Top 3 tips to integrate social with ecommerce

"Consumers are embracing authentic, compelling and contextually relevant social shopping experiences," said Greg Links, Vice President of Business Development, Want. "Social experiences are at the heart of all contemporary digital experiences. In today's world, a user experience without a social dimension will appear to a consumer to be about as dated as a fanny pack and a Walkman."

But there are pitfalls to a bad social strategy - namely that consumers won't engage. And perhaps worse, that the mis-steps could push a shopper to a competitor's brand. So, how to compete? Here are Greg's top social commerce tips.

First, make the experience contextually relevant to both shopping and buying.

Second, integrate the experience into a community where the shopper is spending the most time. If they're place to play is Facebook, create a Facebook profile and active page. "Look for opportunities to integrate into Facebook's Timeline," Links suggests.

Third, don't over analyze Favor action over analysis and start learning now.

'Want' is a universal button which retailers can add to their websites, giving customers the ability to create lists of the products they want. Retailers Acer Computers, Calico Corners, Ritz Camera and Tommy Bahama have recently signed on with the platform. Want allows products to be instantly shared on Facebook's Timeline as well as the ability to send targeted messages to customers.

Tags: ecommerce, ecommerce trends, F:Commerce, social commerce, social marketing, social marketing trends, Want