by Daryl Des Marais

This year may see some new expansion in online retail and more business on the net as people are more comfortable due to past experience and the ability to save time in purchases they have researched rather than wasting time in a store or maybe gaining misinformation. The expansion of online retail will go beyond, books, CD's, information to more hard goods this year because more technologies are accessible and a wider variety of solutions are available to online business owners.

In a recent article in http://www.retailer.com it is suggested that expensive hard goods will expand sales revenues online in 2007. What brings this about is the expansion of online retail technologies and a larger captive and astute audience online that has gained a greater comfort level with the Internet in the past few years. Four things that are important to the retail online business in 2007 will be the following:

1. Quality Content, Quality Pictures and Descriptions

As always the content and the quality of what is displayed will sell. Whether it is trade goods, jewelry or other high-end merchandise. Always keeping in mind the shipping concerns and cross promotions with in-store availability. Shoppers will continue to view and search but will have more inspiration in making purchases that match their taste. Marketing to online buyers will expand with online marketing research companies and extensive research in costs and benfits of employing such firms in targeting potential customers will grow.

2. Great selling sales page design

A great selling sales copy is always necessary to pull the reader into the story or product and see the exclusivity of the offer or the exceptional limited time value plus offer. Knowing how to capture the short attention span of the reader and get them to sign up or make a small intial purchase will be the key to continued success. Offering a follow up and after sales service with easy contact information will be the kicker to further successes.

3. Unique benefits

As consumers shop more online, benefits will have to differ between providers in more than just price and exclusivity. Some other offers, discounts, coupons will push buyers in a certain direction. Offering unique value to them will be key to expanding your customer base.

4. Continuation of Member Clubs and Free, Gifts, Special Member Services Etc.

As with Gift Cards in 2006 in the retail area, given free offers and gift cards with purchase. Online loyalty programs will have to be designed around your company and its select services of promotion. Accentuating these with repetition and exclusivity will provide perceived value and assist customers in choosing one company over another.

All the best in 2007 with your online business.

Some sites of reference: http://www.internetretailer.com http://www.sitepronews.com

Mr. Des Marais has operated small businesses for over 20 years. He has been a consultant and held positions in some of the fastest growing franchisees in Canada.

He is a private partner in http://www.usabusinessgrowth.com

He has increased sales by 200% in 2 months for an herbal doctor; increased sales by 30% in 4 months for a major Canadian Big Box Retailer; 200% sales increase 3 times in a row for a service-based small business and helped several entrepreneurs develop and sell their business. His expertise is in the area of growth and business development. He has also been involved in developing business chapters.

In terms of Business Development and mentoring Mr. Des Marais has volunteered with S.E.E.D.S mentorship review committee, ACE, YEA.