Site search, search engine
optimization (SEO) and mobile commerce will become the biggest priorities in 2013, according to findings from a survey of more than 450 online retailers released Tuesday.
The SLI Systems study
found that 18% plan to improve site search, 18% will focus on ecommerce, 17% on SEO efforts, and 15% on mobile commerce. Forty-eight percent of retailers said relevance is the most important factor
when thinking about improving site search, followed by ease of use at 20%, and total cost of ownership at 14%.
To accomplish the tasks, 52% will add A/B testing; 48% will make refinements; 39%
will add merchandising features; and 34% will add auto complete. These features received the highest ranking of new site search features that retailers will add in the new year to give site visitors a
better experience. Some 40% will add a mobile version of their Web site in 2013, with 20% planning to create a mobile app.
Some 63% of retailers said improving conversions on ecommerce sites
will become the biggest challenge in 2013; followed by 61% who said the greatest challenge is attracting more customers to the site, and 23% who cited improving logistics.
The findings also
show that retailers understand the value of content to drive traffic and conversions. Many have created content just to educate potential and existing customers who need more information to make a
decision. Some 57% of retailers have posted Twitter feeds to their sites. About 56% have posted press releases and articles, while 53% took to blog posts and videos.
When compiled, the content
created to educate consumers creates an interesting time line for a year gone by. As a side note, Twitter created a timeline of 2012
events -- something we've been conditioned to see on television at the end of the year, rather than on social sites. It's something companies might want to consider as another piece of
content to share with those who love your brand.