your product and category descriptions are as in-depth as they can be, but keep in mind that you're descriptions are going to be read by people who want to buy the products, so don't make them full of gibberish just to that there is text for the spiders. Accurate and detailed product descriptions have also been shown to increase the likely hood a customer will make a purchase from your store.

Alternative Descriptions and Titles

Including alternative descriptions and titles for your products is a good idea. If you're products is called 'The XYZ48882' then there is a possibility that someone searching for your product might not be aware that it's called this, especially if it's a small portable coffee machine. Including alternative more user friendly products titles will help the spiders and then, in-turn, customers find you. It's a good idea to do some keyword research when choosing alternative descriptions. A keyword research tool will be able to tell you what descriptions people are searching for and give you a good idea which descriptions and titles to choose.

By employing these tips we have no doubt you will be able to increase the search engine traffic that your site generates.

Ecommerce Shopping Cart Software ( http://www.ecommerceshoppingcartsoftware.co.uk/) is a one stop shop for all the information you need about shopping cart software and ecommerce solutions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Bennett http://EzineArticles.com/?Little-SEO-Tips-For-Your-eCommerce-Shopping-Cart&id=800776


Posted By: Illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com

Labels: animation, b2b, b2c, customised application providers, graphics design, internet solutions, online marketing and promotion, php, web consultants

Ecommerce and the Power of Belief
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay]Scott Lindsay

The Polar Express is a delightful story that infuses the simplicity of Christmas with an element of faith. Children ride the fabled express in an effort to reclaim trust in something they no longer believe in.

A pivotal point is evident at the end of the story when a little boy says, “I believe” after steadfastly denying the existence of Santa. The magical world of childhood reopens for the boy and we are left with the very warm fuzzies the author hoped we would feel.

Whether by DVD or by book this story is shared each holiday season to the delight of children everywhere.

I think this movie and/or story should be read/seen by everyone who decides to venture into the world of ecommerce.

It is possible (and even probable) for business owners to become a bit jaded in their view of a new business venture. If they have been part of business startups in the past they can treat business and, well, business. They can lack the passion they need to infuse their startup with something more than tried, tested and proven methods.

Sometimes a business startup will only make sense in context of the heart that is evident in the personality stamp of passion.

Yes, business is about calculated risk, business models and executive foresight, but without passion the business may be more cookie cutter than maverick.

Perhaps that is one of the biggest difference between the heart of those who really “believe” in the entrepreneurial idea they are pursuing and those who simply act in response to numbers.

That’s not to say a more corporate approach can’t work, but the reason many small businesses hang in there is because the owner “believes” so much in the product or service that they will passionately pursue their belief even if it leads to a failed startup.

One approach can seem cold and calculating while the other is new territory with no map in sight. It may seem that knowing everything about what you’re doing is a better approach, but this approach takes the personal and makes it something much less.

I tend to believe that a more corporate approach only works when team building occurs. Where individuals with complimentary gifts can make the new startup personal. If this happens the team can infuse passion into the most sterile startup.

Ecommerce is an arena that is perfect for exploration and discovery. It is a place where belief thrives and prospers. Ecommerce is a place for brave people to bring the faith of a child and imagine the impossible as possible and then prove the unbelievers wrong.

Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com

Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Lindsay http://EzineArticles.com/?Ecommerce-and-the-Power-of-Belief&id=783489


Posted By: illusion Technologies
http://www.illusiontechnologies.com

Little SEO Tips For Your eCommerce Shopping Cart
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Philip_Bennett]Philip Bennett

One way to drive traffic to your eCommerce shopping cart site is by Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Getting your eCommerce site listed high in search engines such as Google and Yahoo will bring valuable hits to your site. The traffic generated by SEO is normally very targeted, for example if someone searches for 'product x' and your site come up as the top listing the user that is going to be visiting your site is likely to be very interested purchasing 'product x'.

Structure and Validation

Following the correct HTML (or XHTML) structure on your site is very important. You should make sure you use the correct header, html, body tags etc and use them in the correct order. There are plenty of good article on this around on the internet, the practice is called on page SEO, you just need to make sure that your shopping cart software follows the correct HTML structure. You might be surprised to find that a number of popular internet store solutions are not deployed with valid HTML structure.

SEO Friendly URLs

The structure of the links (or URLs) on your site is important using URL structures that read like http:///my_category/my_product

as opposed to http:///?product_id=xsslkjl&cat_id=3424

are generally accepted to increase your search engine rankings. There is much debate about how much this kind of search engine optimisation improves your rankings but the undeniable benefit of this is that when your page appears in search engine listings, the URL is included. If your URL is readable by a human then there is more chance the person is going to click on your link. Search engines also highlight the search terms in bold in the results the more of your listing to can get to appear in bold the better.

