shop stickyness

[2008.03.26 18:59:50] Welcome to the CafePress Chat Room
[2008.03.26 18:59:50] shopaholicchick has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 18:59:56] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:19] Dooni Designs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:35] blipfish has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:42] blipfish: jumped
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[2008.03.26 19:00:49] AngelaCP: Thanks for jumping blipfish
[2008.03.26 19:00:51] AngelaCP: :D
[2008.03.26 19:00:53] cyi has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:53] Lekker Jen has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:55] shopaholicchick: hi everyone
[2008.03.26 19:00:57] Kate @ LittleLizzyLou has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:00:59] AngelaCP: hi hi hi
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[2008.03.26 19:01:13] BrittaCP has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:15] Suzzie has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:16] AngelaCP: let's give it a minute or two
[2008.03.26 19:01:17] foxvox has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:01:18] Lekker Jen: hellllloooooooo
[2008.03.26 19:01:20] Kate @ LittleLizzyLou: Hi Angela!
[2008.03.26 19:01:21] Sag has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:01:46] Kip: hi all
[2008.03.26 19:01:48] Suzzie: ouch britta you shut my fingers in the door!
[2008.03.26 19:01:50] Serenity Moonstone: Hello
[2008.03.26 19:01:53] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:02:03] BabtDave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:02:05] BrittaCP: sorry about that suzzie... put em on ice
[2008.03.26 19:02:09] BrittaCP: Hey everyone
[2008.03.26 19:02:20] BrittaCP: Welcome to our Shopkeeper Discussion
[2008.03.26 19:02:24] AngelaCP: you guys sound hyper today :-D
[2008.03.26 19:02:26] Sag: Howwwwwdyyyyyy!
[2008.03.26 19:02:28] Dooni Designs: hi everyone
[2008.03.26 19:02:29] TexasFiddler: howdy
[2008.03.26 19:02:36] AngelaCP: good vibes from this crowd
[2008.03.26 19:02:40] NiftyGaloot: Brought some honey for the sticky chat ;)
[2008.03.26 19:02:42] matisse: Hi Angela and Britta!!!!:)
[2008.03.26 19:02:45] char: Hi ev1
[2008.03.26 19:02:59] Graphicdeeziner: Hi everyone :)
[2008.03.26 19:03:01] DDKnight: hi all:)
[2008.03.26 19:03:02] Sag: CP Hyperdrive! Is there any other gear???:-D
[2008.03.26 19:03:03] foxvox: Organic honey? :-)
[2008.03.26 19:03:09] AngelaCP: britta is almost ready to go
[2008.03.26 19:03:12] SamanthaCP: Hello all
[2008.03.26 19:03:27] Serenity Moonstone: so what is shopstickyness woskshop about?
[2008.03.26 19:03:36] AngelaCP: We'll get to that....
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] Kip: I came equipped with duct tape...
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] BrittaCP: Alrighty.... so today is a Shopkeeper Discussion... meaning we don'thave anything planned
[2008.03.26 19:03:43] matisse: OK, WHERE ARE THE NEW PRODUCTS....GIVE EM UP!
[2008.03.26 19:04:21] BrittaCP: The topic is shop stickiness.... which I'm sure some of you are wonder what the heck that means
[2008.03.26 19:04:35] BrittaCP: We'll get to that in a second
[2008.03.26 19:04:40] BrittaCP: First.... rules of chat@
[2008.03.26 19:05:15] BrittaCP: This chat is moderated.... that means any comment you send will go to a queue until a moderator reviews and pushes it out
[2008.03.26 19:05:25] BrittaCP: if you don't see your comment right away... that's why
[2008.03.26 19:05:43] Cthulhu For President has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:05:55] Sag: I got my bottle of Elmers and double-stick tape!
[2008.03.26 19:06:09] NiftyGaloot: Ain't shop stickiness like settin' a bunch of glue traps out?
[2008.03.26 19:06:34] BrittaCP: So what do we mean by “site stickiness?”
[2008.03.26 19:06:52] BrittaCP: in a nutshell... a sticky site is a place where people will visit again, they remember it, it sticks in their brain.
