<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	xmlns:series="http://unfoldingneurons.com/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>kerrinhardy.com &#187; christmas</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/tag/christmas/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com</link>
	<description>The Ultimate Reference for Customising Zen Cart</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Sat, 31 Jul 2010 04:39:49 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:29:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/?p=1087</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Christmas is over and you’re now relaxing with your feet up and a celebratory drink!  Well, the holiday period is not over and with a little push now you can extend your holiday sales into January, even February. Update your Zen Cart Store Keep your store fresh by adding a couple of small updates to [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Christmas is over and you’re now relaxing with your feet up and a celebratory drink!  Well, the holiday period is not over and with a little push now you can extend your holiday sales into January, even February.</p>
<h4>Update your Zen Cart Store</h4>
<p>Keep your store fresh by adding a couple of small updates to your store front.  Both customers and search engines are reassured that your store is credible and open-for-business by new content and quick removal of out-of-date information.</p>
<p>Updates could include:</p>
<ul>
<li>a new banner (for example, to thank your customers for their support during the year, wish your customers a happy New Year or notice that you are now returning to your normal shipping schedule).</li>
<li>a feature section where you focus on ‘upselling’ for a particular product (for example, focus on the accessories available for your main product);</li>
<li>a new banner or sidebox to advertise your upcoming New Year Sale or current specials.</li>
</ul>
<p>Don’t forget to remove all information from your store front that is no longer relevant.  You do not want references to ‘delivery before Christmas’ once Christmas Day has passed.</p>
<p>Have a plan for when you will remove all references to the holiday period.  Have your new banners, header, sideboxes, etc ready to go for the change-over date you decide.</p>
<h4>Customer Contact</h4>
<p>The most valuable customer is a repeat customer and the primary reason customers return is contact after an order.  An important part of your <a title="Zen Cart Store Configuration" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/zen-cart/installing-configuring-zen-cart-full-step-by-step-guide/">Zen Cart Store Configuration</a> is the <a title="Zen Cart Emails" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/zen-cart/zen-cart-email-templates/">Zen Cart Emails</a>, the transactional and confirmation email messages such as when a new customer registers or when an order is shipped.  However, there are also other ways you can keep in touch with your customers.</p>
<ul>
<li>Send a follow up email to all customers or a random selection of customers who purchased in the lead up to Christmas and thank them for their custom and let them know to contact you if there are any problems.  Make sure your email is personalised and always follow up on any issues that are raised.</li>
<li>Run a Customer Satisfaction Survey be sending a brief email questionnaire to all customers that purchased in the last two months.  Offer a special discount or other promotion to increase participation.</li>
<li>Regular newsletters, offers and promotions based on previous purchases are great ways of getting that all important repeat custom.</li>
</ul>
<p>Remember, all email messages should be branded to match your online store and include your logo and contact information.  The last thing you want is your email messages to leave a bad impression.</p>
<h4>Clearance Sale</h4>
<p>Depending on your product range, you may wish to plan a holiday clearance sale for January to sell off any overstocked or slow moving items.  Hold a <strong><em>limited duration</em></strong> sale to energise sales during a typically slower month.  Also, launch your new product range as soon as possible so that customers drawn to your clearance sale can also purchase your new products (at full price off course!)</p>
<h4>Holiday Period In Review</h4>
<p>Finally, review your results. What worked successfully and what actions should have been started earlier?  Look at what your most popular products were, how successful your advertising campaigns were and the results of your Customer Satisfaction Survey.</p>
<p>Make some notes so that you can review them easily in August/September next year and build on what you have already learned.  Mark important milestone dates in your calendar for next year .</p>
<p><img title="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:31:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/?p=1019</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The e-commerce market has changed the face of Christmas shopping.  Where as in the past people fought their way through crowded shopping malls and spent days of stressful shopping going from store to store, today all their shopping can be done from the comfort of their own home.  The first step in being able to [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The e-commerce market has changed the face of Christmas shopping.  Where as in the past people fought their way through crowded shopping malls and spent days of stressful shopping going from store to store, today all their shopping can be done from the comfort of their own home.  The first step in being able to take advantage of this global market is to get the visitors to your store.  This takes dedication and hard work (just like with a bricks &amp; mortar store) and you can’t afford to rest on your laurels in the area of promoting and marketing your online store, especially leading up to the holiday shopping period.</p>
