Cyber Week a mixed bag for merchants

Shoppers have quickly adjusted their traditional holiday shopping activities to include social distancing protocols amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, and much of that adjusting is going to spending more dollars digitally. That is a key takeaway from new Salesforce data which finds that from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, consumers spent about $270 billion (globally) and $60 billion (US). >>

Ecommerce

4 trends to watch in ecommerce for 2021

While no one can predict what the world will look like in 2021, some say there is reason to hope that life will return to a semblance of 'normal' for the bulk of the world. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely changed - for many years - how consumers shop, and that, according to several experts, is why brands much begin changing strategy for 2021 now. Here are four trends to watch in ecommerce. >>

Advertising

Forecast: 2020 ad declines to rebound in 2021

For the first time in a decade, global media spending fell in 2020. Total global media spending is expected to be down nearly 7% YoY, reaching about $1.2 trillion for the year. Much of the decline is blamed on the Coronavirus pandemic that has been sweeping the globe, keeping many businesses shuttered and consumers from spending money. However, with vaccine potential getting buzz, some experts believe media spending will rebound in the New Year. >>

Content Marketing

Top tips to develop a branded podcast

There are more opportunities than ever to provide content to customers, but many brands struggle with connecting rich content like video and podcasts to more traditional content that pushes conversions and other engagements. We asked an expert how brands can improve their podcasting strategy so that all content types work together. >>

Ecommerce

Reports: Thanksgiving Weekend a digital boon for merchants

As has become custom in the United States, Black Friday shopping has again broken sales records. According to data out from Adobe Analytics, shoppers spend about $9 billion online on the Friday following the US Thanksgiving holiday, a 21% YoY increase in sales. >>

Social Marketing

Top 3 tips to improve brand value using social media

Social marketing has become an integral part of brands' digital strategy. Social gives brands the ability to get personal with customers, to have conversations and answer questions. But social can also be fraught with technical issues. Here are three tips to help brands use social media to build brand value. >>

Advertising

Expert: Why customer-centricity is more important than ever

While most businesses feel they are customer-centric, the truth is that many are missing the boat when it comes to understanding what their customers want. That, according to one expert, is why merchants and marketers must get back to a basic customer-centric strategy. Here's how. >>

Ecommerce

Reports: Shopping early and often for 2020 holidays

New data out this week sheds light on how Americans will be shopping this holiday season. Adobe Analytics notes that between November 1 and 23 nearly $60 billion had already been spent online, a 32% increase in spending YoY, with many choosing to pay for expedited shipping (61% YoY increase). >>

Content Marketing

Top tips to improve quality of branded content

Driving traffic and conversions through branded content has long been a struggle for many, and with more avenues for content opening those struggles have only magnified. Here are a few tips for brands to create better content, that is relevant and wanted by their customer base, that will help to drive higher engagement. >>

Ecommerce

Experts: How to thrive through 2020 holiday season

This holiday season is going to like no other. The shopping season will start early, the digital competition will be fierce and the spend will make up 14.5% of total retail sales realized in 2020 (eMarketer). It's game on -- literally and figuratively -- starting with Amazon Prime Day. So, how can merchants and brands prepare? Here are a few tips. >>