Introducing the CSP Commerce Account Managers

We would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to two of our leading Account Managers: Christina & Aaron.

Christina

For three years, Christina has been the glue at CSP, balancing her role as Account Manager with her ‘work mum’ duties. She loves meeting new people, building relationships, and might even recruit you for her netball team! When she’s not on the job, you’ll find her either coaching netball, cruising on her motorbike, or enjoying a cold beer on a sunny day.

Aaron

Meet Aaron, your multitasking Account Manager who's been at CSP for over a year. He’s a pro at keeping clients happy and outside of work enjoys hiking and detoxing in nature. If he was stranded on a desert island he’d take his dog Rigby, Wi-Fi and his PlayStation. Fun fact: Mary Berry once called his baking ‘better than expected!’

“

Our main goal is to be the voice of the customer and ensure that they understand every aspect of the project, from initial concept and strategy to performance and metrics.

Day-to-day, we offer guidance and advice on projects, coordinate the internal teams and monitor internal and external comms. We want to support the client’s growth while being there for them anytime they need help.

Set up a call here

Christina

Account Manager

So, what do they do and why do they play such an important role?

Here are some ways that our Account Managers can help:

Bridge the Gap

We are here to bridge the gap between CSP commerce, your company and any other internal/external contacts that are involved. This can include regular meetings between the relevant teams and/or 1-to-1 calls to go through things like performance, reporting and ongoing plans.

Quick Response

Our Account Managers are on hand to address their queries, concerns and feedback quickly and efficiently. They can direct the enquiry to the right team (whether that’s Marketplace Management, the Performance team, Web Development, Social Commerce or Content Marketing) for a faster response.

Consistent Communication

Having an Account Manager ensures that you are regularly updated on the progress of campaigns, project milestones and any suggestions to enhance performance. This is just one of the ways we work towards a clear two-way method of communication and building a strong relationship with our clients.

Personalised Service

They can tailor bespoke services and strategies to fit your unique needs and goals. This will include getting to know the business and understanding the industry.

Proactive Problem Solving

Occasionally things do go wrong but that’s okay! CSP Commerce AMs are there to spot potential issues or problems, and address them before they escalate. This ensures smoother project execution and better results (as well as reducing stress for both parties!)

Want to get started?

We would love to work with you to really take your marketing to the next level! If you would like to discuss your requirements, get in touch with our team today.

Let’s Talk!

Already with us?

Current clients should already have an allocated Account Manager, and be communicating with them on a regular basis. We want to remind you that as an extended arm of the business, we are always here to help.

The post Maximising Marketing Impact: The advantages of having a CSP Account Manager appeared first on CSP Commerce.

For many years, the phrase ‘content is king!’ has been used in marketing, B2B and B2C. But is it still a true statement in 2024?

Content is something that most business owners, marketing managers and other industry professionals will most likely be familiar with. It’s an effective way of communicating with target audiences, whether this be through blogs, videos, web pages or case studies.

But it’s not about creating content for the sake of it. The most important thing is to write content that is relevant, engaging and answers the questions that your customers are asking.

Having a content marketing strategy in place can have many benefits, including driving traffic, building brand authority, and nurturing customer relationships.

Here are some of the reasons content remains an important part of any marketing strategy.

Increases brand visibility and traffic

Content marketing, which covers a range of material like blogs, videos, infographics, and social media posts, is key in helping ecommerce businesses attract potential customers to their website.

By creating valuable and interesting content which is optimised for search engines like Google, companies can improve their visibility in search results, driving organic traffic to their website.

Gain authority and trust

High quality content positions ecommerce businesses as authorities in their industry. When they regularly write valuable and informative content that addresses the needs of their target audience, they establish trust and credibility. This then encourages them to choose their brand over competitors.

Educating customers and driving sales

Content marketing allows ecommerce businesses to educate their audience about their products or services, industry trends, and useful guides.

By providing valuable information, they can address any blockers that are preventing the customer from buying and take steps to resolve the issue, which will lead to increased sales.

Customer engagement and loyalty

Did you know that repeat customers spend 67% more than new customers? (BIA Advisory Services)

This is another reason that content is important, because it has the power to create a community of loyal customers that support you and continue to return to buy again and again.

But it’s not just the repeat sales that have value, loyal customers are also likely to leave positive reviews, interact with your business and share you with family and friends.

Supporting SEO

Content marketing is an essential part of search engine optimisation, which is also known as SEO. Publishing well-written, relevant content regularly can improve a website’s search engine rankings, making it more visible to potential customers searching for related products or information.

Cost-effectiveness

Compared to traditional advertising methods, content marketing can be more cost-effective, especially for ecommerce businesses with limited marketing budgets. The long term benefits, such as increased brand awareness and customer loyalty, outweigh the initial cost.

If you are struggling for time and resources, consider outsourcing the work to experts like CSP Commerce, as this ensures you get professional content without having to hire internally (which would cost much more!)

Measurable results

With various analytics tools available, ecommerce businesses can track the performance of their content marketing efforts and make changes to their strategy based on the data driven results.

Metrics that can be used for analysis and improvement include website traffic, engagement, conversion rates, and customer feedback.

Email marketing

And content marketing doesn’t stop at web pages and blogs. Email marketing also plays a huge role in ecommerce success, with “41% of marketers saying it is their most effective marketing tool.” [https://www.litmus.com/state-of-email-reports]

Through carefully planned and executed automations, we are now able to communicate with the customer at exactly the right time in their purchasing journey.

