How do your calls come in?

Ring Central Mobile

Let's face it, there are many, many challenges to running an online boutique or business from your home. One of the myriad of obstacles is how to receive phone calls. I used to use my cell but when my business took off, the cell phone didn't quite feel professional enough. I needed a way to bridge the gap between WAHM and professional.  A client of mine who had just started a home business … [Read more...]

Drive Holiday Traffic to your Website

All I want for Christmas is...To sell more stuff? I understand. You want some decent sales in time for the holidays. I have a last-minute strategy for how to get people to your website ASAP. Before I get to that, here’s what NOT to do. Do not send 5 emails in 7 days promoting one special deal (today only!) and then another. Yes, I just received this from a designer. And to be blunt, … [Read more...]

3dCart’s new eBook – The 12 Days of Online Shopping

3dcart-ebook

We absolutely love 3dCart's platform - so far it is our favorite content management system with cart that makes running your online boutique a snap. They have just released a fabulous eBook geared toward the last minute things you can do to get your boutique ready for the holiday season. Check it out HERE. … [Read more...]

Increase Holiday Sales

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A great opportunity from 3dcart - they are sharing some awesome tips tomorrow at 2:00 pm EST at their "Increase Holiday Sales" webinar! Sign up here! http://t.co/2zGjQGyI … [Read more...]

Good News for Online Boutiques

Shopping European Style

According to internetretailing.com, although past preferences indicated that fashion shoppers preferred to see and touch clothes for themselves before buying, the tide appears to be changing.  According to a recent survey,  almost half (45%) of fashion shoppers now prefer to buy their clothes and accessories online. … [Read more...]

Brand Identity Series part 5 ”Define Your Brand Strategy”

Once you understand your brand you can focus on your brand strategy.  This strategy will define your approach and outline your methods for conveyance.  Then, you will be ready to work on the specific tactics to and steps of your action plan. If you have followed the steps above, you should have a clear understanding of your customer and your competitive environment. Your strategy is built on … [Read more...]

Brand Identity Series part 4 ” Make A Brand Promise”

The value of your brand is in direct correlation with how well it meets the expectations of your customers. In order to build a strong brand people have to know what your business stands for and how it fits into their lives. In order to create this fit, you have to understand your customer. Survey your customer base, directly through email or surveys (check out Constant Contact for easy to use … [Read more...]

Brand Identity Series part 3 “Define Your Brand Personality”

sale-bp

Brands, like people, have distinct personalities. Although other factors come into play, people often choose a brand because the characteristics of the company or product brand mesh with their own tastes or interests. I only shop at WalMart if absolutely necessary, but often find myself at Target because I like and identify with their branding.  My father, on the other hand, rarely sets foot in … [Read more...]

Cart, Contact, Home…How Friendly is Your Website

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What do walmart.com, macys.com and potterybarnkids.com all have in common?  Besides being online stores, their websites all have links for cart, contact and home above the fold (above the fold refers to the portion of your website page that a visitor will see without having to scroll down).  One of my biggest pet peeves as a shopper is getting to a website and not being able to see my cart, get … [Read more...]