Tackling E-Commerce Store Design

So you’re ready to launch your first online business. You’ve got a product that people are interested in and all you need a website that looks clean, concise and is ready to give you the virtual storefront you need. We can help you design e-commerce store with a custom website design.  And with great e-commerce tools like Volusion and Core Commerce - (we love being Volusion designer) - it does make managing the inventory and listing your products for sale MUCH EASIER. But that's not enough. Make sure you're ready to tackle the work ahead before you start.

You’re ready to take on e-Commerce right? Think again. 

E-Commerce isn’t for the weak and weary.
Most have had an experience with e-commerce from a TV or radio ad or by purchasing something on the web. It’s usually seamless, simple and easy to use. I bet you've thought before, "I could do this. How card could it be - the internet and computers do all the work!" But, maintaining an e-commerce presence is a mulch-faceted and often difficult task.  And contrary to popular belief - It's also often times a full-time job.

Here are two reasons that businesses fail when trying to take on E-Commerce. 

1. More Than a Store Front
So you’ve got a website? Great, but it can’t stop there. In order to have a successful online business, you’ve got to realize that your website is more than just a store front - it’s a hub that you should be driving traffic to. You need more than just a website to sell a product, you need an online marketing strategy. Countless businesses fail when taking on online business because they simply launch a website and fail to discern why traffic, clickthroughs aren’t high - that is, if they are even tracking those statistics at all.

Owning an e-commerce store is much like owning a physical store. You have to give it attention every day to get the most out of it. Just like a store, you have to arrange your products for visibility and market your business with advertisements and social media. 

You can't just have a 'website that sells' and expect it to make a lot of money.  The website can't do it without you. One must still have the human element to promote and market the website. No time? You might need to hire some help with your internet marketing - at a minimum.

 2. Product First
Developing and implementing an online marketing plan is essential to online success, but after you’ve launched a strategy, what then? It always goes back to the product. Will your product sell? Did you do market research at all prior to your E-Commerce adventure?

If what you are selling is worth the user’s money, time and resources, then encourage users to leave feedback or comments on popular review sites. Don’t skimp on the product in order to make a quick buck, it will end up costing you more in the end.

3. Monitor Your Reputation
One of the most important traits of successful businesses is their ability to listen to consumers instead of just sending messages. Use social media as an extension of customer service to find consumers sharing information about your services or products and answer their questions. Investing in online relationships is a stepping stone for future successes.

Don’t be overwhelmed by e-commerce, be prepared instead! Tackle it head on by taking your reputation into your own hands and delivering something that is worth the time of your customers. Be helpful and proactive and, eventually, you’ll discover that e-commerce isn’t as scary as you thought!

Client Spotlight - Little Dog Fashion

We are thrilled to have been able to redesign LittleDogFashion.com, a Volusion website design - and bring to life the little dog that inspired tons of handmade doggie duds.

From the owner of Little Dog Fashion:

The story of Little Dog Fashion Pet boutique begins well before 2008. My children were small at the time and wanted to do a special project with me. That special project was to start a small business, Stockings Galore – a Christmas store. 

One year, somebody brought the tiniest Chihuahua into our store and asked if we had any clothes for his little fur baby. We did not at the time but agreed that we should check out if there was a market for dog clothes. 

Well, there was! 

And Little Dog Fashion Pet Boutique was born - as a woman owned business that provides an online location where pet owners from around the world come to shop for fun and functional dog fashion for their four legged family members. 

All of my doggie clothes are designed and made by me in Phoenix, AZ. I specialize in teacup and toy breed size dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkies and Maltese or any other dog or pet in that size range. My unique fashions are made with your baby’s comfort and your sense of style in mind. And if your fur baby is a little bigger or hard to fit, no problem! My creations can be customized to ensure a great and comfortable fit. 

Every year my dog fashion line expands, resulting in me carrying a broad range of products including dog collars, dog grooming accents, doggie diapers and belly bands, hoodies for boys and girls, dog pajamas, dresses for little dog girls, shirts for little doggie boys, beds and bassinets. Items listed under the names of Little Dog Fashion or Darling Diapers are designed and made by me and inspired and modeled by my little Maltese dog, Sophie, right here in Phoenix. 

This year little Dog Fashion will introduce two new brands. 

One is called Eco Little Dog Fashion and will feature doggie clothes made from organic materials. The first collection will be launched in the fall and will consist of pjs and dresses. 

 The second new brand is Sari Beaux and it will feature high end fabrics and trims and OOAK creations. The first Sari Beaux collection will also arrive in fall or winter of 2013. 