One-off campaigns are also a great way to interact with customers and nurture the relationship, while also using the opportunity to announce new products, give business updates and offer insightful information like guides and how-tos.

Success Stories

Content marketing has proved as a success for many ecommerce businesses, with many well-known brands and large scale enterprises incorporating it into their marketing strategy.

Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka

One marketing strategy we need to mention is one form Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, as they are the perfect example of how to use a popular influencer to raise brand awareness.

Known for his successful comedy career, Ricky Gervais joined Ellers Farm Distillery as the new co-owner back in November 2023. Since then, they have allowed him to take reigns of the marketing and really put his own stamp on it using his own following and network to get the name out there.

Let’s take a look at some examples of the star’s social media posts.

If you are a fan of his comedy, this is just the sort of advertising you expect from Ricky Gervais. The silly, laid back humour is a strategy that you don’t often see in the world of marketing – with many brands choosing to present themselves in a corporate, professional way (which not many people can actually relate to.) By striking a funny pose, taking a photo in the bath and quite obviously making fun of himself, Ricky automatically turns it into one that people can engage with, relate to and of course, laugh at.

What we love about this particular social media content is that in it, he isn’t taking himself too seriously and, like his own personality and characters he plays, comes across as fun, silly and  a bit daft. These things make the posts stand out and encourage people to share the laughs with

With 115k likes on the original post, it has definitely succeeding in capturing the audience’s attention and much like Ricky’s 2020 Golden Globes opening speech, it is clear that they won’t be sticking to the traditional marketing norms.

And, who doesn’t love animals?

Ricky knows just how to grab our attention (and hearts!) with a carefully orchestrated photo of his adorable cat and which happens to feature his product too. Based on the caption, Gervais knows exactly what he’s doing and even jokes that he is ‘exploiting’ his pet. A lot of people would prefer to be advertised to in an honest way – and will opt for a brand like this, who are openly admitting they’re using emotional tactics to get the sales.

Have you ever heard a company promote their marketing campaign as the ‘worst ad ever?’ In most cases, this would be seen as a big no-no, but for Gervais’ brand it’s a big yes!

The 40 second clip shows Ricky asking a doctor if he “is a real doctor” to which he replies “No, no I am an actor.” Breaking the third wall, the audience knows that the actors know it’s not real, and they know it’s not real too.

In the next scene, Gervais says “Like George Clooney in E.R. So Doctor, can you tell us some of the dangers of alcohol?”

There is huge irony in asking about the medical effects of alcohol in an advert… About alcohol! The answer from the doctor shouldn’t encourage us to go and buy Dutch Barn Vodka, but because of the quick with and blunt humour, it encourages us to buy it.

Time to talk?

Do you think your content needs a refresh? Or maybe you know it’s not working as well as it should?

Our content team can create a content strategy and calendar before creating marketing activities like blogs, emails, social media posts and pages on your website. We can also audit existing content and highlight any areas for improvement.

Get in touch to find out more.

The post The Impact of Content Marketing in Ecommerce appeared first on CSP Commerce.

In the ever-evolving world of ecommerce, staying ahead with trends is crucial for businesses that want to continue to succeed.

Google has consistently been at the forefront of these game changing updates, providing tools and platforms that empower businesses to reach wider audiences and drive more sales.

The latest innovation in this realm is Google Merchant Center Next, a powerful upgrade designed to streamline the way businesses manage and display their products across Google’s huge network.

What is Google Merchant Center Next?

Google Merchant Center Next is the newest edition of Google Merchant Center, an essential tool for e-commerce businesses to manage their product listings on Google Shopping, Google Ads and other Google services.

This upgraded platform brings a host of new features and improvements aimed at making the process more intuitive, efficient and impactful for merchants.

Key features and benefits

Improved user interface Google Merchant Center Next boasts a revamped interface that is more user-friendly and intuitive. This makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to navigate the platform and manage their product listings effectively.

Advanced automation tools One of the standout features of Google Merchant Center Next is its advanced automation capabilities. From feed updates to intelligent product categorisation, these tools save time and reduce manual effort. Thus allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth.

Improved data insights The new platform offers deeper insights into product performance with enhanced analytics and reporting tools. Businesses can now access detailed metrics on impressions, clicks, and conversions, enabling them to make data-driven decisions to optimise their product listings.

Seamless integration with Google services Google Merchant Center Next integrates seamlessly with other Google services such as Google Ads and Google Analytics. This integration ensures that your product data is consistently accurate and up-to-date across all platforms, maximising your visibility and reach.

New ad formats With Google Merchant Center Next, businesses can take advantage of new ad formats and placements. This includes enhanced product ads that appear in more places across Google’s network, such as YouTube and Gmail, reaching potential customers where they spend their time online.

Localised inventory ads For businesses with physical stores, Google Merchant Center Next supports localised inventory ads, which show customers the products available in nearby stores. This drives foot traffic and boosts local sales by connecting online shoppers with offline inventory.

Starting with Google Merchant Center Next

Transitioning to GMC Next is designed to be seamless.

Existing users of Google Merchant Center will find their data and settings automatically migrated to the new platform, and we have seen many of our clients moved onto GMC Next already.

For new users, getting started is as simple as creating an account and uploading your product data.

