Nothing to be Afraid of Edition
Ghouls and Goblins may be prowling the streets, but they haven't come knocking on retailers doors this year. Online retail is up 23% in Q3 and the holiday season looks to be a good one. We're kicking into high gear, as I am sure you are, in preparation of the upcoming retail boom. As always, get updates between the emails at the eCommerce Cache, our company blog.
Screencast of the Month: Google Checkout
This is a new feature we're starting this month where we highlight a screencast. Don't know what a screencast is? Just like a screenshot is a picture of your screen, a screencast is a video of your screen and they're a great way to show someone a process on you're computer; clicks, text and all.
This month's screencast of the month is a run-through of using Google Checkout to make a purchase. You can get some background info on the process or View the Screencast.
New Site Release: The Hollywood Reporter Oscar Site
I know we always call out two new site releases in the right side of the newsletter, but this release merited a little more attention. Varien designed and developed the For Your Consideration Studio Showcase section of The Hollywood Reporter which went live yesterday. The showcase allows movie studios to give academy members a look at films up for Oscar Nominations, download screenplays and soundtracks and RSVP to screenings of the films.
Varien's specialty may be ecommerce, but we are proficient in creating sites of all types. We're proud of the site and hope you have a few minutes to take a look.
Shopping Comparison Sites: Interview with PriceGrabber's CEO and a Rise in Rates
We contacted PriceGrabber CEO Kamran Pourzanjani to get some insight into customers' interactions with the shopping comparison site. The most surprising thing we found was that 50% of customers coming to the site will browse for products instead of conducting a search. You can read more from Mr. Pourzanjani at the eCommerce Cache.
One thing we learned after the interview is that starting tomorrow (11/01/06), cost per click rates for PriceGrabber will go up 20%. Shopping.com will raise rates 20% as well, while NexTag is set to raise rates 25% on Thursday. Also, see our coverage of Shopping.com's move to keep customers from visiting your site.
Varien is Hiring: Looking for an Intern
That's right, Varien is looking for an intern to help with business analysis and marketing. We are a small company and work in a fast-changing environment, so expect to wear many hats. Responsibilities will include helping with corporate communications, implementing marketing plans and analyzing client demographics.
Qualifications- A passion for the Internet is highly desirable
- Computer Skills are a must, knowledge of Photoshop and FTP uploading are a plus.
- An entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn
- An internship at Varien will provide an opportunity to learn about new methods of marketing and customer communications through new media, including Search Engine Marketing, Blogs and Viral videos.
The internship will also provide first-hand experience about the rapidly growing eCommerce industry, expected to break $200 Billion this year. Learn about effective online marketing for retail sites, usability and design, project lifecycles and other aspects of running a successful online business.
Send resumes to jobs@varien.com