<h4>Landing Pages / Squeeze Pages / Sneeze Pages</h4>
<p>These are specialised pages that visitors are directed to when they follow a link (either a paid link (PPC) or from a search engine results page.  Generally there are two types:</p>
<ul>
<li>a page that is focused on one particular offer or product together with lots of search-engine friendly text including a full description; all the benefits, feelings, uses of your product or offer;  reviews or testimonials; high quality images and, of course, a Buy Now or Add to Cart button</li>
<li>a page that showcases your store’s products within a particular theme by providing one-click links deep in to your site.  An example may be ‘A beginner’s guide to making jewellery’ where an explanation of the different tools required together with your Buy Now buttons.</li>
</ul>
<p>These specialised pages can be very popular with search engines due to the natural use of text and keywords.  Zen Cart’s EZ Pages are a great way to set up your landing pages.</p>
<h4>Email Campaign</h4>
<p>Use your customer list to your advantage.  Even those that have purchased from you before may need a little encouragement, a gentle reminder, that your store’s products will be just what they need this Christmas.</p>
<p>Send your first email early in November – this plants the seed that your store is the place to go for Christmas shopping.</p>
<p>Send new emails every two weeks.  It is important that your email list do not feel as though you are spamming them.  Depending on your store you may like to include additional information in your email – such as a favourite Christmas recipe or tips for looking after your pets during the holiday period.</p>
<p>Create special landing pages to use in conjunction with your email campaign to direct customers straight to the products and offers you are promoting.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to send an email on December 26.  This is generally a huge shopping day and there are many potential customers who have been given money or pre-paid cards etc from those non-imaginative friends and relatives.  This is also a good opportunity to grab those that have left their shopping till after Christmas for their friends that didn’t catch up with before Christmas.</p>
<h4>Shopping Sites</h4>
<p>Submit your products and sale items to shopping sites such as <a title="Google’s Product Search" href="http://www.google.com/products" target="_blank">Google’s Product Search</a>, <a title="Shopzilla" href="http://www.shopzilla.com/" target="_blank">Shopzilla</a>, <a title="Yahoo! Shopping" href="http://shopping.yahoo.com/" target="_blank">Yahoo! Shopping</a>, <a title="Shopping.com" href="http://www.shopping.com/" target="_blank">Shopping.com</a>, <a title="Get Price" href="http://www.getprice.com.au/" target="_blank">Get Price</a> and many others.  Customers like to research their Christmas purchases and these sites allow visitors to compare prices, look at product reviews and compare merchant ratings.</p>
<h4>Pay-per-click Campaign</h4>
<p>Test your Christmas campaign during October and start in earnest in early November.  Associate your keywords with Christmas and the Holiday season in a variety of ways and make sure these keywords also exist on your landing page.</p>
<p>Monitor your campaign continually to make sure you haven’t been out bid on your desired keywords.  Remember that shoppers search for product and brand names more often than searching for company names.</p>
<p>There is a real science to pay-per-click advertising.  Remember to start off small, test a variety of keywords and ad wording and set up spending limits to avoid making any costly mistakes.</p>
<h4>Search Engine Optimisation</h4>
<p>Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to your store from search engines via natural (un-paid) search results as opposed to paid advertisements.  Check that you have the basics covered:</p>
<ul>
<li>All pages should include descriptive text, especially product pages.  Do not copy your product descriptions from the manufacturer or another site.  Both visitors and search engines respond to natural, descriptive and relevant text.</li>
<li>Page Titles should be set for each page.  Search Engines do not like duplicate page titles – each page requires a unique page title.  Avoid setting site wide page titles.  Zen Cart will automatically set the page title of a Product Page to:<br />
<em>Product Name [Model No] – Price – Title, Tagline</em><br />
The title and tagline are set in the includes/languages/english/<em>custom</em>/meta_tags.php file.</li>
<li>Page Descriptions are an important part of encouraging a visitor to click on your store link from the search engine results page.  Zen Cart will use the first part of your product description or you may wish to set a specific description through Zen Cart Admin.</li>
</ul>
<p>Zen Cart is Search Engine friendly out-of-the-box.  There is no need to install additional modules for ‘pretty URLs’.</p>
<h4>Engaging Online</h4>
<p>Google (and search engines in general) place a lot of emphasis on incoming links to your store, particularly from related sites.  By engaging with others online you will find that your number of incoming links will build naturally.  Think about joining forums related to your niche or products, starting a Facebook page, start a blog to highlight new products or helpful tips relating to your products, comment on others’ related blog posts, submit articles about your niche or individual products, and so on.  Each time you engage online a link to your online store will be created.  Use a variety of links – don’t always use your home page as your URL, encourage deep-links by linking directly to a category or product URL (or one of your landing pages if you have created them).</p>