What we think

The Google team share their thoughts:

The new interface has a modern, fresher look and is much more organised compared to the old Merchant Center view.

Like with anything new, we are still getting used to the new navigation and finding our way around. However, we are excited to be able to start using it and build on our knowledge and skills.

We are looking forward to using the new features Google are introducing, such as AI Product Image optimisation to fix some of the issues we typically see product feeds are affected by.

The post Unlocking the Future with Google Merchant Center Next appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Amazon Prime dates have just been announced and the promotional event will take place on the 16th-17th July 2024. Prime Day was created with prime users in mind. It’s all about offering deals/discounts exclusively to Prime members from small businesses to big brands for a limited time. And with Prime Day being just around the corner, it’s a great opportunity for sellers to boost their sales and capture the attention of new customers.

Prime Day 2023, was their best performing event on record, with over 345 million products purchased worldwide (Source: Amazon) and over £1.15 Billion generated in sales (Statista). This just shows the scale of opportunity available to sellers on the platform.

We want to help you to make the most out of this shopping event and that’s why we have created this quick read guide to ensure that your business is ready to thrive this Prime Day from predicting success to a post prime day review.

Amazon Prime Day – Predicting Sales

It’s important to look at your previous Prime Day sales to forecast potential performance, and review whether you need to increase your budget to help take advantage of the increased traffic throughout the promotional period. Identify best sellers and anticipate how many units you will likely sell. This data is crucial in helping you prepare and ensure you meet customer demand.

There are a number of benefits from increasing your budgets during high traffic periods, such as uplift in brand awareness and recall leading to future purchases and retention. There is also the opportunity to get ahead of your competitors by ensuring your brand is at the top of mind when customers are searching.

Amazon Prime Day – Inventory Planning

One of the most important factors for any promotional event is having enough inventory. Whether you’re fulfilling orders yourself or using Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), make sure your stock levels can handle the increased demand.

We understand the deadline has passed for Prime day but by reviewing your stock levels and monitoring how your sales perform this time, can help indicate how much stock you will need for your next promotional event. Running out of stock can lead to missed sales and disappointed customers. There is also the risk of potential customers discovering your competitors whilst your items are unavailable, leading to future loss of sales.

Enticing Deals

Amazon Prime Day is all about offering the most compelling exclusive deals for Prime members only.. It’s important to review your product margins to see what level of discounts you can offer and what type of promotion will most likely lead to sales as a lot of other competitors will also be trying to compete during the promotional event. Think about your goals, for example if you’re wanting to increase your average order value, then you could look to create a bundle offer which includes a best seller with complimentary products at a lower price to help draw your customers in.

Boost Your Visibility

Visibility is key during Amazon Prime Day. Increase your spend on sponsored product campaigns and brand ads to improve your brand’s overall visibility. We would recommend increasing your ad budget by 20% and checking in a few times a day to ensure that the campaigns are not running out of spend early in the day. We’re happy to help you determine your budgets for the promotional period, if you would like to get in touch.

In addition, try leverage email marketing and social media to help drive traffic to your Amazon listings.

Branding for Success

Make sure your product listings are retail-ready. This means having compelling product titles and informative bullet points that highlight the benefits of your products. Expand into A+ content to provide a more immersive shopping experience and build customer trust. Don’t forget to update your brand store to showcase your current offers and deals.

Effective Customer Service

Customer service can make or break your Prime Day performance. Be prompt in replying to customer queries on the listings to avoid purchase blockers. Excellent customer service can lead to positive reviews and repeat business, enhancing your brand’s reputation. Long wait times for a response can lead to negative reviews.

Post-Prime Day Review: Learn and Improve

Once Prime Day is over, it’s time to review the results. How many products did you sell? What was your conversion rate? Has impressions increased the average order value? Did your TACoS improve? Did more people visited your storefront? This analysis will help you understand what worked and what didn’t, allowing you to refine your strategy for future sales events.

By following these steps, you will be putting your brand in the best position to succeed. We have seen great results from our clients during Prime day promotions, where they have been able to increase budgets to improve visibility and uplift their sales.

We’re offering for a limited time only; a review of your three best-selling products using our 52-point check and a complimentary ads audit. If you would like to take advantage of this exclusive offer, please get in touch with our team here.

The post Amazon Prime Day: Preparing for Success appeared first on CSP Commerce.

The day is finally here… It’s time to say goodbye to Google UA!

Are you ready to wave goodbye to all your hard work?
Will your business survive having to start learning about customers again from scratch?
Can you continue to improve without having YOY & MOM comparison data?

No one wants to be in the position where they need to answer these questions but if you don’t get ready for the end of Universal Analytics, you won’t have a choice.

Google Analytics tracks significant metrics which can be compared to past performance, such as user sessions, engagement rate, key events and revenue across all of your channels. 

You can also see whether customers are new or returning, what device they are using, lifetime value, and demographics like country, age, gender and interests.

These things are essential to businesses as they can be used to determine whether a specific campaign has been a success, look at what’s worked well and what hasn’t so that you can identify key areas of improvement.

You need to be able to understand who your customers are, how they behave and the best way to target them in order to succeed (and bring in revenue!) Data is an essential for growth, scaling and perfecting your marketing strategy  – can you really afford to lose something that important?

What’s happening to Universal Analytics?

Google started phasing UA out back in March last year, and has been gradually moving accounts over to GA4. The search giant says that this is “the next generation of Analytics which collects event-based data from both websites and apps.”

