Black Friday Online Sales up 11% Over Last Year

Greater flexibility for payment options, exclusive online-only specials and better customer service for online purchases has resulted in a dramatic increase for online sales compared with last year. In prior years, online e-commerce activity centered on browsing and comparison shopping, but much of the actual purchasing still occurred via mail order, phone order or by visiting the physical storefront. Back then, the website functioned mainly as a fancy business card, digital brochure or a duplicate of audio and video commercials businesses were already airing on more traditional media platforms.


Today, the American public utilizes e-commerce to purchase as well as browse for goods and services sold through websites. What helps sites to attract new visitors and retain returning customers? Well, there are many factors involved, but first among these includes providing fresh, usable content.


Do you sell a product requiring assembly? A how-to video depicting the process enhances customer confidence as well as customer service. Are you a creative talent looking to showcase your work with an online portfolio? Consider offering small, free graphics, music samples or animations for use on personal websites. Many websites incorporate a range of options from traditional slideshows to streaming video to online games.


Updating frequently with fresh content related to the main focus of your website is one of the most important ways of improving your standing in search engine rankings. Another major method for improving visibility is to have relevant incoming links. Providing useful or entertaining content will encourage others looking for relevant content to link to you.*


The team at Boudell Web Works endeavors to enhance our client's web experience. Our web development projects are based on the business owner's level of experience. For clients who prefer a hands-off level of involvement, we offer monthly update packages, including content generation services such as research, copy writing, video, graphics, animation and music. For clients who want to generate and manage their own content, we offer web-based modules for do-it-yourself newsletter generators and other customized content update options.


Of course, content isn't necessarily your site's only purpose. Schedulers, event calendars, specials and online sales options extend the usability and interactivity of your website and entice repeat visitors. Take the time to analyze whether adding a newsletter generator or a monthly site update through a web-enabled application will help provide you with the tools to make content generation and updating a more productive experience.


*Look for the next newsletter on Links and Search Engine Rankings: What Helps, What Hurts. And remember to contact the team at Boudell Web Works to facilitate your content generation and web updates for your next web development project.