Increase E-Commerce Conversion Rates with Product Badging Best Practices

Product badging is an area that many e-commerce companies may not think about or realise how much emphasis they can add to help sales. However, you should be thinking about product badges for your website! According to Monetate, a cloud-computing based company that provides in-the-moment personalisation software, badging yields their clients between $50 and $100 million in revenue per year. That translates into a 55% improvement in conversion rates for websites that use badges vs. those who do not..

What is product badging?

Product badges are the small “virtual stickers” that you add to your online products to call attention to specials, details, or to quickly and easily convey information about that product. In addition to increasing the conversion rate and calling attention to specific products, the goals of product badging include: 

Making it easier for shoppers to locate relevant merchandise. 

Helping shoppers make purchase decisions. 

Educating the shopper in an effective and creative way.

There are companies that will help automate the process of adding badges to your website and make it easier for you to manually choose and add specific badges as well. Certain badges can be automated such as best sellers, trending products, seasonal products, and 5 star best reviewed products.

Other types of badges can be scheduled for automation in an effort to drive relevance based on search history, past purchases, etc. Shoppers like personalised attention online just the same as they do in stores. “Just for You” badges with recommended products will make past customers feel special that they were recognised. Certain brands can be tagged with badges as well featuring the brand, just be careful not to "over-do" it, because too many badges does not help showcase particular items if they all have badges.

Badges can also point out which products have excellent reviews. When more people buy well reviewed products, chances are they will be happy with their purchase too.

• Take the Broad View. When offering different views or multiple images, badging one of the images to point out detail is a great idea because it mimics an in-store shopping experience.
  
• Add Motion. A badge with the familiar play arrow indicates that video is available. This will help draw attention and engagement.
  
• Get a “Brand Bump”. If you are in an industry driven by brands, using brand badges will increase attention and sales. This is especially great for products where the brand is not visibly noticeable from the picture or image. You might even be able to work out a special discount or arrangement with suppliers for promoting their brands over other competition.
  
• Use Holidays to Your Advantage. Christmas is of course the big sales holiday, but do not count out other holidays and seasons, especially ones that are important to your industry. Badges will help boost sales by pointing out which products go with each holiday or season.
  
• Showcase Your Expertise. This tip is also called “Be a Shopkeeper”. These specialised badges would mimic what a salesperson would say who is catering to a customer in-store. Things like “limited edition” or “great under dress shirt” give helpful tips to shoppers.
  
• Location, Location, Location! The importance of location still applies even on the World Wide Web. If you cater to a local area, this is especially the case, but there are other applications for it such as “Made in Canada”. Some tools can even automate location based products, activities, and create badges based on weather patterns or trends.

If you are looking for/need professionally designed badges, ask us for our stock designs or ask for custom badges specifically for your business and project.

Call us (613) 938-8591 or email sales@AdvantagesAdvertising.com

Email Etiquette for Customer Service

When emailing with customers, the dynamic becomes very different than other types of situations where you email with friends and family, or even colleagues. Delivery great customer service through email can be extremely tricky because the tone or point of the email can be so easily misinterpreted. This blog post will cover 10 email customer service tips and show you how to ensure that your customer service comes through and customers won’t misunderstand your meaning.

• Answer quickly. Customers that send an email expect a quick answer. A 24 hour turnaround time is probably the maximum amount of time it should take you to respond to an email inquiry. If you can reply quicker, that is ideal. If you cannot reply right away, it is a good idea to have an auto-response set up letting your customer know you received their email and outline when they can expect to hear back from a real, live person. An automated response should still link to answers to frequently asked questions, and direct them to popular link destinations that might help them find the information they are looking for.

• Customer service emails must be grammatically correct. It is important to take the time to proof read your email, as you would any other important correspondence. Re-read your email out loud to ensure that it reads the way you intended.

• Your emails should be written in a formal, but friendly tone. Of course, this can depend on your company rules and atmosphere, but being too rigid can often sound cold. Friendly and warm emails will get you much further than cold and matter of fact ones. However, remember this is not chat. Do not take short cuts or use internet abbreviations for words. If you are too friendly and informal, it can be offensive to some customers.

• Ensuring your tone and meaning are interpreted correctly. This is not an easy task because you have no control over how the person reading your email interprets it. Their mood and other circumstances surround their previous interaction with your company might have already skewed their view or impression. Therefore it is important, especially when dealing with a customer who might possibly be upset already, that you are specific with your meaning. Be formal but friendly. Don’t be afraid to take a few extra minutes to explain a policy, or what happened. If you are dealing with an upset customer or a problem, be sure to read the email allowed to a supervisor or co-worker to craft the proper, well thought out response.

