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SEO Friendly Templates for your Webstore

March 24, 2009 By 11 Comments

The Cutest Blog on the Block also has beautiful templates for your Store or Boutique. They offer you a wonderful variety of cute templates. Not only are the templates decorative they offer you SEO (search engine optimization), shopping cart and easy to add inventory , coupon and endless of possibilities.

It can hold unlimited amount of product and allows you to make any changes you would like. The control panel offers you all your tools at a glance.

Payment processors you can use are PayPal, 2 Checkout, PayMate, eCheck.net, iTransact, eWay, VeriSign and Google Checkout

To use Google Checkout you will have to pay an additional fee. I use Google Checkout for eCrater and Bonanzle. I prefer them over PayPal.

The templates they offer are a great way to get started, they are SEO ready and offer you many additional add-ons. If you have any questions they are ready and willing to help you. I have asked my questions and have obtained a response right away. You can also reach them via Live Chat on their site.


I am working on a new site and will be using their template deign and adding Google Checkout. There are many options out there and Free sites as well. If you are considering investing money this is one option available to you.

The video below offers you are glance at the process of installation:




Filed Under: Featured, make money online, Selling online, SEO, Template Tutorials Tagged With: , , , ,

How to get My Website Seen on Search Engines like Google

March 8, 2009 By 23 Comments

You have heard it before and I am here to remind you again. Content is the KEY to get your online store Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Most of us when setting up our first online store we will rely on the description provided by the manufacturer. Let’s say you are selling Entertainment Centers. You have the stock image provided from the manufacturer, the dimensions, specs and a brief description of the Entertainment Center.

Just as if you where to open a retail location; you will need to research your demographics but most importantly you will need to know your competitors. You might find them on every corner or even next door. You may be in a shopping mall with a large retailer as an anchor store. This might bring you some foot traffic but you want to convert that into a sale.

How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors to get the traffic

Well, just as you would in a retail store, you will want to have eye catching displays, display what the customers are looking for and provide them with that extra service and support not found elsewhere.

With your online store it is your content that will stand out for you. Content is what will get you to stand out from the competition, followed by Customer service, price, feedback etc…

What has worked for me is Content. Especially now, I do not want to spend money with Adwords. This can be extremely costly.

Keep in mind that most manufacturers will have the description crated by someone overseas that may not be familiar with our market trends.

This is where you personal knowledge of the item gives you the advantage. Keep in mind the description provided usually will have name of the collection, color of finish and the obvious the item. Most of the lines of products I offer, I have at some point had on the floor on display or even in my own home. If you do not have a retail or showroom, visit the manufacturer’s showroom. Contact your sales rep, take you Camera and take notes.

Now, with so many online stores in a hurry to set up, they will just add it to the inventory as is. The Search engines will pick it up but it will be looked as Duplicate Content.

Duplicate Content is when other sites have the same description. How will Search Engines will look at it? Well, it will come down to Who Had it First, What is the Relevancy, When was it Posted and How many keywords.

To end up on Google’s first page of searches you want to offer Unique Content:

  • Incorporate your own personal knowledge of the item with the manufacturers description.
  • Provide additional images
  • Label your images accordingly
  • Tags
  • Provide customers review
  • BLOG create articles and updates
  • Have your keywords throughout the page – not saturated

Your goal is to catch the search engines attention and the way to do that is with unique content. If done correctly, you will attract the attention of the search engines rather quickly. This can take time and work. So do be patient. You can also submit your product information directly to Froogle for free. Most shopping carts offer this service.

Think about how you would search for the Keyword “Entertainment Center”

Possibilities could be:

  1. Entertainment Cabinet
  2. Wall Entertainment Unit
  3. Entertainment Wall Center
  4. Complete Wall Entertainment

Or perhaps the user may even type the Name of the Manufacture and Name of Collection. Think about possible mis-spellings.

Always keep your customer’s needs in mind. If you are selling children’s items, you definitely want to offer parents the reassurance that your products meet all safety standards. Providing articles, updates on membership sites and offering links to reputable Consumer agencies. The customer is a lot more likely to buy from the store offering the most information vs. the best price. The search engines will pick up your Unique Content and rank you higher, thereby sending your more leads for free. With the proper tools you will convert those leads into sales.