In July 2023, Universal Analytics stopped processing data so the chances are that you have been using GA4 for up to a year already.

However, what some people don’t realise is that on the 1st July 2024, Google will remove its UA services and APIs completely. This means that you will lose all of your historical data and crucial information ( like past product performance, user behaviours and conversions) if you haven’t downloaded it or set-up GA4.

Still not sure? Here’s a quick overview from Google themselves:

So, how will this affect your business?

Once UA is turned off, you will no longer be able to access any of your past data including events, conversions, product performance and user metrics. 

The data likely shapes how you identify trends over time and how you view your customers, for example, giving you the information to remarket and market your products. From your findings, you can target customers at the right time, on the right platform, identify which products are producing the highest ROI, so without this, you will have lost valuable data and insights.

What should you do next?

We recommend that if you haven’t switched over to GA4 yet, you should look at this as a priority. 

The first step would be to export data from UA before the cut off date to ensure you still have all of your data. 

There are a few ways you can do this, which include:

• Exporting individual reports into CSV, TSV, TSV for Excel, Excel (XLSX, Google Sheets, or PDF.
• Using the Google Analytics Reporting API to export data to Cloud storage, before pulling it back into Looker Studio.
• Installing the Google Sheets add-on for Analytics and follow Google’s step-by-step instructions for archiving the data.
• If you are a Google Analytics 360 customer, you can easily export your data to BigQuery.

There are lots more articles out there to help you, including one that Code (which operate within the same group as CSP Commerce) has put together. We recommend you read their GA4 migration article here.

How can CSP Commerce help?

Our Performance Marketing team can support you in migrating across to GA4, whether it’s by offering advice on the best way to back up data or setting up your new properties. 

If you have any questions or would like guidance with anything from this article, please do get in touch here.

The post The End of an Era – Google UA is Going Away appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Trade Beds Direct, a leading provider of mattresses and bedding, recognised a growing need in the market for bespoke mattresses tailored to specific areas within vehicles, houses, boats, and caravans.

To cater for the increasing demand, the company decided to establish a dedicated brand of their business, custom-mattress.co.uk, which focused on custom size and shaped mattresses.

Challenges:

The primary aim of the store was to create a user-friendly, professional website that effectively showcased their bespoke mattresses.

1. Complexity of Options: With over 2,600 choices including variations in size, shape, comfort layers and presenting these options in a clear and understandable format was crucial.
2. Ease of Use: We needed to ensure that customers could easily navigate the website, understand their options and place orders without confusion or complications.
3. Guidance & Support: Because of the large number of bespoke options available, it was important to provide clear and concise information like ‘How-To’ guides and measuring instructions. This guidance is there to help the customers choose the right product, feel supported during the buying process and reduce need for returns, which would otherwise be inconvenient, time-consuming and costly.

Solution:

Custom-mattress.co.uk partnered with CSP Commerce to address these challenges and achieve their objectives.

1. Brand Design: The design team created a clean, crisp and professional brand identity and layout for the website, aligning with the customer’s requirements. Carefully selected images were utilised to enhance the design, functionality, and call-to-action elements, for a visually appealing and engaging user experience.
2. Customised Shopify App: Given the unique requirements for custom fitted mattresses, an off-the-shelf Shopify app would have been insufficient to meet their needs, while a custom app was out of budget. To overcome this limitation, we enhanced an existing Shopify app, leveraging variant metafields to customise its functionality and appearance.
3. Enhanced Functionality: By customising the selected Shopify app, custom-mattress.co.uk could store specialised information such as sizes, shapes, and comfort layer options that weren’t typically captured in default Shopify fields. This allowed for a seamless integration of the extensive range of mattress options into the website’s product pages, enabling customers to easily browse and select their desired specifications.
4. Educational Resources: In addition to the product listings, the website incorporated comprehensive ‘How-To-Guides’ directly into the product pages, providing detailed instructions and guidance on measuring spaces. This educational resource assists customers in making well-informed decisions tailored to their requirements.

Results:

The implementation of the new Shopify website and customised app yielded significant results for custom-mattress.co.uk.

1. User Experience: The clean and simple design of the website, coupled with enhanced functionality, resulted in a clear user experience, great customer satisfaction and high engagement.
2. Streamlined Ordering Process: Customers could easily navigate the extensive range of mattress options, select their desired specifications, and place orders with confidence, resulting in a streamlined ordering process.
3. Sales and Conversions: With a user-friendly interface and comprehensive product information, the website experienced an immediate growth in sales and conversions.

By leveraging innovative design and customised development solutions, CSP Commerce were able to successfully address the challenges of presenting the large number of bespoke mattress options in a clear and understandable format, ultimately enhancing their customer experience and driving business success.

Speaking about the project, Head of Ecommerce at Trade Beds Direct Wayne Dodd said:

“We wanted a website that was straight forward for our customers to use and would really drive sales and revenue. The team at CSP Commerce were extremely knowledgeable with Shopify and guided us through each step of the process to ensure we understood what was happening.

“The new custom-mattress.co.uk website built on Shopify has already seen some great success and we are extremely excited to see how much further this will grow. Our relationship with CSP Commerce has been great from start to finish, and we would really recommend them to any ecommerce businesses out there looking to increase their revenue and online presence.”

The post Bespoke website options for Custom-mattress.co.uk appeared first on CSP Commerce.