Giving back to the animals that give all of us so much joy and unconditional love is a big part of my personal ethics which I take very seriously. I am proud to support the Arizona Humane Society and Celebrity Catwalk and hope to become a regular contributor for both organizations to help support all the good work that they do. You can see the display and read about these events in the event section of the home page. 

Join us in celebrating the new design on Little Dog Fashion!

New Volusion Designs - E-Commerce Websites

We'd like to welcome some new Volusion Designs to the internet! Of course, we prefer to work as a Volusion Designer - because it's the shopping cart we are most familiar with.  But we've also had some recent experience with Big Commerce Design (and it is very flexible, and has lots of potential. I would like to take a stab at another one soon!) as well as Pinnacle Cart - but of all the carts out there, for the price an support, Volusion stays on top in our opinion.

No, we don't work for Volusion. They don't give us kick-backs. It's just a robust tool for the money. If you're looking to sell online - Volusion is a one-stop solution. It certainly doesn't look easy at first, and it's a HUGE learning curve - but it's packed with features from email campaign management to customization and flexibility - to the fact that it's very SEO friendly. (Speaking of which, did we mention that we are now partnered with Vestal Media to provide SEO services? Learn more on our web page about Search Engine Optimization services.)

So pay our new clients a visit, whether you're looking for some YUMMY smelling soap, a lift chair to help with a loved one's mobility, or skin-whitening/lightening products - we've launched some new designs in the last couple of weeks that we're thrilled to share. Pay them a visit! 

WELCOME TO THE WEB:

Candace and Kids Soap Company - Hand Poured Organic Soap

Tonique Skin Whitening Products

Discount Lift Chair .com

Welcome Generation Flirt - Flirty Intimates and Apparel For Women

Got curves, ladies? Show them off with Generation Flirt intimates and tees!

We have had a wonderful experience with Sibelle - and are so glad they hired us to be their Volusion Designer – Welcome to the internet... Generation Flirt clothing! For ladies t-shirts, tanks, and super-cute undergarments for ladies - this is the place to go. Look out, Victoria's Secret!

Visit The Website - Find Them On Facebook

Sibelle and Josue started in their garage researching the perfect 'feeling' fabrics and even taking sewing classes – they learned all about what makes good quality clothing and what it takes in the clothing industry to be successful.

Generation Flirt has come a long way! For GF, hard work and a labor of love has taken them to a large warehouse where all the products are now made - and we're pleased to announce - a brand new online store. (one of the PRETTIEST website designs we've done to date!)

Generation Flirt clothing is for the flirty, fun and free spirit. Not only does Generation Flirt have great form-fitting sexy tees that show off your curves but there are three types you can choose from – Baby T-shirts, Cami’s and the Swoop low neck t-shirt. The tees appear to be cut longer than typical - which is an asset that many women LOVE in a soft-sexy-tee!

The Generation Flirt panties come is Sassy Chic, Playful Chic and Flirty Comfort.

Visit Generation Flirt for some great clothes for the curves you have and want to show off! Thanks to Sibelle and Josue for their business, and Good Luck!

LipoGarments - Clothes To Help You Heal From Surgery

What exactly is a Lipo Garment? We found out as we began the journey of doing a new e-commerce design for Lipo Garment’s new website with owner, Wendy - and we got to do their new logo design, too.

Lipo Garments products are designed to physically compress a specific area of the body, to resolve pain and keep things 'in place', if you will - during recovery from cosmetic or reconstructive surgery garments such as – c-sections, breast augmentations, breast reductions or liposuction.

These innovative compression garments are made from light weight, stretchy and latex free fabric to assist in effective compression.

The facial compression garment provides compression and support to surgical areas after procedures such as face lift, chin lift, neck lift or any surgeries involving the chin or neck area.

If you have had a recent c-section or having one, we would recommend the Abdominal Binder. Believe us when we say this, you must have this! This abdominal compression binder is a 3 panel, 9” high abdominal binder that is flannel lined. No panel rolling and is available in white. This abdominal compression binder can assist in supporting after tummy tucks, post hernia surgery, c-sections, abdominal strains and so much more!

LipoGarments.com sells their products on the popular Volusion platform. We are pleased to have assisted in the Volusion store design of such a useful and helpful product. Good luck LipoGarments!