A few Tips:

  • Review previous email sent to you
  • Check your competitions feedbacks
  • Read the Consumer Reports
  • Talk to your Sales Representative
  • Use Google Keyword Tool

The Google Keyword tools is an amazing tool that offers you in a glimpse the popularity of the keyword. You may also use long tail keywords.

Quick reference- check out this video on how to use the Google Keyword Tool

What tools do you use to help you rank higher on the search engines? Do you find yourself creating your own description of the item or do you use the manufacturers description? Do you use Froogle or any other Shopping site to bring you traffic? I hope some of this information is helpful. You will be surprised how effective creating Unique Content will benefit your ranking and ultimately your sales.



Filed Under: Featured, marketing, SEO, Traffic Tagged With: , , , ,

What is a Concealed Damage Claim

March 3, 2009 By 10 Comments

Concealed Damaged is not as complicated as you think, but it is time consuming and you can potentially lose a lot of money.

As you know, I worked with a large online company and handled many of the shipping to Canada, Mexico, UK and of course throughout the US, including Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii. When shipping abroad the last thing you want to deal with is CONCEALED damage.

Of course you do not want to deal with any kind of damage, but concealed damage can potentially become a nightmare.

I cannot emphasize enough that you must educate your Customer about receiving and inspecting the merchandise. Have your Policies clearly listed on your website, again on the Sale Agreement and for email them a copy upon Order Confirmation. Take the time to pick up the phone and advice them what to look for.

For example if you order a dining table from the States and have it shipped to you in Hawaii. You receive it without inspecting the packaging or without noting any possible damage to the contents. Later find damage this becomes a Concealed Claim. Upon the Customer (Consignee) signing the Bill of Lading you are legally releasing the company from any liability.

Most freight companies will settle a claim and offer to pay 1/3 ( some have lowered it to ¼) which can be a great loss for you and the customer.

Many times the package may have some wear and tear, but when corner appear crushed or punctured, you must take precaution and note it on the Bill of Lading. Failure to do so, will make it very difficult to prove the damage was sustained while in transit and not due to the Customers negligence to assemble it. Many customers have said: “Well there was nothing hanging from outside the box”. Right, this is why we ask that you note on the Bill of Lading what you see and the “Possibility of Damage”.

Therefore, when a Customer is setting up the dining table, they may encounter damage to the carvings, cracks on the leaf etc…. Customers’ first instinct is to call the Seller and demand a new table. Well, it is not always that easy. The seller is not likely to observe the cost of shipping you a dining table.

Whenever, I ship an item to a customer I make sure to inspect the item. I take images of the packaging and images of the item itself. This is critical for me in the event of a damage claim. The Freight Company will want evidence that you in fact shipped a brand new NOT Damaged Item.

(Emailing these images to your Customer will help assure them the item was shipped intact)

One of my favorite Freight Companies is Yellow Freight. They are far from being perfect. It all comes down to people. If you talk to the right people you can count on being taken care of. During these last few months, I am pleased to say that Yellow Freight has been diligent (at least with my account and others I know that use them) to take care of any issues and in settling any open claims in less than 30 days.

Just recently, Yellow and Roadway Freight have merged their systems. I am hoping that it is for the better. Only time will tell.

At no time to you want to have any Concealed Damage claims. As they are hard to prove and the customer may claim a Charge Back with their credit card “For Goods Not As Described”.

Charge Back on Concealed Claims

When a Customer files a Chargeback with their credit card company it is customary for the Credit Card Company to place a hold on the funds (they usually allow me 30 days to respond and provide proof. Funds are not taken out until the Credit Card Company determines the liability).

Upon contact from the credit card company:

Provide them with links to your Policies and Terms & Conditions

Provide them with the Sale Agreement (most shopping carts have this tool)

Provide them with a statement of events

Provide them with emails

Most importantly provide them with the Bill of Lading

Note: The reason you have a concealed claim is due to the Customer failing to note any damage on the Bill of Lading. Therefore, this is the most important piece of evidence.

I have not had a single credit card company rule against me. This of course is frustrating that your Customer took it so far. Ultimately, it is in your hands to decide how you want to handle your claims.

