These are the features ranked according to the number of top 500 retailers that are using them (as per Internet Retailer Magazine):
- keyword search
- daily/seasonal specials
- enlarged product view
- what’s new
- affiliate program
- advanced search
- online gift certificates
- rich media
- outlet center
- email a friend
- coupons/rebates
- top sellers
- site personalization
- alternative payments
- store locator
- wish list
- customer reviews
- catalog quick order
- mapping
- product customization
Interesting enough as well that most consumers (according to Forrester) are willing to decline paying for “flare”:
Fewer consumers are willing to pay for extras such as gift wrapping, or overnight delivery.
(26% of respondents said they would pay for expedited delivery prior to the holiday season, down from 45% who said they would do so in 2006.)
Generally, what this means is that consumers want to get their purchase faster, easier and with less extras then before. For most of the prospective clients that call us, top five requests for web site are:
- Large pictures/ability for visitor to enlarge product image
- Search engine optimization/marketing
- Ability to quickly add and remove inventory items
- Ability to post featured/for sale items
- Ability to use various discount codes to track promotions
It is obvious that trends for small and large businesses are almost the same. The slight difference is attributed to overall approach to ways of doing business for small business owners and large retailers.