Webdesign In The Eye Of The Beholder

Have you ever thought, “That’s the ugliest, most confusing web site I’ve seen to date...” and just couldn’t hit the exit button fast enough? Thinking to yourself – “Ugly…Ugly…Ugly - those colors are awful, and that music didn’t make it any better, what were they thinking when they created this?” Sure you have. One has to wonder if the web designer is creating the site design based on their client’s preferences on color, style, and content – or if the web designer is just not using instinct and experience on what will work for a web site depending on it’s audience, and needed functionality. If it’s the first case scenario, then the old saying “the customer is always right” should not apply to web design!

Leaving some of the design to the professionals (based on your inspiration and style, of course...) can result in more targeted traffic, and wider exposure and hopefully ‘actionable’ items – that is, graphics and keywords to entice your clients to CLICK around, and BUY your things! The pros have the insight and imagination to create a web site that showcases your particular product or service – and hopefully from your online buyer’s point of view.

It’s always good to keep your viewer’s interest, entertain them a bit – and lure them into wanting to know and see more of your web site. And as always - navigation should be clear and consistent; user friendly and ‘brain pleasing’. We please the brain by not making it do too much work. 'Effortless' is a good word here...

Designers listen to and work with their clients to produce a website that is pleasing to them (as site owners) and looks how they envisioned; but in turn – clients of web design services need to remember to trust in their designer’s suggestions and their talent & experience for being able to see the overall picture.

Of course, not every suggestion or idea is going to be accepted or workable – we know this. However, there are some of us out there who are truly interested in helping your company be a success on the internet – and we don’t just say things to complicate the process, rather, we hope that we’re sharing valuable information with you that will help you have more success on the growing and changing internet.

And - we don't know everything there is to know about your product or service. We NEED your input and feedback along the way to get to a design that works for you (and for your audience!) - and produces good results where accessiblity, functionality and overall look and feel are concerned.

Just like art – web design is subjective. What we like as individuals is not always as pleasing to our neighbor’s eyes, and when you are on stage to the whole world (wide web) don’t you want to put your best foot forward?

So, keep an open mind with your next web design project, and find a designer (hopefully US!) who will work with you to achieve your goals, see your vision and keep your audience interested!

New E-Commerce Websites And Designs

Welcoming two new e-commerce designs to the internet: Mountain Mama's Soy Candles in a Can - and Nothing But Chocolate!

Mountain Mama's Kitchen creates YUMMY soy candles in-a-can featuring Hand-poured, cotton wick, lead-free DOUBLE scented candles! With fascinatingly creative titles - such as Elk-Poop In A Can (which is really chocolate Biscotti) and Trailer Trash In-A-Can - you can't go wrong with these for your own personal stash of good-smelling things, or for a great gift.





Also welcoming Nothing But Chocolate - and their name leaves NOTHING But CRAVINGS to the imagination. Each order produced in small batches - hand made fresh for each order. Perfect for special occasions such as weddings, baby showers, holiday events and more - The owners of Nothing But Chocolate will work with you one-on-one to create the perfect sweet nothings for your event or taste, and they make a great party favor.



Once again - I have to say - we're so pleased to be able to help small businesses (and large ones too!) bring their vision online. With E-Commerce template designs, in so many cases - we find that store owners don't feel that their 'personality' and vision come through in their design. We try really hard to see your vision, and make it come to life online.

Welcome to the web to all the new clients we're working on - and may your new store flourish - we know you'll both do great!

E-Commerce Suggestions From Kari & Company

So many of our clients come to us and say - "I'm not sure where to start" - we always try to help our clients along the way and offer suggestions based on their needs.

Of all the issues that arise during the process of designing an e-commerce template or website - we find that the products, features or promotions aren't always 'in your face' front-and-center of the store in a way that entices the potential customer to want to buy. So when you work with us - we will usually make suggestions like these - we want to share them with you now:

1/ Say who you are on your homepage: From the moment someone hits your site - they should know what you're about. Steve Krug's book - Don't Make Me Think - is a great primer to this concept. Sure, the book is a few years old - but the idea is forever. Your potential client doesn't want to click for days to find your products or what they need. They want to be in control; and know where they are. Say who you are and give them options RIGHT FROM THE START!

2/ Offer standard layout when you can: Store owners don't always like the standard layouts - horizontal navigation, side menus, etc - and want something different and unique. But the truth is - standard layout is what your user expects. They EXPECT to see your logo and branding top left. They EXPECT to see horizontal and/or left-side navigation so they can find what they are looking for - categorized in an intuitive way.

3/ Treat it like a REAL STORE: Store owners of e-commerce sites often think that what they are doing is totally different from owning a brick and mortar storefront. Really, it's not. E-commerce site owners have to prepare 'virtual endcaps' with great promotions, graphics and displays in and around their site, have 'point of purchase displays' throughout the shopping process to incent your client to click around, and showcase their product and/or services in a creative way.

