XML Syndication

XML syndication is a fairly new concept born out of a growing need to post the same information on multiple websites all at once.  As you know, there are numerous websites out there that allow you to post an ad or sell a product or real estate listing:

• Local online newspapers
• Online classifieds
• Real estate websites
• Online car dealerships
• Online directories

Many of these sites receive millions of buyers searching every months, and sellers understand that if they post an ad or listing on ALL of the popular websites, they will greatly increase their exposure and the chance of selling!

However, there is one little snag.  This can be VERY time-consuming.  Posting an ad or listing on a website requires you to register, log in, fill out a lengthy form, upload a photo, etc.  Now, if you need to do this a dozen times or more, you’re looking at quite a time chunk.

That’s where XML syndication comes in.  Several companies have developed the technology to take your information and format an XML feed that posts your ad or listing on all the popular website FOR YOU!  You fill out a form ONE TIME and it gets published MANY TIMES!  It’s that simple.

XML syndication can be used to mass market almost anything:

• Auto sales
• Real estate listings
• Equipment
• Services
• Business listings
• Personal ads
• Wanted ads

…You get the idea!

The cost for XML syndication is fairly inexpensive, if not free, so do a little research and find out the best syndication service for you.  One of our clients provides a syndication service for new home builders and brokers to syndicate real estate listings around the world – Builderfeeds and Brokerfeeds.  Check them out!  We developed the XML syndication technology for them and created a custom solution for their needs.

We can do the same for you!  If you are an individual or a business with a need to syndication information across the internet on multiple website, contact us today to discuss an affordable custom solution for you.  It’s a lot easier than you think!

How to get an ecommerce account

By now most companies have realized the benefit and necessity of having a website.  That’s a given.  Whether or not they have launched a website that will produce a postive return on their investment is quite another matter.  It is one thing to own a domain name with pretty pictures on it, and a whole different ballgame to use your website to increase revenue and grow your business!  Hello!  Let’s talk about that.

There are a few major elements of utmost importance that will make or break a website.

• Usability
• Calls to action
• Search engine optimization
• Instant gratification

That fourth point is your main reason to have an ecommerce account.

Internet users have become highly skilled at surfing and searching, and you have about 8 seconds to catch their attention and keep them on your website.  The instant they land on your page, they want to identify that you have what they are looking for.  Once they have verified that you’ve got it, guess what… they want to BUY IT!  NOW!  And how will they do that without an online storefront, payment processing, credit card form, integrated ecommerce account??

Now, you probably already realize this, since you are reading this post to find out How to get an ecommerce account but I thought I should make sure that you understand the importance of it.  There is no questioning and no turning back – you need integrated ecommerce!  You are probably missing out on a huge revenue stream opportunity.

Let’s get started.

Step 1 – ORGANIZE your products/services

If you have products to sell, you must create an organized spreadsheet with all of your products, complete with names, product numbers, descriptions, pictures, specs, units, etc.

If you have a service to offer, you need to create a fee schedule or rate sheet that gives your customers a clear overview of their options and associated pricing.

Step 2 -Hire a developer that has EXPERIENCE with ecommerce modules

Do a little research.  Go to some of your competitors websites and check out their ecommerce structure.  Decide on a format that works for you and then contact a web developer to discuss ecommerce solutions.  Make sure they can show you examples of their work and obtain a quote.

Step 3 – Integrate an ecommerce account that YOU CAN EDIT inhouse.

Ideally you need to be able to add products, edit your services, change pricing and pictures all on your own.  There are ecommerce modules that will allow you to do this and it will save you a lot of time and money if you go with this option.  Again, instant gratification is key, and you need to be able to launch a new product without waiting for your web developer to upload the information for you.

Ultimately you need to realize that this does not have to be a complicated and time consuming project.  Check out our Ecommerce integration options and Contact Us today to get started!