In the ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce, businesses are constantly seeking innovative strategies to maximise their online presence and boost sales. One such strategy that is not getting the attention it deserves is Affiliate Marketing. This powerful tool has the capabilities to transform the way businesses promote their products and engage with their target audience. If you are yet to take advantage of Affiliate Marketing, here are our top 5 reasons to incorporate it into your e-commerce strategy:

1. Cost-Effective Growth:

Affiliate Marketing offers a cost-effective way to expand your brand’s reach without the upfront expenses associated with traditional advertising. Instead of investing heavily in paid advertising, businesses can leverage the reach and influence of affiliates to promote their products. Affiliates are typically compensated based on performance, ensuring that your marketing budget is spent efficiently and tied directly to sales.

2. Broadened Audience Reach:

One of the key advantages of Affiliate Marketing is the ability to tap into a diverse and expansive audience. Affiliates, often bloggers, influencers, or niche experts, bring their unique follower base to the table. This results in exposure to audiences that might not be reachable through conventional marketing channels. By partnering with affiliates who align with your brand, you access a pool of potential customers who show interest in the products or services you offer.

3. Performance-Driven Results:

Affiliate Marketing operates on a performance-based model, meaning affiliates are rewarded for driving desired actions, such as clicks, leads or sales. This results-oriented approach ensures that businesses only pay for the actual value generated by the affiliate’s efforts. It’s a win-win situation, as it motivates affiliates to maximise their promotional efforts and earn higher commissions, aligning their interests with the success of your business.

4. Enhanced Credibility and Trust:

Today, consumers are more discerning and value recommendations from sources they trust. Affiliates often build strong relationships with their audience, and their endorsement of your products can significantly boost your brand’s credibility. When consumers see a product being recommended by a trusted affiliate, it adds an extra layer of authenticity and trust, making them more likely to make a purchase.

5. Data-Driven Insights:

Affiliate Marketing provides valuable insights into consumer behaviour and preferences. Through tracking and analytics tools, businesses can gather data on the performance of different affiliates, the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and the demographics of the audience reached. This data-driven approach enables businesses to refine their strategies, optimise their campaigns, and make informed decisions to drive further success.

Affiliate Marketing is a vital component of a successful e-commerce marketing strategy. Its ability to offer cost-effective growth, broaden audience reach, deliver performance-driven results, enhance credibility, and provide valuable data insights makes it an invaluable tool for businesses looking to thrive in the competitive online marketplace. By strategically integrating Affiliate Marketing into your overall marketing plan, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and establish lasting connections with your target audience.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey. Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach tailors to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,
1 New Quay Street, Manchester, M3 4BN

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebaypromotedlistings

The post Leveraging Affiliate Marketing appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Welcome to the second edition of Shopify in Sixty Seconds.   

It’s your snapshot on the latest updates on Shopify, its enterprise capabilities and our partnership. 

Excelling with WPP and WTC&T Shopify Enablement Sessions  

Making headlines this month, we welcomed our Canadian counterparts, Diff, to Manchester and London to host several enablement sessions. It was a brilliant opportunity to bring key stakeholders up to speed on how Shopify delivers for enterprise-level clients.

Other notable Shopify features and highlights include: 

Reimagine Commerce with 100+ Shopify Innovative Updates 

Recap on Shopify’s summer highlight which covered 100 updates, including Shopify Magic, AI technology that combines and the platform’s data to help millions of businesses work faster, smarter, and more creatively. 

Learn more here.

[Podcast] How to Perfect the Shopping Experience for Customers, No Matter Where They Are  

Learn how Magnolia Bakery ships baked goods online to customers nationwide and produces a shelf-stable line sold through grocery partners.  Find out how Shopify helps balance multiple sales channels through one seamless online experience. 

Learn more here.

From Medals to Merchandise: How 5 x Olympian Shaun White is Flipping to Athlete Entrepreneurship 

Hear more from Shopify President Harley Finkelstein on how Shaun is part of a new generation of athlete-entrepreneurs 

Learn more here.

To keep you informed on the latest Shopify developments and success stories within our network, we will be sharing Shopify in Sixty Seconds monthly.

In the meantime, you can learn about our Shopify capacities here.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebaypromotedlistings

The post Shopify in Sixty Seconds: December 2023 appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Retail Media has grown by 500% and is set to be a £25.1 billion opportunity in Europe alone – growing by 25% annually. Find out how it can benefit your brand to penetrate and grow market share.

One of the latest additions to ecommerce channels, often undervalued and misunderstood, is retail media. Presenting a unique opportunity, brands can capitalise on the digital footfall of other retailers’ websites by promoting products to the tops of a retailer’s digital aisles. 

It has the ability to influence the multiple touch points within the shoppers’ journey including gaining product visibility in digital aisles, terminology placements, category takeover and enhanced content. Since 2021, growth is accelerating rapidly and looking to continue at an impressive +25% annually. 

So where are brands finding value in retail media networks? 

Our research has found that 40% of shoppers opted for an alternative brand this year to save money. So brands are using retail media to appeal to the price-sensitive consumer.  But it can also be used for brands looking to penetrate a market or increase market share. This is particularly crucial for FMCG brands, where 70% of grocery sales are made from the first two rows. 

 At CSP Commerce, we encourage brands and retailers to consider retail media in five aspects: 

• Onsite Sponsored Products
• Onsite Banner Activation
• Onsite First Party Data
• Content Review and Revamp
• Off Site Activation

 We leverage our Commerce Intelligence to combine data, market research, and benchmarking to plan and execute retail media activation effectively. 

