A Booster App for Your Shopify Store, Beware of the Amazon Ad Scam, and More News
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It seems that the last Friday of August is officially upon us, and we can slowly get ready for those cooler nights and warmer drinks. But before we get into the Autumn spirit, it’s time to find out what’s happening in the eCommerce world. Last week, our headline was all about positive financial changes. This week? Well, you’ll have to see for yourself.
Today’s news is 1459 words and takes 6 minutes to read.
A Booster App for Your Shopify Store
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, small businesses often juggle multiple tasks. One of the most time-consuming yet crucial aspects is optimizing product pages for better traffic and sales. Semrush has responded to this challenge by introducing the eCommerce Booster app – a game-changer for Shopify store owners.
Unlike conventional analytics tools, this app stands out for its unique ability to thoroughly examine product pages and provide actionable strategies for improvement. By combining AI technology with intelligent analysis, it promises to make eCommerce optimization smarter and more efficient.
The eCommerce Booster app’s capabilities are truly comprehensive, as it audits four key areas:
- written content,
- user experience,
- visual content,
- and page speed/accessibility.
Following the audit, businesses receive a personalized action plan outlining specific optimization steps.
The app’s AI tools play a pivotal role in refining content and images to align with industry best practices, ensuring optimal performance. The app also provides weekly reports pinpointing critical store issues, enabling prompt resolution and strategic decision-making.
For small eCommerce businesses, time is of the essence, and the eCommerce Booster can dramatically reduce hours spent on research and analysis. Activities that promote growth can now utilize this extra time. By optimizing product pages, businesses can expect a boost in both page visits and conversions.
The app is accessible to Semrush users and newcomers alike, offering a valuable tool to enhance online visibility in the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape. With the eCommerce Booster app, Shopify stores are not only seen, but become irresistibly appealing to potential customers.
Well, this addition to the Shopify store is definitely making it into our good books. But for sellers who are still starting out, deciding whether to choose Shopify or Amazon for their business may not be a piece of cake. If you’re having a hard time deciding between the two platforms, then make sure to read through our well researched article about these two platforms.
Big Retailer News
Beware of the Amazon Ad Scam
In a startling revelation, security researchers are sounding the alarm over a deceptive Amazon ad masquerading as a genuine Google search result. This cleverly crafted scam lures unsuspecting visitors into a trap. The ad redirects them to a mock Microsoft Defender page that locks their browsers.
The fake Amazon ad is part of a new wave of scams infiltrating search results. Clicking on it sends users spiraling into a nightmarish loop of warnings about malware infection. It leaves them trapped in a full-screen charade that’s challenging to escape.
The audacious nature of this Amazon-Google ad scam has left tech experts baffled. Notably, even the YouTube platform fell victim to a similar ruse, employing genuine URLs to lend credibility to the deception.
As the cybersecurity battle intensifies, questions loom about how such convincing ad scams can slip through Google’s defenses. The media’s outreach to both Google and Amazon for reassurance yielded little in the way of concrete plans to combat this growing threat. The cycle continues as experts strive to unmask and neutralize these digital wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The internet is full of scams, and it’s extremely important to know how to defend yourself — especially when your online store can be on the line. Check out our related article on how to spot eBay scams, and learn how to protect yourself and your business.
PayPal’s Disappointing Changes
PayPal users who have enjoyed the flexibility of using their PayPal balance as partial funding through a special debit card are in for some disappointing changes. Starting September 12, 2023, the option to use backup funding from a linked bank account using the PayPal Business Debit Mastercard will not be available.
This means that users will need to ensure they have sufficient funds in their PayPal account to make purchases with the card. They won’t be able to rely on linked bank accounts for backup funding. While PayPal will still allow users to add money to their PayPal balance through bank transfers, cash deposits, and checks, the move has garnered backlash from users who valued the flexibility the card offered.
The abrupt change has led to users expressing their disappointment on platforms like Reddit. Some users indicate that they will no longer use the card for their transactions. The suddenness of the change and the communication made through legal agreements and emails has fueled the frustration further.