<p>A couple of notes – keep your business and private ‘online engagements’ separate (it’s too easy to get into trouble and you could end up looking completely non-professional) and watch out not to lose focus (again, it is all too easy to end up ‘wasting’ a lot of time) on the goal of link building.</p>
<h4>Coordinate your marketing</h4>
<p>Online advertising, newsletter marketing and offline promotions …  Look at cost-effective local radio advertising or utilising the noticeboards in shopping malls and clubs.  You may be surprised at just how effective these can be in introducing more visitors to your Zen Cart store.</p>
<p><img title="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:41:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Most of us get carried away when we are shopping for Christmas presents and other Christmas purchases (like we just must have that new table setting or set of cushions for the day to be perfect).  This is perfect for Zen Cart online store owners to take advantage of this as we can easily employ [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most of us get carried away when we are shopping for Christmas presents and other Christmas purchases (like we just <em>must</em> have that new table setting or set of cushions for the day to be perfect).  This is perfect for Zen Cart online store owners to take advantage of this as we can easily employ every trick in the book to increase the number of sales and the value of each sale.</p>
<h4>Offer Gift Wrapping</h4>
<p>A great service for customers that are looking to send their gift purchases directly to the recipient, offering gift wrapping is also a great up-selling promotion for you.</p>
<p>Zen Cart store owners can look at installing the <a title="Gift Wrap at Checkout Add On" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&amp;products_id=407" target="_blank">Gift Wrap at Checkout Add On</a>.  This allows customers to select gift wrapping options at checkout time. The selection is done on a per product basis on the shipping page. A checkbox is provided for each product to indicate whether or not gift wrapping is required.</p>
<h4>Offer a Free Gift (with orders over a specified value)</h4>
<p>The <a title="Free Gifts - Dangling Carrot Zen Cart Add On" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&amp;cPath=40_60&amp;products_id=1145&amp;zenid=fa4ccc76f8ea8e4ee520a29337ea9c03" target="_blank">Dangling Carrot Zen Cart Add On</a> provides an easy way to offer your customers a choice of free gifts to encourage them to spend over a set amount in your store.  This Add On lets you specify which products can be gifts, set a discounted or zero price for them and then set a threshold at which customers are eligible for the gift.</p>
<h4>Better Together</h4>
<p>A range of promotion tools are available as part of the <a title="Better Together Add On Suite" href="http://www.thatsoftwareguy.com/zencart_better_together.html" target="_blank">Better Together Add On Suite</a>.  These offer Zen Cart store owners the ability to offer discounts when linked products are purchased together.  There is also a promotional page add on (where all the linked product promotions available are displayed together and an easy to use Admin panel add on to simplify administrating your linked products.</p>
<h4>Run a Christmas Contest</h4>
<p>The <a title="Contest System Add On" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&amp;cPath=40_60&amp;products_id=1187" target="_blank">Contest System Add On</a> creates a Zen Cart Side Box &#8216;Enter To Win&#8217; for placement in the left or right column of your store inviting visitors to enter the contest by clicking &#8216;Enter Our Contest&#8217;.<br />
Once a visitor clicks on &#8216;Enter Our Contest&#8217; they are taken to the contest page.  Perfect for encouraging visitors to create an account in your store.  In the event that the visitor does not purchase from your store straight away, you now have their details for future marketing events.</p>
<h4>Display complementary products</h4>
<p>Make it easy for your customers to also purchase any complementary products with the <a title="Cross Sell - Just Another Cross Sell Mod Addon" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&amp;cPath=40_60&amp;products_id=694" target="_blank">Cross Sell &#8211; Just Another Cross Sell Mod Addon</a>.  Let’s say one of your products is a fish tank, with this Add On you can display on the fish tank product page other suggested products such as fish food and water filters.  Or you may suggest camera bags and cleaning kits with all products in your camera category.</p>
<p>Tools that suggest similar or related products typically produce higher order values on average.</p>
<h4>Add value to the shopping experience</h4>
<p>Think about additional ways you can add value for your customers.  If you sell packets of spring bulbs include a free growing guide with every purchase.  Or, perhaps you sell women’s clothes.  Start a page on the must-have accessories of the season and include links to your product pages so that your customers can recreate the looks.  It can be easy to add value for your customers without you needing to spend more.  Just be creative.</p>