[2008.03.26 19:07:22] AngelaCP: for example, if you make your shop or site sticky, it keeps customers coming back
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[2008.03.26 19:07:30] Sag: Ohhhhh! Brain-washing! I got it. I got it.
[2008.03.26 19:07:35] BrittaCP: clooose
[2008.03.26 19:07:52] AngelaCP: what can you do to your shop to keep your customers coming back
[2008.03.26 19:08:01] AngelaCP: so this is different than customer communication
[2008.03.26 19:08:07] AngelaCP: though, that can help
[2008.03.26 19:08:12] AngelaCP: it's really more about customer engagement
[2008.03.26 19:08:12] the jorb has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:08:30] AngelaCP: or that special something that piques their interest to revisit
[2008.03.26 19:08:42] Suzzie: flash games, forums, etc?
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[2008.03.26 19:09:02] Sag: "customer engagement" - sssh! Don't tell my hubby! Yipee!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:09:15] AngelaCP: You're on the right track suzzie. Since we're focusing on your shops, we have some ideas to throw out...but encourage you all the toss out your suggestions.
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[2008.03.26 19:09:31] AngelaCP: this is a discussion and we find these suggestions help spawn wonderful ideas for everyone to try
[2008.03.26 19:09:41] BrittaCP: Soooo... when your site is sticky... there are benfits to it...
[2008.03.26 19:09:56] BrittaCP: the first being return customers
[2008.03.26 19:10:25] BrittaCP: This is done by creating an atmosphere/ site/ storefront that people would like to visit.
[2008.03.26 19:10:36] BrittaCP: In turn you increase your product exposure creating more repeat sales.
[2008.03.26 19:10:50] BrittaCP: Your goal is to create a fast and enjoyable experience for your customers; this experience begins at the first click.
[2008.03.26 19:10:54] Dooni Designs: pretty colors??!
[2008.03.26 19:11:33] BrittaCP: Pretty colors are nice... but beyond that... colors that are consistent on each page
[2008.03.26 19:11:49] BrittaCP: tying the shop together
[2008.03.26 19:12:00] BrittaCP: You can also create a better relationship with your customer, with a sticky site.
[2008.03.26 19:12:04] mystic has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:12:11] BrittaCP: The more time they spend on your site, the more trust they build.
[2008.03.26 19:12:17] BrittaCP: Customers will more likely buy from a site that they trust.
[2008.03.26 19:12:20] ateasetees has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:12:36] matisse: How can I do this with stores that just have CP templates and I have no offsite shops and I don't know html??????
[2008.03.26 19:12:50] BrittaCP: That's the beauty of the templates... it's been done
[2008.03.26 19:12:55] boogerballs has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:13:26] BrittaCP: unless you tinker around with the template of course
[2008.03.26 19:13:32] matisse: Are you saying my stores are already pretty?
[2008.03.26 19:13:40] AngelaCP: we're saying that :P
[2008.03.26 19:14:38] BrittaCP: When your layout is consistent (this includes colors, placement of side bar, text size...) you create a consistent experience for your customer
[2008.03.26 19:14:41] matisse: :)^.^:)
[2008.03.26 19:14:43] Sag: :-D:-D
[2008.03.26 19:14:44] Lekker Jen: Matisse - Many of us started right where you are. I barely knew a lick of html when I started 4 years ago. It's great to learn, not just for CP! It's a great way to stand out from the crowd.
[2008.03.26 19:14:55] BabtDave: Learning basic html is not all that difficult.
[2008.03.26 19:15:07] Sag: Are you referring to things like contests, buyers clubs, dancing girls?:-D Sorry, no dancing girls!
[2008.03.26 19:15:33] LoveJML has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:15:46] BrittaCP: dancing girls do help, but may be a little distracting
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[2008.03.26 19:15:51] AngelaCP: Actually, contest is on the list... but we'll get to that
[2008.03.26 19:15:53] BrittaCP: if there are to many
[2008.03.26 19:16:04] Ne1512BLVD: Yeah, I agree with Jen, I am self taught on html and now I am doing templates and web design for other SKers... so you can learn it...