• Adding a few extra key sentences can help show your sincerity. Always start out with a greeting and thank them for their email. Repeat their question or concern just as you would over the phone. Explain your answer. Close by thanking them again and then add something like, “I hope this helped answer your question.”

• Include a call to action. Email customer service is likely about selling your products or services. If your customer is asking about a product or service they are interested in buying, be clear with your call to action such as “Buy that product here, with a direct link”. A call to action might be something else in email though; it can be giving them links and directing them to where they can find more information. When you close the email with an example like #5 above, “I hope this helped answer your question.” Also add calls to action for what they can do if you did not answer their question. Another example of a call to action could be asking them to leave a review for your service, the purchase they made, or sign up for your newsletter and social media channels.

• Add links and be thorough. Since email most likely will not illicit an immediate response, try to be as thorough as possible with the information you give. List all of the information you have about what they are asking for. Include links, pricing, details, and your contact information so that they can call if they don’t want to continue emailing. Always include links to frequently asked questions, return or exchange policies, size charts, payment information, etc.

• Interpret the next question. Try to answer what their next question(s) might be. This will prevent a lot of back and forth emails between you and the customer. If you can answer a question about size, for example, also include information on the colour, price, and a link to the item. On the same token, if you need to ask them for information, ask them for all the information you will need from them, not just the first question you need answered.

• Don’t be afraid to call. If email with a particular customer is going back and forth with email exchanges, then it might be best just to pick up the phone and ring them. A quick phone call can often solve a problem that emailing might further complicate.

• Follow up. Keep your emails organised and follow up with customers who asked questions or had a problem. This is one of the best ways to deliver excellent customer service: let them know you did not forget about them.

 Posted in Internet Marketing, Marketing Advice

PROTECTION IN THIS E-WORLD

Protect Your Computer and Electronic Devices

Keep your software and operating system up to date on your computer or electronic device.

Make sure you have anti-spam, anti-virus and firewall protection on your computer and electronic device(s) and keep them up to date.

• Anti-spam software can scan email before it is received and automatically get rid of known spam. Web-based email services from your Email Service Provider (ESP) or Internet Service Provider (ISP) generally filter spam before it reaches your inbox.
• An anti-virus program protects against malicious software such as malware, adware, spyware, viruses, and Trojans.
• Firewall protection helps control traffic to and from your computer or device. Make sure to choose a firewall that provides both incoming and outgoing protection.

This type of security software can be all purchased from a security software company. Look for a reputable company and do not accept offers made through suspicious types of solicitation, such as random phone calls, pop-up advertisements, etc. These could be fraudulent or contain malware.

You may also find firewall protection through the Operating System (OS) of your computer or device.

You can also enable a hardware firewall. This comes through an external device, such as a router that comes with built-in firewall components which you can enable.

When your computer is not being used, another way to protect yourself is to turn it off and disconnect from the Internet. Many spammers are using sophisticated programs which find and exploit unprotected computers that have been left turned on and connected to the Internet.

Using Wi-Fi Networks:

Many public places such as coffee shops, airports and libraries offer access to free Wi-Fi Internet networks for users of electronic devices such as cellphones, smartphones or laptop computers. Connecting to public networks can pose some risks. Here are some easy tips to follow to help protect yourself and reduce your risks while you are connected to Wi-Fi networks:

• Make sure you're on the correct network. Fake or "evil twin" hotspots are sometimes created in the same location as legitimate hotspots, and it can be very difficult to recognize if you are on the wrong network. Therefore, before connecting, check the name of the network with the host (for example, at a coffee shop ask at the counter for the network name and password if there is one).
• Never surf without enabling your firewall.
• Some websites, such as email provider and social network sites give you the option to always use encryption while on those sites to scramble and protect your data. If that option is available, enable the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or HTTPS setting to increase your security. You will likely find these options under the "privacy" or "account" settings of the site.
• Where they are available, visit the secure HTTPS version of sites and not the unsecure, regular HTTP site—in particular when you are making transactions and exchanging sensitive data. Be mindful of the URL in the address bar while you're exchanging sensitive data—if the 'S' disappears you should log out right away.
• Try to avoid doing things such as online banking or exchanging sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi networks. Remember that once you are on the network, it is much easier for anyone else on the network to see what you are doing.
• If you find yourself using public Wi-Fi a lot, a virtual private network (VPN) could make sense. It will direct all your web activity through a secure, independent network that encrypts and protects all your data. However, if you can simply avoid exchanging sensitive data while on public Wi-Fi networks—for example, waiting until you are on your secure home network—then a VPN is likely not necessary for you.
• If you're using your computer or device in a public Wi-Fi zone, but you're not on the Internet, it doesn't hurt to turn the Wi-Fi function off on your device. Doing so could prevent a spammer from connecting to your device.
• If you have Wi-Fi Internet in your home, make sure you enable, at a minimum, wireless encryption and password protection.