<p><em><strong>As with any modification to your Zen Cart store, ensure you have a current back up (both database and template files) and that you have read the install instructions carefully before installing any Add Ons.</strong></em></p>
<p><img title="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="Zen Cart Store - Getting ready for Christmas" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?'>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:07:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Make finding the perfect gifts easy for visitors to your store.  Zen Cart has lots of options for Store Owners to customise their store for the holiday period. Setting up the Power of Suggestion Create special ‘Gift’ categories – Gifts for Him, Gifts under $20, Gifts Kids Love – and link your products to these [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Make finding the perfect gifts easy for visitors to your store.  Zen Cart has lots of options for Store Owners to customise their store for the holiday period.</p>
<h4>Setting up the Power of Suggestion</h4>
<p>Create special ‘Gift’ categories – Gifts for Him, Gifts under $20, Gifts Kids Love – and link your products to these new categories.</p>
<p>This is especially useful if your products are not traditionally seen as gift items.</p>
<p>Another alternative is to create a number of pages (using EZ Pages for example) such as Gift Ideas for Teenage Girls, Gift Ideas for Runners, Gift Ideas for Lovers of Fine Art and use these to showcase a selection of your products.  Shoppers with no particular gift ideas in mind love to read what may be suitable gifts rather than just looking at endless product pages.</p>
<h4>Gift Certificates / Gift Vouchers</h4>
<p>Gift certificates/vouchers/cards can be very popular with online shoppers, effective for those that have run out of gift ideas or who may have left their Christmas shopping too late for delivery.  Provide a high-quality Gift Certificate with your logo and site address for the customer to download and print out the Gift Certificate or offer free postage of a personalised printed Gift Certificates.</p>
<h4>Discount Coupons</h4>
<p>Everyone loves a bargain and the Discount Coupons in Zen Cart can be a great marketing tool.  Appeal to the Christmas spirit and call your customers to action with limited time offers and other special Christmas promotions.  Look at offering a coupon code right on your home page to encourage sales in slow-moving categories or perhaps to match your competitors Christmas specials.  Or in the lead up to Christmas provide a discount coupon to existing customers to encourage repeat business.</p>
<h4>Bestsellers</h4>
<p>If you don’t normally have the Bestsellers sidebox in use on your store, think about implementing it during the holiday period to give shoppers ideas on the popular products to buy.  Make it a themed sidebox to further reinforce the suggestion of your products as Christmas gifts or purchases.</p>
<h4>Reviews</h4>
<p>Shoppers like to feel confident in their product choices and reviews are a perfect opportunity to further sell the benefits and value of your items.  Reviews also provide additional content for search engines and are quite often written in a way that store owners may not think about and therefore are good in broadening your store’s exposure in search engine results.  Look at adding any reviews or testimonials you have received via email or letter to your Zen Cart store.  These really do make a difference in converting visitors to customers, and are even better if they include comments like “my Dad loves it” or “it makes a great gift”.</p>
<h4>Other customers purchased</h4>
<p>Another in-built feature of Zen Cart, the Other Customers Purchased … information display on the product pages has two benefits.  Firstly, it is a great method of bringing alternative products to the attention of your customers and, especially for products that work well together or are complementary products, is also a great way to up sell and encourage further purchases.</p>
<h4>Gift Recipients</h4>
<p>Add a helpful note on your store suggesting how easy it is to arrange delivery direct to the gift recipient.  Zen Cart allows up to five addresses for each customer.  You may think it is obvious but it really does pay off to inform your customers that you offer this service.  Explain that you will not include an invoice in with the delivery and that they could even include a special note with the item by filling out the customer comments field.</p>
<h4>Last minute gift ideas</h4>
<p>In the last days before Christmas update your store to include information for your customers on the products you have that can still be posted in time for delivery before Christmas.  Emphasise that the products are in stock, that they can expect quick postage and that they make great gifts.  Don’t forget to promote your gift certificates as a last minute gift idea too.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:49:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just like department stores are prepared for Christmas by October, your online store needs to show that you’re prepared for Christmas too.  It’s easy to show your customers you are ready for Christmas with Zen Cart and as both customers and search engines love updated sites with new content now is a good time to [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just like department stores are prepared for Christmas by October, your online store needs to show that you’re prepared for Christmas too.  It’s easy to show your customers you are ready for Christmas with Zen Cart and as both customers and search engines love updated sites with new content now is a good time to put your visitors in a spending mood with a new festive look and feel.</p>
