Google

Google unveiled its newest search enhancement, Google Instant Previews (GIP), in November. Denoted by a small magnifying glass to the right of a search listing, GIP allows searchers to look at a mini version (also called a snippet) of a specific web page before they commit to clicking on it. Is this a game changer? Not exactly, but it certainly does make things interesting.

Despite the fact that most online retailers today understand that video increases the stickiness of their websites, improves their search engine rankings and helps close more deals, only a small number employ the best practices necessary to take full advantage of video's search engine optimization promise. 

In the tech world, 2010 will be remembered for a few newsworthy events. The iPad launched last spring and took tablets mainstream. In August, sales of Android devices trumped iPhone sales for the first time. Just several weeks ago, the industry eagerly witnessed Google's (GOOG) jaw-dropping (and rejected) bid for Groupon.

Innovation is a fundamental requirement for building a sustainable organization. That said, innovating isn't an easy task. Few organizations have built an innovation framework that fosters economically sound and measured innovation. As the internet and subsequent globalization increase the volume and accessibility of new ideas, it's become more important for companies to innovate intelligently, consistently and quickly. By leveraging internet offerings, both as a vehicle for mass communication and a distributed application, companies can integrate the internet as a means for innovation.

Search engines are constantly evolving, and none more so than Google. In fact, Google has created a unique position in the online landscape: it's both a search engine and comparison shopping engine, thanks to its price comparison service, Google Product Search (GPS). GPS, like many of Google's products and services, is updated regularly. And, as usual, any changes by Google are a call to action for marketers and retailers.

Treat your online customers badly and it will move your company up in the search rankings? That bizarre and awful strategy may have worked for one website for awhile, but not anymore, says Google.

New marketing vehicles such as the iPad bring cross-channel retailers innovative ways to reach consumers. But they also complicate life, making it a challenge to get a clear picture of which marketing activities are driving the most traffic to a website.

What any e-retailer really needs to make 2011 a great year is some way to grow year-over-year visitors by 10 percent to 
15 percent.

Rebuild it or else. This is the emerging mind-set of mid-sized companies as they start to feel the growing pains of a first generation e-commerce site that no longer supports their needs. Lack of features, scalability challenges, weak business tools, the need for mobile and social commerce support, and a slew of other challenges have driven many online sellers to a tipping point. Their current online solutions will not cut it.