 If you want to discuss how to take advantage of retail media’s targeting, contact us using the form below.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebay

The post “Attention! Spilt Media on Digital Aisle 1” – Retail Media appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Photography for ecommerce: Mastering the Basics

With a majority of shopping transactions migrating online, a brand’s visual narrative becomes its primary method of engaging and enticing customers. Ecommerce photography is an absolute essential for success. According to Adobe, 63% of shoppers said that “high-quality product photos” are “very important when deciding whether or not to buy a product online, whilst it’s thought that 22% of returns occur “because the Product Looks Different in Person”.

Ultimately, whether you’re a Manchester based apparel wholesaler, or an electronics omnichannel retailer, a compelling photograph isn’t simply a two-dimensional representation; it’s a catalyst for emotion, interaction, and action.

So, how best can your ecommerce business get the most out of photography? How can we elevate your brand, products and social media through this important medium?

Let’s find out:

Ecommerce Photography: Constructing Identity

At its core, brand photography is about narrative. It’s the backdrop against which every product is set, the ethos that permeates every transaction, and the essence that lingers after every interaction. While product photos speak about what is being offered, brand photography communicates why.

A sustainable clothing brand, for instance, won’t just showcase well-draped apparel. Through their imagery, they might transport viewers to cotton fields, introduce them to artisans, or capture the tranquillity of nature – driving home the brand’s commitment to sustainability and ethical production.

Emotion is the currency of brand photography. It’s about evoking feelings—be it the warmth of nostalgia, the thrill of adventure, or the comfort of community. And often, these feelings are summoned not through posed shots, but candid captures. It could be a spontaneous laugh shared between colleagues, a designer lost in thought, or the sun setting over a workshop. It’s these ‘in-between’ moments that often tell the most authentic brand stories.

Elevating your brand through photography, CSP’s top tips:

1. Understand Your Brand’s Core Values

Before you snap a single photo, it’s essential to define your brand’s values. Are you about luxury, sustainability, innovation, or simplicity? Your photographs should consistently echo these values.

2. Use Consistent Lighting and Backdrops

Choose lighting and backgrounds that align with your brand’s tone. A luxury brand might opt for dramatic lighting and darker backgrounds, while a sustainable brand could lean towards natural light and earthy backdrops.

3. Prioritise Authenticity

Avoid overly staged shots. Candid moments, whether of your team, your process, or your customers, can provide a more genuine glimpse into your brand’s world.

Product Photography: Elevating Offerings

Where brand photography evokes ethos, product photography emphasises detail. It’s a close-up on craftsmanship, a spotlight on design, and a guide to utility. And while clarity is paramount, creativity is not to be overlooked.

Dynamic angles can offer fresh perspectives. A wristwatch might be photographed not just on a wrist, but also placed next to an antique compass, emphasising heritage and timelessness. A gourmet tea brand might not only showcase packed tea leaves but also capture the swirl of tea being poured, steam rising, invoking sensory experiences.

Backgrounds, too, play a role. While many opt for neutral backgrounds to highlight products, strategic placements can accentuate value propositions. A camping gear product might be set against misty mountains, reinforcing its durability in extreme conditions.

Textures deserve attention as well. The sheen of satin, the ruggedness of handcrafted leather, or the gloss of a ceramic vase—all beckon tactile interactions, making the viewer yearn to reach out and touch.

Quick wins for your product photography:

1. Prioritise Clarity:

The aim is to show the product as it is. Ensure you have a sharp focus, high resolution, and accurate colour representation.

2. Multiple Angles:

Capture every facet of your product. From the top, side, back, and even a 360-degree view if possible. This gives customers a comprehensive look at what they’re purchasing.

3. Context is Key:

How is your product used? Showing it in a real-world scenario can help potential buyers visualise its use in their own lives.

4. Close-ups and Details:

Showcase the intricate details of your products. Whether it’s the stitching on handmade clothing or the texture of a handcrafted piece of jewellery, these details can differentiate and elevate your products.

Engaging Audiences on Social Media

While a brand’s website is its online sanctuary, social media channels are its interactive playgrounds. Here, photography is not merely about showcasing; it’s about connecting and conversing.

Less formal, candid imagery tends to resonate on platforms like Instagram. A photo capturing the creative chaos of a design brainstorming session, or a snapshot of a team member’s pet lounging amidst inventory, introduces a brand’s human side, making it more than just a logo or a product.

Yet, when spotlighting a specific item, it’s essential to traverse beyond the product itself and delve into the emotions it invokes. If promoting an organic skincare range, aim to capture the texture of the cream: droplets of water on fresh green leaves, and the serene expression of an individual, emphasising the holistic experience of skincare, not just the act.

Equally, there’s no need to sacrifice consistency in the quest for variety. A cohesive visual theme, perhaps in terms of colour palettes or framing, can bolster brand recognition without making content monotonous.

In Closing: The Symphony of Imagery in Ecommerce

Ecommerce thrives on connections. Every photograph becomes a conversation, a whisper of a brand’s story, a showcase of its offerings, and an invitation to be part of its journey. As brands sculpt their online narratives, it’s crucial to let brand and product photography dance in tandem, each enhancing the other, crafting stories that linger in the heart long after the browser window is closed.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. We tailor our performance and platform-first approach to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebay

The post Shutter Success: The Art of Authenticity in Ecommerce Photography appeared first on CSP Commerce.

As brick-and-mortar shops give way to online storefronts and consumers increasingly turn to screens for their shopping needs, ecommerce has become more than just a convenience— for many, it’s essential.

Where mere seconds decide a purchase or an exit, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) emerge as critical determinants of success.

But why are these elements so vital in the ecommerce domain? Simply put, they bridge the gap between brands and consumers in a virtual world, ensuring not only functionality but also emotion, perception, and trust.

In this guide, we’ll reveal how your ecommerce business can best improve the customer journey by harnessing the power of UX and UI.

As we delve deeper into this guide, we will navigate the intricacies of UX and UI, revealing how they shape consumer behaviour as well as brand loyalty. We’ll introduce the core tools essential to improvising UX and UI, and even discuss our top checkout page tips.

The Interplay of UX and UI

While UX and UI are sometimes used interchangeably, they have distinct roles. UX is the experience a user has while interacting with your product, while UI is the series of screens, pages, and visual elements — like buttons and icons — that you use to interact with a device.

Imagine walking into a beautifully designed store. The layout, ambiance, and lighting (UI) make it visually appealing. But if you can’t easily find what you’re looking for, or the checkout process is tedious, your overall shopping experience (UX) might be less than satisfactory. In ecommerce, these elements play out on your website in the exact same way on your web storefront.

Stellar UX ensures that your customer can effortlessly navigate through your site, finding exactly what they’re looking for, and completing their purchase without hindrance. In essence, it’s about creating a frictionless path from the first point of contact right through to the checkout button. With myriad options available at their fingertips, loyalty is hard-won and easily lost. By focusing on a seamless UX, you’re not just aiding your customers; you’re building trust, establishing credibility, and, most importantly, encouraging them to return.

Making UI More Than Just Aesthetics

While it’s true that a well-designed UI will make your site visually appealing, it goes beyond mere aesthetics. Every button placement, colour choice, and typography decision plays a role in how a user feels and interacts with your platform.

A checkout button that stands out clearly will intuitively guide the user, while harmonious colour schemes can evoke trust and professionalism. In essence, your UI is the silent ambassador of your brand.

The Symbiotic Relationship

It’s essential to realise that while UX and UI have their individual roles, they’re deeply intertwined. A beautiful interface (UI) with poor navigability (UX) will frustrate users. Conversely, a highly functional site (UX) that looks outdated or cluttered (UI) might deter users from exploring further.
In ecommerce, the sweet spot lies in achieving a harmonious balance between the two, ensuring that aesthetics and functionality go hand in hand.

Optimising the checkout process
The checkout process is one of the most crucial aspects of the ecommerce journey. It’s where the user finalises their purchase, and it’s also where many businesses lose potential sales due to friction, distrust, or confusion. Optimising the checkout page using UX and UI principles is vital for conversion rate optimisation.

Optimising Checkout Pages with UX and UI Design, CSP’s 5 key tips:

1. Minimise Steps:

At the heart of UX is simplicity. A multi-step checkout might seem thorough, but to a user, it might feel tedious. Where possible, reduce the number of steps. For instance, instead of separating billing and shipping information, provide a checkbox that allows users to indicate that the information is the same, thus filling both sections simultaneously.

2. Visual Progress Indicators:

From a UI perspective, it’s beneficial to show users how far they’ve come and what’s left in the checkout process. A visual progress bar helps set expectations, reducing potential frustration.

3. Clear and Concise Form Fields:

Only ask for necessary information. Every additional field can feel like a hurdle to a user. Ensure that field labels are clear, and use input masks for phone numbers or credit card fields to guide users.

4. Offer Multiple Payment Options:

By providing a range of payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets, you cater to wider user preferences and reduce potential drop-offs.

5. Ensure Trustworthiness:

From a UI standpoint, the presence of security badges, SSL certificate icons, and trusted payment gateway logos can enhance trust. For UX, consider a clear return policy link or even a mini-FAQ section addressing common concerns.

The transition from Traditional Web Design to Sales Funnels

At its core, a sales funnel is the journey that a customer takes from the moment they discover your brand to the point of conversion (e.g., making a purchase). In ecommerce, this process has evolved from simple static web pages to intricate, data-informed pathways designed to guide users organically through the purchase journey.

To craft an effective sales funnel, you must first segment your audience. Identify different user personas, understand their unique behaviours, and tailor different funnels to address each segment’s needs. For instance, a first-time visitor might need more educational content before they make a purchase compared to a returning customer. : Tools like Google Analytics can offer insights into user behaviour. A/B testing different landing pages or call-to-actions can further refine your funnels, ensuring they are as effective as possible.

Mobile Optimization, the non-negotiable

Mobile-First Approach: With the ubiquity of smartphones, many users begin and end their shopping journey on mobile devices. Your ecommerce platform must be optimised for these users.

Mobile optimization is not just about responsive design; it’s about reimagining the entire user experience for smaller screens. This includes larger, tappable buttons, optimised images for faster loading, and simpler navigation structures.

Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can give you insights into how well your site performs on mobile devices. Moreover, platforms like AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) can help streamline your content for mobile users.

