What would happen if Google figured out a way to spread ecommerce across the Internet, bringing individual product listings to the sites and blogs you visit in a very targeted manner? If this idea intrigues you, you'll want to read today's article, "Ecommerce 3.0: Extending the Marketplace with Google ProductAds." It's a vision of what Ecommerce might look like if Google were to leverage their AdWords platform, and at the end of the article, we link to the AuctionBytes Blog where you can join the conversation.
Today's newsletter also features an interview with Etsy.com's Adam Brown, and Greg Holden brings us news that AOL is closing its photo-hosting service. Collector's Corner Michele Alice takes us on a ride with a review of some transportation token resources, and of course we have the "First Item Sold Online" feature and letters from readers.
Over the summer, we conducted a survey of readers to find out what areas of online retailing you were interested in learning more about, and found that driving traffic to listings was at the top of the list. Readers wanted to learn about search engine optimization, Internet marketing, email marketing and advertising, along with ecommerce web hosting and website design, followed by other areas of etailing.
In fact, 94 percent of readers indicate they would be interested in subscribing to a newsletter that addressed such issues (6 percent would not commit), and 62 percent said they would be interested in receiving an email newsletter about ecommerce strategies on a weekly basis (many wanted to receive it daily!).
We thought that's what you'd say. I'm happy to announce that the first issue of the EcommerceBytes Insider newsletter debuted last week. The newsletter kicked off with an interview with Google Product Manager Jessica Ng, who answered questions about Google Product Search, and an article by Volusion's Chief Operating Officer Clay Olivier, who wrote about effective search engine optimization. The issue also featured a profile of Dave Wachtendonk who operates the MurderMysteryManiacs.com website.
We will publish EcommerceBytes Insider monthly, bringing readers articles about successful online selling - directly from industry insiders who share their firsthand observations of what works and doesn't work for the merchants they work with every day. EcommerceBytes Insider picks their brains and brings readers advice to help them succeed in their online retail business.
You can opt-in to the newsletter by visiting EcommerceBytes.com.
Our EveryPlaceISell.com merchant directory (EPIS) is growing by leaps and bounds. A new feature lets shoppers browse listings by venue, so you can see all the merchants who have a Bonanzle or TIAS.com store, for example. If you're loyal to a certain site, let the administrators know about EPIS - it's a great opportunity to get their sites more visibility!
We've got additional new features on the way, and if you have a listing on EveryPlaceISell.com, you'll be on the list to learn about them - and about some fabulous opportunities to get visibility in front of shoppers. There's no charge, so I hope every AuctionBytes reader will take advantage of the directory - and help us support independent merchants.
Thanks for reading.