[2008.03.26 19:16:10] BabyDave has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:19] BrittaCP: If you have a statcounter, like Google analytics, you can see where your customers are going in you shop… which serves as a sort of feedback.
[2008.03.26 19:16:25] BrittaCP: With that information you can make the changes needed to better serve the needs of your customers.
[2008.03.26 19:16:29] Carl has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:35] BrittaCP: Ok... so do we all understand what stickiness is?
[2008.03.26 19:16:57] jean - rotem gear has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:16:58] BrittaCP: Site stickiness... it's a common term... i swear i didn't make it up at 3 A<
[2008.03.26 19:17:01] BrittaCP: *am
[2008.03.26 19:17:07] Sag: Yep! *** Putting away the Elmers!***
[2008.03.26 19:17:08] foxvox: Yessum.
[2008.03.26 19:17:13] mystic: no
[2008.03.26 19:17:38] AngelaCP: We'll move on mystic, but I think with more examples it may start to make sense
[2008.03.26 19:17:42] Ne1512BLVD: Sag :-D
[2008.03.26 19:17:44] Carl: Yeppers
[2008.03.26 19:17:51] BrittaCP: great... so let's talk about ways to create that!
[2008.03.26 19:18:16] AngelaCP: yes... what will help make your shop stick...keep your customers AND visitors coming back
[2008.03.26 19:18:24] ateasetees: I wasn't here for the beginning, but I'm assuming that your talking about getting the people there and keeping them there?
[2008.03.26 19:18:26] BrittaCP: yup
[2008.03.26 19:18:29] Graphicdeeziner: I understand *what* it is, but not sure *how* to achieve it yet
[2008.03.26 19:18:49] AngelaCP: close ateasetees. It's also making your shop the place visitors/customers want to continue to visit
[2008.03.26 19:19:11] BrittaCP: So there are some basic shop maintenance things you can do, which we've discussed many times in the past
[2008.03.26 19:19:17] AngelaCP: your shop has that something special that sets it apart from other sites.
[2008.03.26 19:19:44] BrittaCP: For starters... getting your most relvant goods up fromt
[2008.03.26 19:20:07] BrittaCP: and learning how to spell/ type
[2008.03.26 19:20:27] BrittaCP: Customers should be able to figure out what you have to offer immediately after entering your site. If you have a niche shop… present that right away.
[2008.03.26 19:20:31] Bridey has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:20:45] BrittaCP: This is a place where you can find puggle apparel and home accessories.
[2008.03.26 19:21:00] BrittaCP: Customers don’t want to guess
[2008.03.26 19:21:20] BrittaCP: Although they may have found you through a Google search for puggles… confirm that they are in the right place upon arrival in your shop.
[2008.03.26 19:21:30] LoveJML: So, a lot of people come into my shop from various search terms, but end up in my "Cats" Section. Should I add more designs in that section because of that?
[2008.03.26 19:22:10] BrittaCP: correct... if they are going straight to your Cat section... make sure that's what you're offering there, and it never hurts to give variety
[2008.03.26 19:22:33] AngelaCP: Also, if your cat designs are unique and different it will make your shop a bookmark
[2008.03.26 19:22:37] matisse: They keep searching for Puggle dog collars in one of my shops!
[2008.03.26 19:22:45] Hindsight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:22:49] BrittaCP: puggles have thier own typeof dog collars?
[2008.03.26 19:22:51] AngelaCP: that's what you want... for someone to see your shop and want to bookmark it for future visits
[2008.03.26 19:23:40] BrittaCP: And then there's consistency... which we just touched upon
[2008.03.26 19:24:01] BrittaCP: appearance can often be everything. This one of the reasons why having a professional and trustworthy storefront is key.
[2008.03.26 19:24:03] AngelaCP: So this experience makes your shop desirable and keep them wanting to come back.
[2008.03.26 19:24:52] BrittaCP: even if you're using a template... think about things like thumbnail size, amount going across, the type of thumbnail (design, product, etc.)
[2008.03.26 19:25:00] scarebaby has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:25:30] BrittaCP: If you’re going to have section description under each thumbnail on one page (which is recommended), they should be on the others.