<h4>Christmas Message</h4>
<p>Wish your visitors and customers with a Christmas message on your store home page.  This is easy to do using the Define Pages Editor to add content to <strong>define_main_page.php. </strong>Remind your customers the reasons why they need your products during this holiday season.  They will make a great gift for Mum, be the perfect dress for Christmas parties or they will spice up the Christmas table – such as this example from Bistro Blends.<a title="Bistro Blends" href="http://bistroblends.com/" target="_blank"><img style="display: inline; border: 0px;" title="Go to Bistro Blends store" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/image44.png" border="0" alt="Go to Bistro Blends store" width="590" height="482" /></a></p>
<h4>Shipping Deadline</h4>
<p>Make sure your customers know when they have to order by in order to have their delivery before Christmas.  Add a note to your shipping page and/or add information to a custom sidebox.</p>
<h4>Christmas Banner</h4>
<p>Using the in-built Banner Manager, add a Christmas banner to your Zen Cart store.  This is a simple way to add the holiday touch and it’s easy to add an expiry date so you don’t even have to remember to turn them off when you would rather be enjoying the holidays!</p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Banners" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/04/free-christmas-zen-cart-banners/">Free Christmas Banners</a> – three different holiday messages in four different designs – are available from kerrinhardy.com to download.</p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Banners for Zen Cart" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/04/free-christmas-zen-cart-banners/"><img title="Free Christmas Banners for Zen Cart" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings4.jpg" alt="Free Christmas Banners for Zen Cart" /></a></p>
<h4>Christmas Buttons</h4>
<p>Pick a couple of buttons and spruce them up with a festive twist.  This works well with the checkout buttons and shows that you pay that little bit extra attention to detail that your customers will notice.</p>
<h4>Christmas Template</h4>
<p>May be you have found a holiday-themed template to use during this period.  Try to keep your layout pretty much the same so that your regular customers do not feel lost when visiting your store, but enjoy the fun touches a themed template brings.  Remember to always test a new template in your test/development store and always take a <a title="How to do a complete backup of your Zen Cart store" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/04/27/how-to-do-a-complete-backup-of-your-zen-cart-store/">backup</a> before making any changes.</p>
<h4>Countdown to Christmas</h4>
<p>A great visual way to encourage your customers to <em>buy now for Christmas</em> is with a Christmas Countdown sidebox.</p>
<p>Set the countdown either to Christmas Day or you may wish to use your last posting date.</p>
<p>The <a title="Countdown Sidebox" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/index.php?main_page=product_contrib_info&amp;cPath=40_52&amp;products_id=1036" target="_blank">Countdown Sidebox</a> is available to download free from the Zen Cart Add Ons section.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Christmas Zen Cart Gift Voucher Templates</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/12/christmas-zen-cart-gift-voucher-templates/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/12/christmas-zen-cart-gift-voucher-templates/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:11:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Gift Voucher Templates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift certificates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gift vouchers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/?p=835</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Encourage your Zen Cart store visitors to treat their friends and families to a Gift Voucher from your store with these Christmas-themed Gift Voucher templates. Available in $100, $50, $25, $10 and $5 versions in both a single format and a fanned format. As an added bonus each Gift Voucher is also available in a [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/09/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 2'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 2</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/10/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-4/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 4'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 4</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/10/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-3/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&rsquo;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &ndash; Set 3'>Valentine&rsquo;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &ndash; Set 3</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/13/new-gift-certificate-designs-for-zen-cart/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Gift Certificate Designs for Zen Cart'>New Gift Certificate Designs for Zen Cart</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/09/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 1'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 1</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Encourage your Zen Cart store visitors to treat their friends and families to a Gift Voucher from your store with these Christmas-themed Gift Voucher templates.</p>
<p>Available in $100, $50, $25, $10 and $5 versions in both a single format and a fanned format.</p>