Settle Directly with your Customer on Concealed Damage

Your customer filing a chargeback with your credit card company is the last thing you want to occur. Depending on your Merchant Contract and history with your Bank too many Charge-backs (whether your fault or not) can affect your RATEs or worst limitations can be placed.

(If this occurs with you with Paypal – You will lose all your money. Paypal does NOT offer you any protection and they do not Honor your Terms & Conditions)

Settling directly with your Customer will prevent any charge backs and will allow you the opportunity to make an unhappy customer a Happy One. This is really what you want to achieve.

You will have to decide whether you can ship a replacement part or offer a cash discount for the unfortunate damages the carrier caused. Should your customer be unwillingly to accept any of your offers then you can always offer to assist them with the filling of their claim with the carrier.

Directing your customer to file the Concealed Damage claim with the Freight Company will allow you to focus on your daily business. If you are a company and have staff to handle the claims then a better option would be for you to take control and file the claim. The goal is to have the Customer involved in the process and settle the claim with the Freight Company in less than 30 days. Most customers are appreciative of being informed and when they know that you are doing all you can to right them for the wrong done, they will wait.

Contact your Account Representative and ask for links and print out of their Damage Policy. Some carriers will not insure your shipment unless it is clearly stated on your Contract.

Damage Claims are not fun but you can get through them when you understand how to file and work with your customers.

Now that I am working from home I have stopped offering items that would to be shipped with a Freight Carrier. I am not in a position to finance my damages. Therefore, for now, I am only selling what can be shipped by a ground. Sure, claims can occur, but the items I offer now are smaller and less likely to suffer damage while in transit.

Do you have a favorite carrier? Any advice you want to share it greatly appreciated.



Filed Under: Damage Claims, Featured, Freight Claims Tagged With: , ,

Drive Traffic with VFlyer Marketing Tools

February 23, 2009 By 17 Comments

I have mentioned to you before that I like to use the Free Classifieds online to drive traffic to my Online Stores and blogs. I have my favorite sites and not all due to the ranking.

I use Craigslist, Oodle and BackPage the most. With Craigslist dominating the online classifieds there have been many issues with fraud, sellers taking advantage of the system. Craigslist has enforced new restrictions and continues to find new ways to block spammers. Please do not SPAM

Today I was on Craigslist searching for FORMS (mannequins). I sell clothing online as well and I need a few of them for when I am ready to get a warehouse location. Right now I am in the process of purchasing the equipment I will need to run my own warehouse. I am in no rush and want to make sure I find the right location for my needs.

Anyhow, I realized that I had not mentioned to you about vFlyer. As I was searching I came across two listings.

Simple Listing – As you can see no information and images not the best.

VFlyer - A huge improvement.

Of course if you know how to use HTML you can create your own Template using FrontPage and submit to the Online Classifieds.

One of the listings is using Vflyer and the other a Simple listing. As you will see, what a difference the layout makes. Not only can you create a professional looking template, VFlyer can automatically upload your listings to most online classifieds. This of course is time saving and if you are looking to increase the traffic you certainly want to take advantage of this tool. Or if you are not familiar creating your own HTML code.

Note: Craigslist does not allow automatic submissions, therefore, Vflyer will provide you with an HTML Code to use on Craigslist.

Sites automatically submit to:

With the current market many of us are shopping for deals online. I search the classifieds for business supplies and anything I can think of that I will need in my warehouse. As a seller I will list where the consumers are. Not everyone is on eBay, Amazon or Overstock etc….. Many of the Free Online Classifieds have seen an increase in listings and searches.

VFlyer offers you a great tool for online sellers. With a low starting price of $12.95 for me it’s a valuable investment.

If you have FrontPage you can create a template and obtain the HTML code. Or if you use Photobucket you can use the image itself to create the Ad.

In the next few days I will start a new campaign for the month of March. I will report to you the tools I use and how well they work for me. Keep in mind “March Madness” is a great time for Pre-Spring Sales.

If you know of any sites that offer similar services please share them with us. Do you know of any sites offering a Free Service? Hope you find this tool helpful.

Filed Under: Featured, free classifieds, Selling online Tagged With: , , ,

Boost Buyer Confidence

February 17, 2009 By 2 Comments

Help increase sales promoting Buyer confidence using buySAFE. buySafe offers you and your customers the extra piece of mind that all will be taken care of in the event anything where to go wrong. buySAFE bonds your sales or purchases. We all want to avoid conflict and having a bond can boost your customers’ confidence with your online store or auction.