[2008.03.26 19:26:30] MaxMuhlin has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:26:37] Lekker Jen: Britta - do you mean teasers?
[2008.03.26 19:26:41] BrittaCP: yes.... thank you
[2008.03.26 19:26:51] mystic: how do you insure your home page thumbnails are letting people know there is much more to see? Am I making sense?
[2008.03.26 19:27:18] SamanthaCP: Disply more than one design your thumbnail.
[2008.03.26 19:27:30] SamanthaCP: you can do this with products or with just designs
[2008.03.26 19:28:34] MaxMuhlin: I write descriptions like: "CLICK HERE for 91 different Airedale designs!"
[2008.03.26 19:29:23] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:29:45] SamanthaCP: Here is a great example: http://www.cafepress.com/burntees
[2008.03.26 19:29:58] shopaholicchick: i use sectiont iles that say what it is and have 2-3 images from the seciton
[2008.03.26 19:30:01] matisse: How many products and sections across is recommended 3 or 4?
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[2008.03.26 19:30:37] BrittaCP: i think it depends on the overall layout of your shop... but if you're using a template... stick with 3
[2008.03.26 19:30:54] BrittaCP: size at 150x150
[2008.03.26 19:30:58] matisse: OH NO!
[2008.03.26 19:31:12] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:31:37] BrittaCP: anything larger... or more sections across... can break the template... some of them stretch and you can get away with it... but I would stick to 3 to keep it clean
[2008.03.26 19:31:46] matisse: I have been using 4 thinking people will eventually be getting widescreens.
[2008.03.26 19:31:48] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:31:55] shopaholicchick: matisse with a CP layour 4 across usually makes your designs wider then the template and often wider then the average screen
[2008.03.26 19:32:14] romy: How important is it to have section thumbs that show products as well as designs?
[2008.03.26 19:32:35] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:32:48] BrittaCP: again... it all depends on your shop, your target market. But I will say that shopping by design does make things easy
[2008.03.26 19:32:58] MaxMuhlin: Well, fortunately it is EASY to change the display back to 3 across !
[2008.03.26 19:33:02] shopaholicchick: people would rather scroll down then across - personally i am turned off by a shop that scrolls across
[2008.03.26 19:33:09] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:33:17] shopaholicchick: i always use shop be design - then add the product drop down tot he sidebar
[2008.03.26 19:34:04] flipk has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
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[2008.03.26 19:34:57] matisse: If 4 across doesn't work well with a CP template, why in the world would it be offered?
[2008.03.26 19:34:58] BrittaCP: The option is system wide... you can use it with a template... you can use it with your own HTML, you can use it with a plain storefront (although I wouldn't recommend a plain storefront)
[2008.03.26 19:35:02] Ne1512BLVD: You can also make special sections or html links that highlight certain products if you want.
[2008.03.26 19:35:10] MaxMuhlin: Yes, you never know what product the customer is looking for, but if the customer is looking for your DESIGN, that is what will sell. . .they can choose a product later.
[2008.03.26 19:35:13] SamanthaCP has left the room (logged out)
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[2008.03.26 19:35:43] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:35:53] Cthulhu For President: could you please actually touch upon the TOPIC of this chat session?!?...and not about layout with 3 or 4 across?:-c
[2008.03.26 19:35:53] BrittaCP: We are talking about site stickiness... and the consitency/ professioanlism of your shop layout
[2008.03.26 19:36:20] BrittaCP: So another thing that helps with stickiness... which I think Ang mentioned earlier... is interactivity
[2008.03.26 19:36:29] shopaholicchick: britta i like my plain storefront - it is simple and colored and my customers have told me they like it also
[2008.03.26 19:36:33] BrittaCP: i mean plain as in white
[2008.03.26 19:36:37] BrittaCP: bare
[2008.03.26 19:36:46] BrittaCP: when you first hit the upgrade button
[2008.03.26 19:37:05] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:37:05] BrittaCP: Let a customer dive in
[2008.03.26 19:37:16] BrittaCP: Internet users like to get interactive.
[2008.03.26 19:37:27] BrittaCP: You can do this in your shop, without distracting your customer from buying, and at the same time convincing them to come back.