4/ Keep it clean and fresh through design: Certainly - the end-user experience should be an aesthetic one; one that looks and feels nice. This creates a sense of security - a nicely designed website will give your client a feeling that they're buying from someone who cares enough about their store to keep it nice.

TIP: "Splash pages" are officially out. Just so you know. I still get people ask for these all the time. While they're cool - and pretty - it's an extra click for your client! People tell me all the time - "I leave a website that has one of those intro pages....." Now, if you really want one - I can make you a darn pretty one. Even a Flash one (which are more annoying to users than the static ones...) But don't be surprised if I try to talk you out of it - because I don't want you to lose visitors. :)

That's about it for now. Certainly each design or project has it's own needs - and we try to customize your results based on your vision and needs. Happy Surfing!

Expanding Services - New E-Commerce Design Platforms Availalb

Well, I'm pretty proud of myself over here - I taught myself how to customize 2 new carts this week. How's that for expanding horizons? :)

I really love it when we take time to figure out how something works - and help someone out - and such was the case in all three of these instances.

While I already had some experience with Core Commerce - (One website - Camo Supply - online boutique carrying hunting, fishing gear and more) and have an opportunity to work on another one right now. This one's cool - it's CANADIAN - and you know how I love those Canadians -( the guys at Attribune )- they helped me with that horrible virus last year. And - this new Core Commerce site sells a really cool product.
Also, helped a colleague with a Channel Advisor store - which once it's live - is going to be GORGEOUS. Can't wait to post a link to it.

Also, customized a very cool E-Bay Company Pro-Stores site. I'll post a link as soon as it's live - but it looks great so far!

I will be adding these services to my schedule of services - likely at the same price as Volusion customization. I haven't completely decided yet, because the features and flexibility of each are so different - it might take doing a few before I really know how much time it will take.

Why Volusion for E-Commerce?

I have tons of clients wonder if I work for Volusion, because I recommend it so much. The short answer - is "No". But when it comes to e-commerce, it's the one hosted shopping cart solution I recommend every time.

It's not just because I work on the designs for many Volusion sites, it's because I own my own Volusion store, and manage a few others. When it comes to sales and traffic reporting, product import and display, feature-rich amenities that are hosted - all in one place - Volusion is the best I've come across so far.

I've worked with many other carts - and I have to say, from a designer's point of view, and also from a store owner aspect - for ease-of-use backend for the merchant, design flexibility, and GREAT support that comes with this hosted solution - Volusion is hands-down the best bang for your buck.

To have a V-Store, you don't have to have hosting. You can sign up for your domain, your shopping cart software, apply for a merchant account and secure your site with SSL (Secure socket layer) technology - all in one place.

Owning an e-commerce site is much like having a physical storefront. You have to manage your inventory, display your products - say "Who you are" and "What you do" right on the front page - so that from the moment your customer hits your site (first page, above the fold) they see what you're about, and are enticed to click around and take ACTION! (BUY) It's no different from arranging an endcap, or preparing a great point of purchase display at a store. With Volsuion, you can easily add product, process orders, set up shipping and accept payments - all with one convenient control panel and monthly payment.

So, for e-commerce, Kari & Co. recommends Volusion. For more reasons why or to see if Volsuion is a good fit for your needs - shoot us an email. We're happy to help and answer questions you might have.

AGAIN - I don't work for Volusion and never have - I just think it's a great product. And so will you.

We Refuse To Participate in the Recession....

The internet is where it's at - for e-commerce, and visibility. Kari and Company is proud to welcome some new clients to the web. Some for the first time, and others as a redesign of their existing website. This group is all Volusion E-commerce designs. There's also a few Joomla customizations coming soon - for NOT JUST INVITATIONS (not live yet) and RED ARENA (A non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids with disabilities through equine therapy). We're just wrapping up those sites - and a few others - so look for them to come soon!

WELCOME:

Suite Tabu:

What IS Suite Tabu? It's a cool collection of eco-friendly and eclectic products perfect for gift-giving, or self-indulgence (in a good way!) check out Akidah Njuzu's serious style at www.whatissuitetabu.com.





HPMS: The Therapy Connection

Bio-Freeze Lovers UNITE! Are you athletic? Are you tired and achy from it? (I would be, LOL) - if so - HPMS The Therapy Connection has the products you need, from exercise therapy to rehabilitation and taping/bandaging - everything you need to stay fit and healthy!





