I'm starting from scratch and trying to put up an e-commerce Web site
for a specialty gourmet and gift store that carries over 1500
different products in inventory.
1) First, where do I go to get read about e-commerce stats in the US?
Is there a texbook out there I can read just to get up to speed about
annual sales growth in the US, how it differs by industry,
psychographic and demographic data regarding who shops online and why,
and all other relevant statistical data that's basically crucial to
review for business purposes? I would think that the US Census Bureau
would publish something but all I can find from them is scattered bits
of analysis -- I'm looking for a comprehensive report.
2) Can you refer me to a famous study that perhaps looks at how to
structure the layout of a successful e-commerce site? I like
www.webstyleguide.com for the research it provides regarding what
colors to use, which fonts to pick for readability, that sort of
thing. But is there something that goes over data and offers advice
on what's been statistically proven to help aid sales for e-commerce
sites?
3) Is there an independent survey out there that reviews that
companies that offer turn-key solutions to setting up independent
e-commerce Web sites? Looking at a comparison matrix comparing
different features would be ideal. So far I've found
http://www.eonegroup.com/ but I'm looking for other ideas so that I
can make this as easy as possible for myself.
These are big questions, but they're so obvious for anyone starting up
an e-commerce Web site that I figured you've already addressed lots of
questions like these before.
Anything else you have to pass along that offers good advice regarding
starting an e-commerce Web site from scratch would be appreciated.
I'll tip accordingly.
Thanks!! |