[2008.03.26 19:37:48] BrittaCP: Getting interactive can also be fun for you and your customer.
[2008.03.26 19:37:58] BrittaCP: Who has an idea on something that could work here?
[2008.03.26 19:38:22] cyi: Youtube clips in the sidebar.
[2008.03.26 19:38:34] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:38:40] shopaholicchick: cyi that can be a problem for people who are on dial up
[2008.03.26 19:38:50] flipk: I've seen some pages where people have a poll you can take...is that what you mean?
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[2008.03.26 19:39:22] MaxMuhlin has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:39:43] BrittaCP: So the YouTube thing brings up an interesting point... while adding fun and flasy little things in your shop like video, animations, slideshows may look nice....
[2008.03.26 19:39:55] BrittaCP: remember... you don't want to slow down your page load
[2008.03.26 19:40:23] BrittaCP: Keep in mind that too many can be overwhelming, distracting, and slow down your page load.
[2008.03.26 19:40:30] BrittaCP: Distractions aside, if your page doesn’t load quickly enough… you lose all stickiness.
[2008.03.26 19:40:54] maryo has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:41:02] Sag: YouTube is an exit door ... no, no! Cut many entrance door and tape all the exit windows and doors shut!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:41:13] BrittaCP: That's another thing to think about as well
[2008.03.26 19:41:15] BrittaCP: leaks
[2008.03.26 19:41:44] BrittaCP: your "fun stuff" shouldn't encourage a customer to click and land outside of your shop
[2008.03.26 19:42:03] BrittaCP: you want to entertain them inside, all the way to the checkout
[2008.03.26 19:42:12] Pfoinkle: I would think that "interactive" would mean people actually participating, which goes beyond passively watching a video. Something that requires activity on the end user's part -- like shoutout boxes, polls, puzzles, etc. Not that all would work for a CP shop. ;)
[2008.03.26 19:42:20] BrittaCP: right
[2008.03.26 19:42:28] Ne1512BLVD: I have broadband. How can I tell if my sites load too slow for a dialup user?
[2008.03.26 19:42:34] BrittaCP: anyone know?
[2008.03.26 19:42:41] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:42:54] Message sent to moderator(s)
[2008.03.26 19:42:57] foxvox: Ask an SK on dialup! :-D
[2008.03.26 19:43:07] Lekker Jen: There are SKs on dialup - post in the forums. There's also some site diagnotic tools out there
[2008.03.26 19:43:24] NiftyGaloot: http://www.octagate.com/service/SiteTimer/
[2008.03.26 19:43:27] TexasFiddler: What is the thinking on clicking on an outside link that opens in a new window?
[2008.03.26 19:43:56] BrittaCP: thoughts?
[2008.03.26 19:44:25] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:44:35] Sag: Got my tape ready Texas! Tape it shut!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:44:45] ateasetees: I would think that that would be the same as the YouTube thing. I know that I've got a new window to play in, I may not get right back to what was in the first one...that could cost a sale...
[2008.03.26 19:44:48] foxvox: Having two windows open CAN split a visitor's attention. On the other hand, when they're done with the second window, they'll probably land back on the original by default. ??
[2008.03.26 19:45:16] Lekker Jen: It takes their attention away from my shop and that purchase they were just about to make. I try to stay away from that in my shop. Maybe if you have an off site domain, you could post that kind of thing in a non shop area?
[2008.03.26 19:45:20] ateasetees: Unless they're like me and already have 8 windows open....lol
[2008.03.26 19:45:22] mystic: I don't put anything in my shop that would possibly lead a customer out of my site.
[2008.03.26 19:45:27] Ne1512BLVD: I hate when I am on a website and keep getting new windows, but would rather if I am shopping that something I click on that is unrelated would open in a new window.... jut not all the time.
[2008.03.26 19:45:32] Pfoinkle: Opening in a new window is often confusing to end users as it "disables" the browser's back button. Generally frowned upon in usability circles.
[2008.03.26 19:45:47] Sag: Heck, if I can get them in the door they're going to find it hard to get out! Yep!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:45:53] Carl: As a shopper, i hate clicking links that open in new windows. I especially hate shopping carts that open as a popup... ugh.
[2008.03.26 19:46:20] BrittaCP: so it seems to be universal... extra windows = no good
[2008.03.26 19:46:23] Sag: Yeah, me too Carl.
[2008.03.26 19:46:35] mystic: :-( pop ups are evil
[2008.03.26 19:47:47] BrittaCP: Let's move back to fun stuff ideas... now that we have an undertanding of things you want to make sure: keep your shopper in your shop, don't slow down your page load, and avoid pop-ups
[2008.03.26 19:48:02] ateasetees: So what we're looking for is a simple, interactive, fun, memorable widget of somekind that doesn't open another window...that should be easy...:)
[2008.03.26 19:48:15] Sag: Ah heck, have a design contest, or a K-mart blue light special or a ...... better stop having too much fun!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:49:07] Carl: I imagine contests are a big factor in stickiness. Any thoughts about (relatively legal) ways to run one in your cafepress shop?
[2008.03.26 19:49:09] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:49:14] DDKnight: I'd like two drinks of whatever Sag is having please:)
[2008.03.26 19:49:19] BrittaCP: lol... i think we all do
[2008.03.26 19:49:28] Ne1512BLVD: When choosing an interactive fun thing for our shops we should put it to the test of does it promote our shop or products... not jut put there for the fun of it
[2008.03.26 19:49:29] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:50:06] AngelaCP: hey everyone... i have to leave for carpool
[2008.03.26 19:50:14] clonecire: im done with winter and all your cold
[2008.03.26 19:50:21] flipk: Has anyone done a "win a free tshirt contest" ?
[2008.03.26 19:50:22] AngelaCP: just wanted to say bye to you all.... i want to see sticky shops soon :)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] AngelaCP has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Kip: when's CPcon, give it up! :)
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Sag: Uh-huh!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] matisse: There is not enough glue in my shops!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] matisse: oh no....not the moderators again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[2008.03.26 19:50:28] Sag: "moderator reviews and pushes it out" that sounds like my digestive system!:-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I need super glue!
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I am not getting many people signing up for my newsletter! I want dancing girls too!
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] NiftyGaloot: No dancing girls? :(
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: I am using statcounter.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] foxvox: I think specifics and hows might help us all understand the concept behind it a little better too?
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] mystic: I came in late and prolly missed some
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] jean - rotem gear: sounds unpleasant
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] chm: Yep, Stickiness : It's what keeps your visitors/customers coming back for more.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] matisse: My biggest problem is this...I get a visitor from "one" of my designs in a particular section that appears on the first page of google. If they don't like that one they leave and don't look at the variety of other design I have for that section.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] Ne1512BLVD: i think interactive things.... such as contests, contact forms, feedback forms, photo clubs, buyers clubs, newsletters... etc.
[2008.03.26 19:50:29] ateasetees: why thank you...oh...heh nm..;)
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Sag: :-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Ne1512BLVD: you mene we gotta get edjucated?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: More interesting funky templates from CP ie the new politics ones are great!
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: I'm not selling them, or am I?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] Ne1512BLVD: Should we be offering articles if appropriate or would that pull them away from the shopping mindset?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: How do I get shoppers to visit the section first rather than land on a particular design in that section?
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: I need to take a creative writing class.
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] mystic: 91 different? :bow:
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] shopaholicchick: for my shop i like to stay simple - i use colors and section tiles with images www.cafepress.com/shopaholicchick is an example
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] matisse: well that will be about a month of work to do!
[2008.03.26 19:50:30] clonecire: did i miss the part where you said we are gettin kelly green shirts this year?
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] matisse: Can I change all of my shop sections to 3 across without doing it for each section?
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] romy: If I have a section that contains several designs I just put a recent favorite design in the thumb, but when I notice visitors landing there and leaving I wonder whether I should try to represent all of the designs, maybe on different products. But it could be they're leaving because they expected something completely different.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] clonecire: typical white storefront
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] shopaholicchick: oh ok - i use no template but i color my sidebar and fonts for the seasons
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] matisse: Do I have to change each of over 3,500 sections. This is relevant, because if people don't like the problem with 4 across, they are not going to come back!....site stickiness!
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Suzzie: youtube clips could get annoying
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] foxvox: Was just about to say that, Shopaholicchick.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Carl: Featured products created by customer request
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] Ne1512BLVD: A photo club where they can send in photos of them wearing your product. They can look through the other photos and their submission enters them into a contest
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] foxvox: Videos can also get distracting, unless they are ABOUT the products and have clickable links, say, underneath.
[2008.03.26 19:50:31] TexasFiddler: What
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] NiftyGaloot: Try this to see how fast your page loads and what slows it down: http://www.octagate.com/service/SiteTimer/
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: what types of fun stuff?
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] BabyDave: Sticky shops are shops that feature good designs.
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] shopaholicchick: i ask someone on dial up - but if it takes more then a moment for me - it will be slow for them
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: Ask me to look:-D
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Lekker Jen: Kristen beat me
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] MaxMuhlin: SO . . . what's the answer? What makes a shop sticky ?
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Ne1512BLVD: There is one site I go to that every link opens in a new window. But, I like the products offered, so I just keep in mind that I will need to close alot.
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] mystic: my browser often blocks them anyways
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Sag: If you're going to develop conduits of traffic, route it around to your other shops if you have some. Don't let them varmits get away!:whistle:
[2008.03.26 19:50:32] Ne1512BLVD: I hate when I have to manually allow a pop up for legitimate sites, so offering a pop off turn me off, because I have them blocked
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] clonecire: If it is something i choose to click on then i love new windows,just not when they pop up randomly
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] MaxMuhlin: Bye, I've got a Netflix movie that is going to be waaaaay more informative than this CHat!!
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Sag: Bye Angela! Thanks!
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Ne1512BLVD: have a safe trip home
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] foxvox: Ask yourself, when YOU'RE shopping, what do YOU like to do in a shop? What amuses you? Why do you go back?
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] Suzzie: fun stuff doesn't have to promote your product, it could just be something that has to do with your overall theme
[2008.03.26 19:50:33] blipfish: Bye Ang
[2008.03.26 19:50:46] DDKnight: wow
[2008.03.26 19:50:51] BrittaCP: yeah... that was Ang's doing
[2008.03.26 19:50:59] Ne1512BLVD: yeah that was fun to watch
[2008.03.26 19:51:01] blipfish: whirlies!
[2008.03.26 19:51:31] BrittaCP: the last question(before the burp) was
[2008.03.26 19:51:55] matisse has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:52:13] BrittaCP: flipk: has anyone done a "win a free tshirt contest"?
[2008.03.26 19:52:31] Ne1512BLVD: I plan on doing it this year
[2008.03.26 19:52:49] mystic: One free shirt offer I thought of... sign up for our newletter and be entered into our free t-shirt drawing.
[2008.03.26 19:52:57] clonecire: i have but i never win
[2008.03.26 19:53:00] blipfish: I stay away from contests. Too many ways of getting into trouble.
[2008.03.26 19:53:09] Pfoinkle: I've done giveaways before. I find them moderately successful for increasing a mailing list, but not sales.
[2008.03.26 19:53:18] Sag: Kids Shop - have a durn coloring contest for kids. Have them send the entries to you and give away a free shirt! The mailman will luv ya' fer et!
[2008.03.26 19:53:37] BrittaCP: This is a great thought... which brings me to another idea...
[2008.03.26 19:54:05] BrittaCP: Engage your customers by asking for photo submissions wearing products or doing something funny
[2008.03.26 19:54:45] BrittaCP: This way... they buy the product... take a pic, send it to you...and return to see themselves... and may buy again
[2008.03.26 19:54:50] Ne1512BLVD: mine is what I wrote before.... enter to win a t-shirt by sending in a photo of you wearing one of our product
[2008.03.26 19:54:52] mystic: Good one sag! The winning shirt could be their coloring design
[2008.03.26 19:54:59] Sag: Wow, I like that one!:bow::-D Gonna try it!
[2008.03.26 19:55:13] Cthulhu For President has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:55:16] Lekker Jen: Aren't there legalities to contests though?
[2008.03.26 19:55:17] Winter: Do you need to send them a permission/release form when they agree to that and you put it on your site?
[2008.03.26 19:55:34] BrittaCP: Yes... so you'll want to make sure you explore these things before hand
[2008.03.26 19:55:38] Pfoinkle: BE CAREFUL with contests for kids. Laws surrounding contests vary from state-to-state and country-to-country, laws surrounding marketing to kids... can be quite complex.
[2008.03.26 19:55:50] Ne1512BLVD: mystic, that is a good idea.... if their design wins, then they get the free t-shirt of it and the shirt becomes available in your store....
[2008.03.26 19:56:39] BabyDave: I am amazed that CP would recommend shopkeepers hvae contests
[2008.03.26 19:56:40] DDKnight has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:56:41] BrittaCP: Again... it's something that as a business person you want to investigate the legalities...
[2008.03.26 19:56:46] jean - rotem gear: I don;t run contests but I have had give-away drawings (having one now)
[2008.03.26 19:56:53] DDKnight has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:58:35] BrittaCP: If you want product shots... they don't have to be a contest... tehy can be "submissions" that your customer is aware may be posted... there's not neccisarly a prize... and you're not telling htem that they have to buy something to be seen... it's more like "show me what you sdo with your purchase"
[2008.03.26 19:58:46] BrittaCP: like thinkgeek.com.... they have what they call "actions shots"
[2008.03.26 19:59:09] BrittaCP: customers do silly things with things thier purchase... and it get's posted
[2008.03.26 19:59:15] matisse has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:20] Sag: There's some great online advise about holding contests. Just google it and play by the numbers.
[2008.03.26 19:59:23] Lekker Jen: What's the difference between a contest and a drawing, Jean?
[2008.03.26 19:59:24] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:45] Winter has entered the room "CafePress Chat Room"
[2008.03.26 19:59:51] foxvox has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 19:59:52] mystic: Ohhhh creative uses for the ceramic tiles sorta thingy?
[2008.03.26 19:59:54] BrittaCP: YES!
[2008.03.26 20:00:41] cyi has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:01:18] BrittaCP: Ok... so it's 5... here are a couple of other things to think about in the lobby or while sitting at your computer tinkering with your shop...
[2008.03.26 20:01:20] BrittaCP: 2. Limited Edition T-shirt of the month (week, etc)
[2008.03.26 20:01:27] BrittaCP: 3. Deal of the day (like Amazon’s gold box)
[2008.03.26 20:01:43] BrittaCP: Stay fresh and up to date
[2008.03.26 20:02:28] BrittaCP: overall... the point is to get your shoppers to remember your shop, and comeback for more
[2008.03.26 20:02:30] jean - rotem gear: LekkerJean, I think of a contest as a competiton of sorts. A give-away is just that, a drawing for a free shirt, but stipulates being added to my very seldom newsletter.
[2008.03.26 20:02:45] BrittaCP: making it Sticky
[2008.03.26 20:02:49] Sag: Oh, oh, oh, - deal of the day! Juices in brain overflowing capacity! Sounds fun!:-D
[2008.03.26 20:03:36] BrittaCP: And with that... i shall open the lobby... and you can all swim in Sag's overflowing brain juice
[2008.03.26 20:03:43] MaxMuhlin has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:14] BrittaCP: thanks for hanging with us tonight
[2008.03.26 20:04:19] mystic: Thanks Britta
[2008.03.26 20:04:21] cartwright has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:42] Sag: Now that sounds yucky, Britta! Thanks for the great chat!
[2008.03.26 20:04:45] Winter has left the room (logged out)
[2008.03.26 20:04:52] BrittaCP: it's your brain juice! ;)
[2008.03.26 20:04:55] Serenity Moonstone has left the room
[2008.03.26 20:05:19] Sag: :-D:-D:bow:
[2008.03.26 20:05:21] Ne1512BLVD: Don't gross out the pregnant lady please
[2008.03.26 20:05:21] Suzzie has left the room
[2008.03.26 20:05:28] The room has been closed by the system