Buyer confidence is important and as a seller you will benefit from providing additional assurance to your buyers. Note that eBay has also approved buySAFE as a provider . Use buySAFE to boost buyer confidence and sales on eBay. Buyers can search on eBay for sellers offering the buySAFE transaction guarantee. If needed, a buyer can easily and quickly check with buySAFE to verify if the seller is a buySAFE merchant.

Three simple steps:

1 – Once you pass the buySAFE inspection, you will be recognized as a buySAFE merchant.

“This inspection protects the value of being a bonded merchant by only allowing the best merchants to become bonded. The underwriting process involves completing an online application – like an online credit card application – that takes about 10 minutes.

buySAFE monitors any disputes buyers report on your overall performance and helps you resolve those problems rapidly and efficiently, increasing your customer satisfaction

2 – buySAFE Seal and Bond displayed on your website.

“The buySAFE Bond, provided at checkout, gives buyers added confidence in knowing they can have their purchase bonded, up to $25,000, thereby making it virtually risk-free.

3- buySAFE drives buyers to your site

“The buySAFE Seal will automatically be displayed along with your search results, giving you a competitive advantage in search, driving more clicks and increased website conversion.

  • buySAFE Search partners include PriceRunner, Overstock.com Auctions, Nabit & Auction Trust Network and the buySAFE Toolbar
  • buySAFE’s advertising & public relations programs drive buyers to your website, further increasing your website sales.
  • buySAFE and our merchants are prominently featured in the media.

Bonding Plans:

For details contact buySAFE directly and ask how you can benefit from their service. They are partner with most of the Popular Shopping carts. If you do not find yours call and inquire with your provider. You should also consider joining trade associations, retailer membership sites and BBB.

Inviting your customers to offer product review and displaying feedback from your buyer does wonders to boost buyer confidence. Of course, excellent Customer Service is key.

Any recommendations are welcomed. If you have any sites you would like for me to contact for you; I certainly welcome those as well.

When you shop online what are you looking for? What helps you determine to shop with one site vs. the other?

Filed Under: Featured, Selling online Tagged With: , , ,

Sell New or Used Video Games with Valu Valu

February 12, 2009 By 18 Comments

Valu Valu is a marketplace that allows you to Buy or Sell Video Games at the perfect price. Creating an account and selling is absolutely Free.

“Valu Valu offers a marketplace allowing small businesses and individuals to buy and sell at the “perfect price”, and a simple price-optimization web service that integrates in other websites. In both cases, prices become instantaneous and automatic, increasing Sellers revenues and providing a smoother experience and better value for Buyers.”

You list your New or Used Video Games on their site. When someone is interested in purchasing it from you, they will be able to contact you through the site. You will then be able to close the transaction by emailing them an Invoice for payment. By doing so, you be able to request payment via your Merchant Account, PayPal or Google Checkout. Another good feature you can offer local pick up as well as shipping the item.

There are two types of accounts you can have:

Basic Account: Sell up to 5 items per month – No Charge for the actual sale

Pro Account: Unlimited SALES – Fees charged per Sales 2.5% for the sales in a 30 day billing cycle

“VALU VALU is focusing first on used Video Games, and is already pricing several thousands of titles. The company will progressively expand to other markets, its technology being applicable to any kind of trading.”

The Team behind Valu Valu

“ValuValu is the brainchild of French serial entrepreneurs Emmanuel Marot and Bruno Botvinik. A longtime working duo, both moved to Seattle after selling their last venture to Microsoft corp.

Emmanuel is the CEO. On top of the sales and company management, he is responsible for imagining the User Experience and designing the Pricing Engine.

Bruno is the CTO. He has the not-so-trivial task of making ValuValu a reality, with a fast, secure, agreeable, scalable, and reliable website. Plus everything in-between.”

This site does appeal to me. I have two young kids that love the video games for a month and then they are off to something else. I myself will try it out for all the video games my kids are no longer interested in.

Visit their site at Valu Valu you might find that incredible deal or start selling your collection if retired video games and make extra money.



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Filed Under: Featured, make money online, Where to Sell Online Tagged With: , , ,