Protect Your Electronic (Email) Addresses

Use a primary email address for your trusted personal and business contacts.

The Differences in Flash Drive quality

Like all types of technology there are products with superior quality, while there are others that are more second-rate. In the case of custom flash drives for promotional use, there is no exception. The USB industry has its own levels of quality, known as tiers or grades, which define just how good and reliable the USB drive is going to be. Tier 1 is top of the line flash memory, while the lower tiers are more likely to cause errors and other problems with the USB drives.

Of course, all USB flash memory starts out the same; on one giant silicon wafer. Once the wafer is created and etched with intricate circuits, a machine then cuts out each chip. Generally speaking, the chips closer to the edges of this wafer are the ones that tend to be of lower quality. Chips that are cut and do not pass quality control inspections are automatically pushed aside by the machine.


Below are the differences in quality among custom USB drive’s flash memory.

Tier 1
The top of the line chips are called Tier 1, or grade A, and are the highest quality chips you can possibly get. These chips are found just about everywhere and are always laser etched with a serial number and manufactures name. Currently Samsung and Hynix are the largest producers of tier 1 quality memory chips. Tier 1 chips are the best quality because they have the lowest error rates, longest life spans, and are faster than all the other tiers. Lastly, these chips almost always come with a lifetime warranty.

Tier 2
Tier 2 chips are only a slight downgrade of tier 1 chips, but are still good chips to have. These chips are just as reliable as tier 1, have the second lowest error rates, and generally live about as long as tier 1 too. These chips may be etched with a serial number and name of the manufacturer, but it is not uncommon to see tier 2 chips without the etchings.

Tier 3 and Below
Remember those discarded wafer parts I mentioned? Well, tier 3 chips and below are made from these discarded pieces. Second-hand aftermarket vendors buy these discarded pieces from reputable manufactures and resell them to end users. These chips have roughly a 30-40% failure rate and have much lower life expectancy . In some severe cases, these chips have been known to cause system instabilities that can adversely affect the device or computer they’re used in.

Buying Guidelines
So what can you do to make sure you only receive tier 1 chips? Well as mentioned above, tier 1 chips almost always come with a warranty. Second choose a vendor that actually has their prices in tune with the current market prices. Some companies advertise tier 1 chips, but offer them at such a low price that they drastically stand out from the market. The reason they’re probably so cheap is because they are tier 2 or 3 chips, not actual tier 1. Lastly you should always talk to the vendor and ask them what the qualities of the chips are. If the salesman is unsure or is hesitant to answer those types of questions, you should probably go someplace else.

And yes, ALL WE CARRY is Tier 1.

Going Green With Your Promotional Swag

Featuring guest blogger Brian Hughes, Internet Marketing Director at farfromboring.com

The impetus for protecting our environment has been growing steadily for decades, and recognizing that is important. This is true not only for those with concerns about global warming and air pollution, but for people in all areas of marketing and business. If a high quality product can be made in an eco-friendly way, consumers tend to prefer the eco-friendly version.

Marketing trends, like politics, have always depended on popular demand. Richard Nixon was one of the most environmentally friendly presidents (establishing the Environmental Protection Agency and the Endangered Species Act) because he understood people cared about the environment in the early 1970s. Businesses and corporations need to recognize people care deeply about the environment today, and should act accordingly.

If your promotional paraphernalia is green and eco-friendly, it promotes a positive image that shows you care about the environment.

Brand Building

What is a brand? Why is it important? Simply put, a brand is your unique fingerprint -- how you are identified in your community. Whether we know it or not, we all have a brand, both personal and professional. Our personal brand is how we are identified as an individual (i.e., kind, witty, intelligent, thoughtful, etc.). On the other hand, our professional brand is how we are identified as related to our specific profession (i.e., successful entrepreneur, detailed auditor, zealous attorney, dedicated physician, etc.).


In most cases, your personal and professional brands are examined collectively. It is your responsibility as an individual to actively participate in shaping the overall perception of your brand so that it is displayed in a manner that you are proud to represent. When establishing a brand, consider building upon the following factors:


• Identify Your Brand: Decide how you want to present yourself and/or your business to the world. Determine what makes you stand out from the masses and decide what niche you would like to create within your practice area.


