Bob Hughes, Wall Street Journal reporter who’s covered the auction market and author of the novel "Late and Soon" (published in October 2005 and worth reading), was discussing online auctions with us. We asked him if he would share some of his thoughts.

"Way back in the last millennium – 1999, to be exact – the world of big-money art auctions meeting the online world looked pretty grim. Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house, joined forces with online heavyweight eBay to offer…

...continue to read "Online Auctions"

2005 was a great year for conducting business online. The rising tide of the Internet continues to improve our top and bottom lines alike. Many of us are pleased with ourselves, and we should be. Yet many want more: higher conversion rates, speedier growth, and decimated, humiliated competitors.

So our gift to you is seven profound thoughts that, if expounded upon, understood, and executed, will make you a hero. Pick one or all and run with them. Soon, you’ll experience increased…

...continue to read "Seven Thoughts to Arm Yourself With in 2006"

(what’s this?)

Walking around Manhattan, the crowds are just too much for me. That’s why I’m trying to buy most of my presents online. I like to browse the stores for presents and the easiest way for me to browse around sites is using the navigation. Stores usually are laid out with different departments that display specific styles. Websites have to use navigation to accomplish this. They forget that they have to speak to the visitor in their language to help…

...continue to read "I’m Just Browsing"

(what’s this?)

I love to going to concerts. Living in New York, I can catch two to three shows a week. A lot of times I can just walk right up and buy tickets, but for popular shows I need to plan and get them in advance. Wanting to go see “Thursday” next week at the Starland Ballroom, I go to Ticketmaster.com.

Knowing that there are tons of shows listed, I decide to type Starland Ballroom into the search engine. I…

...continue to read "Error Messages Shouldn’t be Confusing"

(what’s this?)

Living in New York has been a bit of a shock. It is cold, really cold. Coming from California, I didn’t realize what it’s like walking to the subway in twenty degree weather to get to work. I figure that a jacket would be a good gift for my sister who is coming to New York at the end of December. I decide to check out Gap.com because it sounds like a good place to get something affordable and nice.…

...continue to read "Speak to Me"

(what’s this?)

My dad likes to fish. He is in California and I figure I could still order something to get over to him in time for the holidays. I figure that Sportsmansguide.com would have something to interest him.

After typing in the URL I am sent to a page that redirects me over to the site. This page had a text link that will send me to the page if I’m not redirected automatically. Suddenly I see this:

I did not come…

...continue to read "Fishing for a Holiday Present"

(what’s this?)

With this being the year of the podcast, I’ve decided that an iPod would be a great present. I check out PCMall.com and I and notice that iPods are all over the homepage. After scrolling down, I select the iPod Nano with engraving.

While going through their sales process I was faced with counterintuitive steps, no status indicators, and no scent. The Calls to Actions on the site are misleading micro actions and there are too many steps to…

...continue to read "Trying to Get an iPod the Hard Way"

We’re currently accepting inquires for our open Engagement Coordinator position. This NYC-based, entry-level position provides a great opportunity to grow within our Consultancy. Becoming an expert in Conversion does not happen overnight. The first step is learning and honing your skills at listening to customers, and planning to meet their needs.

Our newest Engagement Coordinator is responsible for the first line of communication between Future Now and our prospects. This teammate begins spending time interacting with our prospects, engaging them to…

...continue to read "Interested in a spot on our team? A starting role has just opened up…"

I’m a potential customer for your product. Where do I begin my search? How would I find your product? What would I call it? If I’ve heard of it, what’s my perception of it? I’m also looking at your competition, so how should I evaluate you in light of them? What do other people saying about your product?

You want to persuade me to become your customer. How should you package your product? How will you ensure I find you? How…

...continue to read "Angles of Information"

(what’s this?)

The holidays came early for me this year when my desktop at home literally started smoking, so I need to get a replacement fast. I find what I need at Tiger Direct, and decide to break the bank for 2nd day air shipping. My order goes through, and then I receive a cryptic email saying something about my order may require something from the Credit Department prior to shipping, for security  reasons. On the email there is a link…

...continue to read "Customer Disservice"