<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="$5GV_single" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/5GV_single.jpg" border="0" alt="$5GV_single" width="154" height="75" /> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="$5GV_fan" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/5GV_fan.jpg" border="0" alt="$5GV_fan" width="201" height="137" /></p>
<p>As an added bonus each Gift Voucher is also available in a print quality version sized for a standard envelope so that you can offer your customers a Gift Voucher they can send to their recipient.</p>
<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="$5GV_print" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/5GV_print.jpg" border="0" alt="$5GV_print" width="642" height="304" /></p>
<p><a title="Download Festive Kerrin Gift Voucher Templates" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/resources/Festive_Kerrin_Gift_Voucher_Templates.zip">Download .zip file with full package of Christmas Gift Voucher Templates</a> (3Mb)</p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/09/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 2'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 2</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/10/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-4/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 4'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 4</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/10/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-3/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&rsquo;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &ndash; Set 3'>Valentine&rsquo;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &ndash; Set 3</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/13/new-gift-certificate-designs-for-zen-cart/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: New Gift Certificate Designs for Zen Cart'>New Gift Certificate Designs for Zen Cart</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/09/valentines-day-gift-certificate-designs-set-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 1'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Gift Certificate Designs &#8211; Set 1</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/12/christmas-zen-cart-gift-voucher-templates/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:36:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In Part One – Back to Basics Store Management we went through aspects of getting ready that could be considered more ‘behind-the-scenes’.  Today, we are are looking at your store as your customers see it. Professional Store or amateur web site? Check all pages, including your product pages, for issues that will undermine your professional [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/">Part One – Back to Basics Store Management</a> we went through aspects of getting ready that could be considered more ‘behind-the-scenes’.  Today, we are are looking at your store as your customers see it.</p>
<h4>Professional Store or amateur web site?</h4>
<p>Check all pages, including your product pages, for issues that will undermine your professional image.  Typos, spelling errors, poor grammar, missing images and broken hyperlinks all create the first impression you need to avoid.</p>
<h4>Store Review</h4>
<p>Spend some time looking at your store from your customer’s perspective.  Even better, recruit family and friends to give you feedback on the usability of your store.  Comments on the store design, product categories and shopping cart flow from fresh eyes will give you valuable insight to maximise your sales potential.  A small change as a result of these comments, such as making your Add to Cart buttons more prominent, may make a huge difference to your bottom line.</p>
<p>A review will also point out the different ways potential customers use your store.  Some may use the Search function, others browse categories and others again may go straight to the Specials or Featured products.</p>
<p>If it has been some time since your last sale, make sure that you include a number of different test purchases as part of your review.  Is your store functioning correctly?</p>
<h4>Shipping Information</h4>
<p>At all times, but especially at Christmas, customers want to know as early in the purchasing process as possible what their likely shipping costs (and timeframe) will be.  Do you have your Zen Cart Shipping Estimator on the Shopping Cart page for easy access?</p>
<p>Do you have your location clearly displayed?  Many shoppers looking for gifts for international friends and family look for online stores in the recipients location to reduce shipping costs.</p>
<h4>Product Images</h4>
<p>An obvious restriction of purchasing online is that your customer can not feel, touch or pick up your product.  The only thing they have to rely on is the product description and the visual images you provide.  Quality product images are one of the more important elements of online selling as, like everyone says, a picture is worth a thousand words, and they can compensate for not being able to see the product first-hand.</p>
<p>It is worth spending the time on your images and making sure you have the correct image sizes available for Zen Cart.  There is nothing more frustrating for a customer than clicking on an ‘Enlarge Image’ link and then getting a pop-up window with the exact same thumbnail image displayed.  Remember to include product images from different angles and pay attention to the composition of the image (for example desk clutter in the background has no place in a product image).  Really use your images to <em><strong>sell</strong></em> your products.</p>
<h4>Secure and Trustworthy</h4>
