SLI Systems

In this edition of the E-Commerce Performance Indicators and Confidence (EPIC) Report, SLI Systems provides industry survey findings from 276 e-commerce professionals. While e-commerce confidence remains strong, variations in expansion plans across industries demonstrate how different markets are taking different approaches to e-commerce growth.

In Q3 2017, SLI Systems found expectations for increased online revenues steadily increasing year-over-year, brick-and-mortar forecasts upbeat, but geographic expansion plans waning. In addition, many retailers have concrete AI plans for the next 12 months, yet VR/AR, voice-activated apps and virtual buying assistants remain elusive. Lastly, the study found customer experience taking second place among top priorities for the first time — trailing only replatforming as the top initiative in Q3. The full report is available for download.

Every website has it. That small box in the header with the picture of a magnifying glass to the right. We call it the search box, and it's kind of the unsung hero of your e-commerce site. And maybe it isn't the sexiest topic in the world, but it doesn't have to be because site search has a return on investment story that speaks for itself. Retailers typically report two or three times the amount of conversions for site search users.

One Kings Lane, a flash-sales site for high-end home goods, has taken a different approach to building a high-quality affiliate program. Its solution is to block coupon, loyalty or any other nonbrand relevant sites from its affiliate program. This puts all affiliates on a level playing field, making the program very attractive to those affiliates who

Using compelling content, smart retailers like The Home Depot, e.l.f. Cosmetics, Kidrobot and REI are giving consumers unique and memorable shopping experiences that create powerful brand loyalty and convince them to buy. Here's how they do it:
 

PROBLEM: Thompson & Morgan (T&M), one of the largest seed and plant retailers in the U.K., was unhappy with its site search upon migrating to a new e-commerce platform.

There was an energy — not to mention growing audience — to the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition (IRCE) last week that reflected the fast pace of change in the industry. The hot topics for catalogers included the following:

Site search for retailers used to be just about products — i.e., making sure that when your customers come to your website and type in a product name, they see an appropriate list of items. Today's site search landscape is much more complex. Social media, video and learning-based content all need to be woven into search, along with brick-and-mortar inventory and product availability. In addition, it all needs to take into account the special search requirements of mobile users. While achieving an amazing site search experience requires careful attention, it's extremely valuable for driving more conversions and higher order values on your site. Here are five tips for making your site search as robust as possible: