Retailers ‘Must Engage With Online Shoppers’

by Oliver Ewbank on 16th December 2010

Online businesses face considerable competition in convincing shoppers to buy their products over the internet, it has been stated.

According to online engagement platform provider EPiServer, around 40 per cent of consumers in the UK will be doing at least half of their Christmas shopping on the web this year.

Customers are adopting savvy strategies to make savings, with 45 per cent comparing prices between different websites and 35 per cent seeking out discount and voucher codes prior to making a purchase.

Neal Perry, UK country manager for EPiServer, said that while it is good for retailers that many people are buying goods and services over the internet, they also face challenges in getting shoppers to buy from their specific site.

"To convince these savvy shoppers to buy, retailers need to deliver an engaging and satisfying online experience, otherwise they'll merely migrate to the competition," he stated.

Earlier this month, Gemma Greaves, marketing director at The Marketing Society, said SEO services have a huge role to play in bringing in new online business.