Unravelling User Behavior with Mouseflow

Mouseflow is an essential tool for any ecommerce business serious about UX. It lets you record and replay real user interactions on your site, offering invaluable insights into user behaviour. Here are a few ways it can benefit your ecommerce platform:

Session Recordings: Watch how real users interact with your site. Understand where they face friction or confusion, and iteratively refine those trouble spots.

Heatmaps: Identify which parts of your website get the most attention and which are overlooked. This can inform where you place crucial CTAs or promotions.

Funnel Analysis: Recognise at which stage users drop off in their purchase journey. Is your checkout process too complex? Are users getting lost on a particular page?

By diving into the insights that Mouseflow provides, you can make data-driven decisions that refine and optimise the user experience.

Other Essential Tools for Your UX and UI Arsenal

Google Analytics: This tool offers a comprehensive look at your website’s traffic and user behaviour. Monitor bounce rates, session durations, and more to gauge how well your site engages visitors.

Optimizely: A/B testing is crucial for UX (User Experience) and UI (User Interface) because it provides empirical evidence on which design elements or features resonate most with users, leading to better engagement and conversion rates. By directly comparing two variations, businesses can make data-driven decisions, ensuring that changes enhance the user experience rather than detract from it. Optimizely is one of many A/B testing tools on the market.. Test different layouts, colour schemes, or CTAs and determine which resonates best with your audience.

Sketch or Adobe XD: When conceptualising and designing the UI, tools like these allow for collaborative design with feedback loops, ensuring that the visual aspects align perfectly with usability.

UX and UI: essential to any ecommerce business in 2023

In the vast expanse of the digital marketplace, the stores that stand tall are those that prioritise the human touch in a virtual setting. Through thoughtful UX and compelling UI, eCommerce platforms have the power to transcend mere transactions, cultivating relationships, loyalty, and memorable experiences. As technology continues to evolve, so will the nuances of UX and UI, beckoning forward-thinking brands to remain adaptive, empathetic, and ever-focused on the user at the centre of it all. Embracing these principles is not just a strategy; it’s the future of eCommerce as we know it.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebay

The post From Clicks to Conversions: A Guide For UX and UI in Ecommerce appeared first on CSP Commerce.

Welcome to Shopify in Sixty Seconds.

Following the announcement of WPP’s global partnership with Shopify, we want to help our network realise the valuable opportunity that Shopify presents for brands and retailers.

Scott Armstrong, Commercial Director, who is championing our Shopify capabilities in EMEA, said:

“Shopify has established itself as a key enterprise platform, standing out with its remarkable speed, unparalleled uptime, and a capacity for delivering enterprise-grade functionality that sets the stage for success.

Through our network at Wunderman Thompson Commerce and Technology, we have already delivered Shopify projects for renowned brands such as Wild Fork, Glendalough, Whiteclaw and more, enabling them to capitalise on Shopify’s functionality and seamlessly scale their operations.

This digital digest aims to enable us to build on this success. It will serve as your go-to resource, offering the latest and most essential information on Shopify. Our goal is to empower you not only to understand but also to identify the perfect product fit and seize the most promising opportunities.”

Shopify in Sixty Seconds:

Shopify Audiences supercharges customer acquisition

Shopify Audiences now connects to all major advertising platforms, with Snap, Criteo, and TikTok added to the existing Shopify channel ad partners, including Meta, Google, and Pinterest.

Learn more here.

Shopify merchants can choose to offer Buy with Prime within Shopify Checkouts

Shopify will be adding the Buy with Prime app directly into Shopify Checkout and leverage Amazon’s fulfilment network.

Learn more here.

Shop Pay will be available to enterprise retailers not on Shopify

The highest-converting checkout will soon be available to enterprise customers enabling them to upgrade their customer experience without having to rip and replace all of their commerce infrastructure.

Learn more here.

[Podcast] Meet Shopify President on The Diary of a CEO

Steven Bartlett sits down with the president of Shopify, Harley Finkelstein, to discuss the phenomenal growth of Shopify from an entrepreneur to enterprise solution.

To keep you informed on the latest Shopify developments and success stories within our network, we will be sharing Shopify in Sixty Seconds monthly.

In the meantime, you can learn about our Shopify capacities here.

CSP Commerce | Manchester Ecommerce and Shopify Agency

From brand through to demand, we support and manage ecommerce growth at each stage of the commerce journey.  Our extensive knowledge and experience in ecommerce have established us as industry leaders for our capabilities in performance marketing, marketplace management, social commerce, and Shopify, Shopify Plus and WooCommerce web development.

We’re a Manchester ecommerce agency that works with retailers as committed to growth as we are. Our performance and platform-first approach is tailored to the ambitious brands and online retailers we partner with. As part of Wunderman Thompson Commerce, we are uniquely positioned to support businesses to scale nationally to globally.

We’ll hand-select a team of specialists to work with clients and operate as an extension of their ecommerce department. We are accountable for delivering measurable results that grow reach and revenue. Together, we will work to scale and sell your products across online channels.

If you’re serious about growth then start your journey with us. Let’s succeed and scale together.

Why not visit us in person?

WPP Manchester Campus,

1 New Quay Street,

Manchester,

Greater Manchester,

M3 4BN.

#shopifyagency #shopifyplus #manchester #ecommerceagency #ecommercegrowth #marketplacemanagement #performancemarketing #googleads #socialcommerce #manchesterecommerceagency #amazon #ebay

The post Shopify in Sixty Seconds: November 2023 appeared first on CSP Commerce.