In addition to the debit card changes, PayPal is making various alterations to its legal agreements, which will affect cryptocurrency fees, privacy policies, and more. The spread in cryptocurrency exchange rates for buying or selling cryptocurrency will increase, potentially impacting users who engage in such transactions. While PayPal is introducing these changes to enhance its offerings, the sudden shift in the terms has left many users wondering what changes they need to make to their financial routines.
Just a few months ago, we talked about PayPal introducing some positive changes. Will customers decide to opt out of paying via PayPal with these new, strange rules? Leave us a comment with your thoughts down below.
Also in the News
- Amazon to charge Prime members for same-day delivery. Internet Retailing.
- Sriracha’s shortage — prices rising? Business Insider.
International Retailer News
Deep Sea Mining Interests Rise Among Sellers
For eCommerce sellers, understanding the current dynamics surrounding deep-sea mining is crucial. The pursuit of minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries has put the UN in a challenging position. They will have to regulate the rush for these underwater riches, which can affect the supply chain for eCommerce businesses.
A small but determined Pacific nation challenged the global approach to deep-sea mining, which highlighted the push for these resources. This highlights the conflict between sourcing metals for electric vehicles and potential marine ecological impacts.
The spotlight on this issue intensifies as environmental activists like Greenpeace voice their concerns. They are making public appearances and staging protests, such as the one outside the Czech Republic’s ministry of industry. These acts underscore the potential environmental risks and the need for careful extraction methods to prevent marine ecosystem damage.
The core issue is balancing materials for cleaner transportation, like electric vehicles, against environmental costs. The UN’s regulatory decisions will inevitably impact the availability and pricing of these deep-sea minerals, affecting the eCommerce supply chain. Sellers need to stay informed and be ready to adapt based on the evolving landscape of deep-sea mining regulations and environmental considerations.
Although companies and sellers are always on the lookout for selling opportunities, destroying the environment in order to do so is probably not on everyone’s bucket list. Especially since we mentioned in our 2025 predictions article, that product sustainability is one of the most important aspects, from the buyer’s perspective. Make sure to read the article for other 2025 eCommerce insights.
Adyen’s Disappointing First-Half Sales
Dutch payments company Adyen faced a $20 billion market cap drop after reporting weak first-half sales. Adyen, considered one of the top 200 fintech companies worldwide, offers payment gateway services for both online and in-store transactions. The company partners with major names like Netflix, Meta and Spotify.
However, the company’s growth trajectory was challenged in recent times, with its slowest revenue growth on record and a 39% drop in its shares. The main issues seem to be increased competition from local providers. The local providers offer cheaper alternatives and a shift in investor focus due to changing macroeconomic conditions.
Although Adyen’s revenue for the first half of the year increased by 21% year over year, it fell significantly short of expectations, with analysts projecting a 40% growth rate. Moreover, the company’s shares have taken a hit, and the shift in focus from growth to bottom-line performance is a response to rising inflation and interest rates.
Adyen’s CFO, Ethan Tandowsky, emphasized the company’s focus on functionality and unique offerings, even as competitors with lower prices threaten its market share. The company’s structural challenges include convincing customers to stick to its platform for all their payment needs and outperforming competitors in terms of value provided.
What does it mean for sellers?
The shift in focus from growth to bottom-line performance due to rising inflation and interest rates might lead to more conservative strategies from Adyen. Sellers need to stay informed and possibly consider diversifying their payment gateways to ensure they are getting the best terms and rates.
Also in the News
- Is it the end of Xi Jinping’s Tech crackdown? Benzinga
- Will Beijing limit use of AI in healthcare? SCMP
Webinars
For everyone
Various dates: Amazon advertising’s global webinar program continues with 20+ webinars scheduled, covering Prime Day Preparation, Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, reporting, optimization, and other tips. Amazon.
For US sellers
September 7: The 15 Minute Breakdown. Tinuiti.
For UK sellers
Various dates: Amazon advertising’s global webinar program continues with 20+ webinars scheduled, covering Prime Day Preparation, Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, reporting, optimization, and other tips. Amazon.
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