<p>Do customers feel safe purchasing from your online store?  Consumers are more aware now and check for security when buying online.  Are your login and checkout pages secured with an SSL certificate?  Are you collecting only the minimum information required to register and check out?  Do you have a privacy policy displayed?  Do you have a safe checkout process with a reputable merchant?   Buyer confidence leads to increased sales.</p>
<h4>Customer Service</h4>
<p>A customer is enticed by your eloquent product description and stunning product images and would like to purchase several as gifts for her family.  But, she just has one question.  Do you have a way (or preferably a range of ways) for her to contact you.  Are your contact details prominently displayed?</p>
<h4>Closing the Sale</h4>
<p>Most importantly, make certain that your checkout process is straightforward and easy to follow.  There should be no step along the way where the customer is even slightly confused about where to click next.  Your Checkout button should always be visible and prominent from all pages.</p>
<p>The position of buttons and the language used in the checkout pages can mean the difference between closing the sale and an abandoned cart.  Download the report “<a href="http://www.zencartoptimization.com/2007/05/09/20-surefire-ways-to-increase-sales-using-zen-cart/" target="_blank">20 Surefire Ways to Increase Sales Using Zen Cart</a>” for more information on tweaking your checkout pages.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" alt="" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Free Christmas Zen Cart Banners</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/04/free-christmas-zen-cart-banners/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/04/free-christmas-zen-cart-banners/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:28:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Free Templates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zen cart banner]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/?p=733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[To help put your customers in the Christmas mood (and hopefully also the spending mood), spread your Christmas cheer with these free banners for your Zen Cart store.  Each design is available in Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings.  Pop one into Header Position 3 to give your store a quick Christmas makeover.  They [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/07/free-valentines-day-banners-for-zen-cart-stores-set-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 2'>Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 2</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/07/free-valentines-day-banners-for-zen-cart-stores-set-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 1'>Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 1</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>To help put your customers in the Christmas mood (and hopefully also the spending mood), spread your Christmas cheer with these free banners for your Zen Cart store.  Each design is available in Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Season’s Greetings.  Pop one into <a title="Zen Cart Banner Positions" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/15/zen-cart-banner-locations/">Header Position 3</a> to give your store a quick Christmas makeover.  They are all sized at 550 x 150 pixels.</p>
<h4>Design 1</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="merrychristmas" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="happyholidays" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="happyholidays" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="seasonsgreetings" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="seasonsgreetings" width="242" height="67" /></a></p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Zen Cart Banners" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/resources/ChristmasBanner1_kerrinhardycom.zip">Download .zip file</a></p>
<h4>Design 2</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="merrychristmas2" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas2_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas2" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="happyholidays2" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays2_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="happyholidays2" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="seasonsgreetings2" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings2_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="seasonsgreetings2" width="242" height="67" /></a></p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Zen Cart Banners" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/resources/ChristmasBanner2_kerrinhardycom.zip">Download .zip file</a></p>
<h4>Design 3</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="merrychristmas3" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas3_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas3" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="happyholidays3" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays3_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="happyholidays3" width="242" height="67" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="seasonsgreetings3" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings3_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="seasonsgreetings3" width="242" height="67" /></a></p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Zen Cart Banners" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/resources/ChristmasBanner3_kerrinhardycom.zip">Download .zip file</a></p>
