Personalized URLs can cut through mass-marketing clutter

Smart use of PURLS can turn outbound marketing messages into customized, personal experiences.

Can companies really predict what customers like online?

Internet marketers may not know as much about shoppers as they think do, according to a new study.

Closing the gap between shopper needs and e-commerce technology

Why dynamic content represents the best chance for snagging the online shopper's attention, and closing the sale.

Ten ways retailers can build their opt-in email lists

If no one is reading your marketing emails, it doesn't matter how creative or passionate those messages are.

Managing brand bashing on social media

For retailers, the best defense against online negativity may be your best customers.

How Facebook pages can impact customer experience

Customers are using Facebook to research companies more than many retail executives and industry experts may have anticipated.

Three easy ways to boost email deliverability

Increasing email deliverability is both an art and a science, and these tips tap into both.

Retail e-mails: Treading the fine line between marketing and spam

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A retailer's opt-in list is one of its most valuable assets, but reaching out to it too often can result in brand backlash.

Two-thirds of Facebook users say it influences purchase decisions

A new report details how users of the social networking site use it to interact with brands and retailers.

Four areas for improvement in retail online marketing

From social networking to grass-roots PR, here are simple ways to get more results from your online efforts.

Online retail spending regains double-digit growth

E-commerce sales will grow by 12.7 percent in 2010 after two years of subpar growth.

Report: Catalogs increasingly drive online sales

More than ever, people shop the catalog but buy on the Web site.

ShopTogether unites distant shoppers online

New tool lets two or more people browse an online store in tandem.

Turning retail into a game

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

"Entertainment shopping" can be fun for shoppers and profitable for retailers, but it can also ignite controversy.

Mobile Monday: Overstock.com

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

A clever scratch-off feature isn't enough to salvage this thin offering.

Social media for retailers: Focus on Facebook

A study of 10,000 online shoppers reveals where retailers should focus their social media efforts.

Retailers can connect with mom shoppers online

by James Bickers — Editor, Networld Alliance

Time-crunched mothers head to the Web to meet their many unique needs – so online retailers need to be ready to serve them.

Mobile Monday: Macy's iShop

Macy's leaves the Web site format behind with an app that lets shoppers browse inventory in the manner they choose.

The pros and cons of concealing product prices online

Keeping the price tag somewhat hidden is part of a strategy by major brands to counter the Internet's tendency to drive prices down.

Mobile Monday: Sears Personal Shopper

The first installment of this new weekly feature takes a close look at Sears' remarkable iPhone concierge app.