• Know Your Value: Identify your strengths and the particular set of skills that you have to offer your clientele. Exercise confidence in your abilities knowing that what you have to offer, no one else can bring to the table.


• Build a Team of Advisors: Discuss the goals for your brand with individuals that you trust and admire, who also have experience in the particular area or subject matter that is of interest to you. Establish relationships with several mentors who inspire you and are not afraid to be honest and direct with you while offering assistance during the formation and growth of your brand.


• Become a Scholar: Adopt a hunger to learn and expose yourself to everything that you need to know in order to become an expert in your specific area of interest. Educate yourself by reading articles about various companies and individuals that have obtained long lasting brands. Humble yourself and become an apprentice or intern for a more established company or individual who is a leader in your area of interest.


• Get Out There and Build: The best way to learn is to get out there and do it. As long as you have the passion to build your brand and are actively working on developing your skills-- while maintaining the hunger to grow and learn, you must step out on faith and be confident that you are ready to introduce your brand to the world. Of course this step in the process may seem scary. You are beginning a new experience with no instructions to guide you or even a blueprint of what to expect; however, you must remain positive that you will succeed and you must know that you are equipped for whatever task comes your way.


Brand building is essential; however, you must not become so consumed in perfecting your brand that you lose yourself and your personal touch in the process. After all, people work with individuals that they like and trust, not machines with no personality. Brand building takes time and dedication; however, if you commit the time and energy to build your brand wisely, all of the hard work and sacrifice will be worthwhile. Remember that loved ones, current clients, and even future consumers will all gravitate to you for your brand -- "that thing" that only you can offer.

As published by

Donald Gonsalves

Founder & CEO, Enthof Creatives, Brand Communications Expert, Serial Entrepreneur

Promo Product Boosts Referrals for Financial Firm

Here is an example of how firms like AdVantages can brainstorm with you to find a clever way to be sure your brand is desirable and attracts attention.

To help power sales growth, a Boston-area financial firm relies on a steady stream of referrals from lawyers and accountants. It's no surprise, then, that key players at the investment company were keen to stay top of mind with these white-collar professionals. For help with that, they turned to promotional products distributor partner.

After consultation and brainstorming, a program was pitched in which important referral contacts would receive a promotional gift every other month. The client liked the idea, and the roll-out revved into gear in April with a promotion themed around the start of baseball season. It centered on sending about 300 referral feeders a Baseball Tube.

The logoed tube bore the financial firm's branding and contained game-day delectables enjoyed by baseball fans: Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew and ballpark peanuts. Each item was logoed, and the gift came with the tagline, Looking forward to a great 2014 season with you. The client was very excited about the campaign, and another round of gifts is in the planning process. One option is a desk egg tucked in a nest of gold paper clips with the slogan, Let us help you grow your nest egg.

A good tip to remember: Promotional programs that reward referral networks can help you increase referrals – and thus sales. To get things started, be sure to contact us (613) 938-8591 or sales@advantagesadvertising.com. Visit us online too: advantagesadvertising.com.

Straight Talk: What Ad Agencies And Advertisers Really Think Of Our Medium

In March, PPAI embarked on a first-of-its-kind benchmark study—PPAI Buyer Insights: Ad Agencies and Advertisers—to determine buying habits and preferences for promotional products among advertising agencies and corporate advertisers. Of the 400 who responded, 178 were advertising agency decision makers and influencers in the purchase of promotional products, and 222 were corporate advertisers with annual revenues of $10 million or more.

The study results yielded a satisfying mix of methods to better understand the needs of this demanding segment of buyers along with several unexpected and enticing sales opportunities for promotional consultants.

Paul Bellantone, CAE, president and CEO of PPAI, sees the data as further confirmation that promotional products are effective, deliver a high level of brand recall and generate sales. “According to the study, 74 percent of buyers at advertising agencies and large corporations consider promotional products effective or highly effective,” he says. “This clearly gives the promotional products advertising medium a prominent place in the marketing mix. Advertising performance goals put a great deal of pressure on agencies and advertisers to deliver results, and study data show promotional products can help drive a high rate of return on the dollar as a part of the core advertising planning and buying strategy.”