GETTING MARRIED?

Then you DEFINITELY need a customized, personalized aisle runner, a personalized parasol, or a hand-painted sign or banner to WOW your guests. Check out these beautiful hand-made creations if you're planning a wedding!





DO YOU PLAY GOLF? DO YOU LIVE ON THE WEST COAST?

Then CLEARLY West Coast Golf Rewards is for you. If you play often, you can purchase a "West Coast Golf Rewards Card" and get discounts at your favorite golf courses, and on new ones you'd like to play! Tons of benefits for the frequent golfer - learn more on their website!



GOT COUTURE?

IF not - you need YOURS TRULY COUTURE. Great fashion at an affordable price. Choose from clothing, handbags, jewelry, and more!








WHAT A GREAT GIFT... BABY SHOE!

Need a gift for the new baby? This website is packed with great ideas to make memories for the baby. Great gift ideas including gift tins, stuffed animals and the very cool name/date baby shoe - as featured on NBC's TODAY SHOW. Learn more about these great gift ideas at BABYSHOE.com...






GOT MAKEUP?

Well now you can. Rellas Cosmetics is THE wholesale connection for makeup and cosmetics resellers around the world. The best makeup brands, the best wholesale prices.






Welcome online - everyone! :)

Gosh, I've been busy... but new GREAT sites are up!

Hi Everyone, I've been busy lately! But there's some newcomers (at least, new designs for me - some of them have been around!) to the web I'd like to take a moment to introduce!

A great big Texan Internet "HELLO" to:

Inspired Endurance:
Marie is a crafts-woman who creates custom gold and silver jewelry for the inspired athlete. The perfect gift for someone in your life who is training for a marathon or running event, or any sort of endurance sport. She's got the best, most unique jewelry.

I have to say - she sent me the CUTEST bracelet (or, RACE-let!) and I just love it. You'll be inspired by her, and her products. Check out her new site.


Wine Christmas
Chari and her team at SuVino Winery have
been working hard to get their ultra-cool new site, Wine Christmas - up and running for you to browse holiday ornaments, decor, wine stoppers, items for the home and table - and more!

The Winery is great fun too - and look soon for DIVA WINE SHOP for all your whimsical wine gifts!




And also for your holiday season shopping needs....
Christmas Dealz
Brandon and his team at Christmas Dealz have the best electronics, Wii, Nintendo, Games, and so much more - for great GREAT holiday gifts for the kiddos, or grown ups (like me) who still love to play.

He's a very smart guy, super-nice, and extremely customer service oriented. He'll provide quality, authentic products - and great service and support with your order. You can't go wrong buying your Holiday gifts here.

Get ready for Holiday shopping with these great sites!!

Beautysak LAUNCHED

A new site (on Volusion e-commerce) launched last week - and I am proud to say I am behind the template, created to mirror the original beautysak.com website. Check it out here: www.beautysak.com. If you need any sort of makeup, skin care products, hair care products or nail polishes - beautysak.com has what you need.

E-Commerce Solutions

Need to sell your stuff online? There's so many options available, I thought I'd share some of my experience.

Depending on:
1/How many products you have to sell
2/Your budget
3/Your hosting arrangements (do you already have a website hosted?)
4/Your reporting and management needs

I have several systems that I've worked with now, that I can categorize to best make a suggestion to how you should choose.

If you are looking for great reporting and support, as well as a hosted solution (that is, you don't have a dedicated host for your website), I highly recommend Volusion, a hosted e-commerce solution that is fully customizable, with GREAT support, and GREAT reporting. With Volusion, you'll pay for hosting, and (maybe) your domain, and you can also sign up for a SSL certificate (Secure Socket Layer) and a merchant account + gateway (to accept credit card payments) all in one swoop. With this solution, you'll choose different packages depending on how many products you sell.

If you already have a hosting account, and you're on a tighter budget, you can always opt for an Open Source (Free, under the GPL License) product like Zen Cart, or OS Commerce. Another option, is to go with a CMS (Content Management System) like Joomla, and install a shopping cart component to go with it, like Virtue Mart. All of these options are 'free', but since they are so, the support is more of a 'community' of people who work with these applications. While they all work great, once installed and configured, they do require a little more learning on your part, as the end user. They are also customizable with template structure, and can be managed by you.

There are thousands of other applications and programs out there, but these, so far - have proven the most efficient for managing and selling products. If you can afford to go Volusion - I do recommend it highly because of their awesome support staff.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns - we'll be happy to be candid with our experiences in this arena.

Happy Selling!