Did you know…

A new report by Verdict Research concludes that online spending increased 35% last year, despite slowing global economic conditions. That growth rate is nearly ten times higher than the total UK retail market!

Verdict's Malcom Pinkerton said convenience was a main reason for the Internet's continuing success, and that the Web's success is expected to continue despite the economic slowdown.

Did you know…

Internet Retailer is reporting that the US Census Bureau shows e-commerce sales have grown 13.6% in the first quarter of 2008! Meanwhile, total retail sales (offline) are only up 2.8%. These numbers reflect exactly what experts already believed: online sales are growing stronger than offline!

Mother's Day has come and gone, but the research about online shopping for the holiday is still rolling in. BIGResearch and the National Retail Federation in the US found that one out of five US Internet users were going to buy their Mother's Day gift online.  

Phil Rist, Vice President of BIGResearch, attributed shoppers’ decision to use the Web to rising global economic concerns, “Gas prices and other economic issues will still be at the forefront of people’s minds as they shop around for the perfect gift for Mom.”  

Gas prices are starting to affect consumer's shopping habits, and convenience will become a progressively more important asset for successful businesses. A solid Web solution is the key, and you’re able to provide that!

Did you know…

According to eMarketer, a recent survey by iCongo and Harris Interactive shows that 33% of surveyed US adult Internet users are more likely to shop online because of high gasoline prices.  

Online shopping offers convenience that brick-and-mortar stores just don’t have. And while gas prices continue to climb—particularly during the upcoming summer months—more and more consumers are expected to use the Internet for their retail needs or to look up information about businesses!

Did you know… 

According to research released this month by Harris Interactive, half of respondents said they made an online purchase in the previous year as a result of permission-based e-mail marketing. And, as eMarketer points out, “e-mail was second only to customer reviews on Web sites for influencing online purchases” according to a study conducted in February by DoubleClick Performics. When it comes to influencing online purchases, e-mail was nearly equal to search methods, according to the study. 

These numbers show that opt-in e-mail (not spam!) is an extremely effective way for our clients to influence their customers into making a purchase. High Touch Design Solution provides the tools necessary for your clients to create e-mail lists and track customers so they can take advantage of this successful marketing approach!

Did you know…

A recent study by Transversal details what businesses can do to improve service to customers who send e-mail inquiries. Consumers who were unable to find information using a business’ Web site, sent e-mails to have their questions answered. Transversal reports that response time averaged 46 hours and those replies only contained a complete answer 46% of the time.

“With consumers increasingly demanding personalized service, e-mail should be at the forefront of delivering tailored responses that help convert browsers into customers. Some organizations are doing this extremely well but the general picture is of lazy, generic replies—if companies eventually respond,” said Dee Roche, Transversal’s Director of Marketing.

E-mail is a quick and effective way for businesses to handle customers’ questions without increasing customer service costs! After you sell a site, always follow up with your clients and make sure they are taking full advantage of their new Web presence—after all, their customers are going to be expecting it!

Did you know… 

In a study by ICOM Information and Communications, 71% of 18-to 34-year olds said they were more likely to use coupons in an economic downturn, and 58% of respondents were interested in paperless coupons! Your prospective clients can cultivate customers—even during an economic downturn—by sending e-coupons through their opt-in e-mail list. It’s one more way HTD Network solution will benefit small to medium-sized businesses!