Key Takeaways

• When asked about the buying process, about eight in 10 advertisers and advertising agencies say they purchase promotional products from promotional consultants—a significantly higher percentage over any other purchasing method including online, retail/catalog and/or third party.
• Just over half of the project budgets/campaigns put together by advertising agencies and advertisers surveyed include promotional products.
• Advertisers are significantly more likely to buy promotional products as needed—without having a specific budget. This gives promotional consultants additional opportunities to encourage seasonal or new product purchasing throughout the year.
• In the past 12 months almost all the advertising agencies and advertisers surveyed say they purchased promotional products (96 percent)—with 75 percent of those individuals purchasing three or more times during the period.
• Roughly 40 percent of those surveyed say their companies have spent $25,000 or more on promotional products during this timeframe. This suggests room for sales increases in average spend by becoming integrated into the buying process.
• Promotional products are seen as strong influencers of brands as they are used to promote brand recognition, brand/product awareness and corporate identity. As a result, the use of promotional products increased good will and increased brand recall.
• When asked about promotional product effectiveness, almost 75 percent of respondents say these products are either effective or extremely effective.
• The top three drivers of both groups are equal (77 percent) when deciding to include promotional products: price, design/function and they are a proven favorite of recipient.
• In the past 12 months advertising agencies and advertisers report that apparel was the category of promotional products most frequently purchased. Apparel was followed by writing instruments and sporting goods, leisure products and travel accessories.
• When advertising agency respondents were asked which promotional products were mosteffective, apparel was the overwhelming response followed by printed advertising materials (booklets, posters, flyers, signage, labels, inserts, print advertisements, bookmarks, discount coupons and laminated charts). Electronic devices and accessories and writing instruments tied for third place.
• While apparel was also the overwhelming top choice of advertiser respondents, their second and third choices varied from their agency counterparts. For these, writing instruments and desk/office/business accessories were seen as the second and third most effective promotional products used during the past 12 months.
• More than half of advertising agencies and advertisers use promotional products in creating brand recognition and awareness.

While there will always be areas of opportunity to increase market share, the majority of advertising agencies and corporate advertisers recommend using promotional products (88 percent) and almost three-quarters of respondents believe promotional products have contributed to campaigns’ successes.

PPAI is Promotional Products Association International

Why Do Custom Coffee Mugs Remain At The Top Of The List?

Imprinted with your company logo and contact details, custom coffee mugs make lots of sense to marketers of all stripes.

Consider that a custom ceramic coffee mug offers permanency. Since it is so durable, its lifespan covers years, even decades, offering countless advertising impressions every time it is used.

People collect coffee mugs as keepsakes and memorabilia of previous experiences in which they participated. For this reason, people handle custom coffee mugs with care – to preserve their memories associated with the mug.the perfect promotional medium that is both effective for your company and useful for the receiver. The imprint area on a coffee mug is fairly large – offering a nice-size in which to imprint your company/organization logo and even a campaign message or cause call-to-action.

To see our selection of promotional mugs, click this link -  http://ow.ly/vVofe

Totes at your fingertips. Excellent tools for any business.

One of the more popular promotional product vehicles are tote bags. Marketing experts will tell you that a sure-fire way to deliver your brand’s message with tote bags. An inexpensive and practical way to get your name into the hands of your potential customers and clients and with a low price point and hundreds of uses, custom tote bags are excellent tools for any business. Whether you need giveaways for an upcoming conference, or an item to mail to your current customers, light, foldable and durable logo bags are a great way to broadcast your company's brand message. Handouts to your employees or clients for Earth Day (April 22nd.) can remain a fresh an uncompromised backbone of your advertising campaign when they are protected. And with the boldest and most unique line of designs available, the receipt of one of these high-quality marketing products feels more like a gift rather than an advertisement. What better way to be noticed at your next tradeshow or event? Here is a great selection to choose from. Click ici. http://tinyurl.com/mokgcm8

Content Length Online Found Imperative To Marketing Effectiveness

How long should a blog post be? When is a YouTube video too long? What’s the ideal length for a Facebook post? Online content that overstays its welcome loses its effectiveness, and a number of guidelines have emerged on ideal lengths and durations for effectual marketing. These guidelines are based on metrics compiled by Orbit Media Studios.

In SEO (search engine optimization) terms, a blog entry should be around 1,500 words in length, according to the data. An analysis of high ranking pages by serpIQ, a provider of SEO keyword and competition analysis, found that longer is better, as lengthier pieces are more likely to be relevant. Longer pieces are also more likely to be linked to by online readers.

As for video content, viewers are more likely to watch a shorter video in its entirety. The percentage of viewers who watch an entire video is a factor in the rankings of the world’s second most popular search engine, YouTube. The average length for the top 50 videos on YouTube is two minutes, 54 seconds.

Track Social, which measures and benchmarks social media performance, has found greater audience engagement with shorter Facebook posts. While images in a post raise response rates, the company’s research has found that once the post exceeds 140 characters in length, engagement begins to drop off.

Content courtesy of PPAI Publications