Maximise Descriptions

Search Engines deploy software robots to search the internet looking for pages, they are normally referred to as 'Spiders'. Spiders love text, the more and more relevant the text on your site is then higher your chances of getting listed high in search engines is. Make sure your product and category descriptions are as in-depth as they can be, but keep in mind that you're descriptions are going to be read by people who want to buy the products, so don't make them full of gibberish just to that there is text for the spiders. Accurate and detailed product descriptions have also been shown to increase the likely hood a customer will make a purchase from your store.

Alternative Descriptions and Titles

Including alternative descriptions and titles for your products is a good idea. If you're products is called 'The XYZ48882' then there is a possibility that someone searching for your product might not be aware that it's called this, especially if it's a small portable coffee machine. Including alternative more user friendly products titles will help the spiders and then, in-turn, customers find you. It's a good idea to do some keyword research when choosing alternative descriptions. A keyword research tool will be able to tell you what descriptions people are searching for and give you a good idea which descriptions and titles to choose.

By employing these tips we have no doubt you will be able to increase the search engine traffic that your site generates.

Ecommerce Shopping Cart Software ( http://www.ecommerceshoppingcartsoftware.co.uk/) is a one stop shop for all the information you need about shopping cart software and ecommerce solutions

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philip_Bennett http://EzineArticles.com/?Little-SEO-Tips-For-Your-eCommerce-Shopping-Cart&id=800776

Ecommerce is an arena that is perfect for exploration and discovery. It is a place where belief thrives and prospers. Ecommerce is a place for brave people to bring the faith of a child and imagine the impossible as possible and then prove the unbelievers wrong.

Flood Of Ecommerce Packages - Which One Will You Choose?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anne_Catherine]Anne Catherine

In today's cyber era, you will find so many software and ecommerce solutions that you can't even visualize. Today, Online IT market seems to be more of a battle field for these new, effective and feature rich ecommerce packages leading to various online shopping & ecommerce sites. More and more top ecommerce companies are coming in the field with their latest and advanced software and packages everyday. These ecommerce packages attracts you more when you a just a layman in technical sector and not having big budget to develop your own custom solution meeting your specific requirements. And at this point of time, these packages, no doubt, answer all your business demands.

But I would say one thing here that before clicking at any ecommerce package, just make sure you are going to opt for the right choice or the choice really worth your hard earned money. Today's busy life of people has been really eased by the emergence of these ecommerce packages that has give rise to the concept of online shopping. Internet awareness and growing software knowledge has big contribution behind this concept of upcoming new feature rich ecommerce packages. Furthermore, various new business models emerging from ecommerce have also come to the IT limelight. There is no doubt that advanced ecommerce has broadened these new business model's applicability to an extensive array of products and services offered online. An ecommerce package can range from a simple e-store to an extension being a sophisticated and well customized shopping cart together with many advance features and competencies. A good ecommerce package can help you your online business mount high in all markets from B2C to B2B.

Well, "right now" when competition is really high and people are getting inclined towards online businesses like anything, make a crucial time to spark your mind to get an ecommerce enabled website created with the right ecommerce package and multiply your revenues in a short time. Once you enter online business, you will find every kind of customer from impulsive to careful and bargain buyers who are eager to shop online and are usually connected with many other e-shoppers and discuss reviews and quality of products from the comforts of their home. This enquiring nature of buyers and increasing competition enforces you to choose an accurate, unique, eye-catching as well as cost-effective ecommerce package that must be easy to operate at the same time. Prior to your prospective buyer, it is you who has to stumble upon the website to make it just perfect for your customers.

A good ecommerce website not only offers various goods and items for sale but also gives an easy to use and attractive store giving a gallery view of all the items that they sell. An ideal ecommerce package will provide you an efficient shopping cart to select and buy products online; will help prop up these goods via interesting advertisements and discounts, track order status to avoid any confusion, ship products and keep a proper order record. [http://www.infysolutions.com/ecommerce_packages.html ]Ecommerce package that helps a buyer to track his order status online is always considered great enough to make your buyers comfortable. Your first effort should be to help your customer in selecting the goodies of his interest as well as in checking them whether they are alright. There should be left no doubts regarding tax or shipping charges when customer is ready to buy your product. It would be great if tax and other things are included in the prices so as to avoid buyer's frustration & discontent.

By this time, you must have got an idea that the whole system including today's growing online business or customer's satisfactions and comfort, depends on a correct [http://www.infysolutions.com/ecommerce_solutions.html ]ecommerce solution. Nowadays many well-known ecommerce companies provide a broad range of attractive ecommerce packages from economical to advanced and expensive. Now the job left for you is to choose the right ecommerce package that completely fits into your business model & supports you in the long run.

The writer specializes in writing on technical topics like, offshore software development, custom software development, ecommerce development,
web marketing etc. To know more, visit [http://www.infysolutions.com]offshore software development company

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Catherine http://EzineArticles.com/?Flood-Of-Ecommerce-Packages---Which-One-Will-You-Choose?&id=716107