<h4>Design 4</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas41.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="merrychristmas4" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/merrychristmas41_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas4" width="240" height="80" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="happyholidays4" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/happyholidays4_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="happyholidays4" width="240" height="80" /></a> <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="seasonsgreetings4" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/seasonsgreetings4_thumb.jpg" border="0" alt="seasonsgreetings4" width="240" height="80" /></a></p>
<p><a title="Free Christmas Zen Cart Banners" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/resources/ChristmasBanner1_kerrinhardycom.zip">Download .zip file</a></p>
<p>After a different Christmas message?  Let me know and we’ll add your suggestion to the collection.</p>
<p><small>This collection of banners feature backgrounds from dryicons.com.</small></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/07/free-valentines-day-banners-for-zen-cart-stores-set-2/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 2'>Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 2</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2010/02/07/free-valentines-day-banners-for-zen-cart-stores-set-1/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 1'>Free Valentine&rsquo;s Day Banners for Zen Cart Stores &ndash; Set 1</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/04/free-christmas-zen-cart-banners/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part One: Back to Basics Store Management</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:12:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As Christmas can be one of the most lucrative times of the year for any store, an important step in your preparation is to ensure your foundations are ready. Backup Before making any changes to your Zen Cart store in preparation for Christmas, ensure you know exactly how to do a backup of your store [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As Christmas can be one of the most lucrative times of the year for any store, an important step in your preparation is to ensure your foundations are ready.</p>
<h4>Backup</h4>
<p>Before making any changes to your Zen Cart store in preparation for Christmas, ensure you know exactly how to do a backup of your store database and files.  Then make sure you do a regular backup.  How often you back up is guided by how busy your online store is and also on how often you add new products or make other changes.  It is definitely well worth the time and effort to backup your store prior to making <em>any</em> changes to the database or store files.  Most changes in Admin can be reversed easily but sometimes even small changes to the database or a php file can be catastrophic.  And leading up to Christmas is the worst time to have your store down for business.  Backup, backup, backup!</p>
<div><a rel="next" href="../2010/04/27/how-to-do-a-complete-backup-of-your-zen-cart-store/">How to do a complete Backup of your Zen Cart Store</a></div>
<h4>Security Patches</h4>
<p>Is your Zen Cart store up to date?  Have you applied <em>all</em> the latest security patches and bug fixes.  Remember that they are not included in the latest download so you will have to install them separately at this stage.  While you are looking at these, don’t put off changing the name of your Admin folder any longer.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82619" target="_blank">Zen Cart Known Bugs and their fixes</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showthread.php?t=131115" target="_blank">Zen Cart Security Patches and Upgrades</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/rename-zen-cart-admin-folder-for-increased-security/">Changing the Zen Cart Admin folder</a></p>
<h4>Stock</h4>
<p>Check that you have adequate stock levels to take you through the Christmas / New Year period.  With suppliers and manufacturers closed during the holiday period, it may be difficult to arrange additional deliveries.</p>
<p>Conduct a stocktake against your Zen Cart records and make adjustments as required.  You don’t want to disappoint your customers with <em>Out of Stock</em> or <em>On Backorder</em> notices.  Ensure you can deliver on completed sales in the expected time frame.</p>
<h4>Product Titles and Descriptions</h4>
<p>When people shop online they tend to search in one of these three ways: generic product (eg camping stove), brand-name product (eg MSR Simmerlite Stove) or solution based (eg light, multi-fuel stove for camping).  Which type of search suits your products?  Are you easy to find online? How does your Zen Cart store rank in the search engine results using these different search terms?</p>
<p>Review your product titles and product descriptions to make sure you have included the search terms you are targeting.  And remember, your <strong>product titles</strong> need to make sense on their own, not only in the context of your categories.  Make your <strong>product descriptions</strong> unique, don’t just rely on the manufacturer’s description of the product or on copying the other products in the series.  If you are selling art work or other hand-crafted pieces, customers like to know a little back story on the creation of the piece and the search engines will also love the additional content.</p>
<p>You may also want to tweak some product descriptions to suit the Christmas period – for example including ‘great gift idea for Dad’ or ‘imagine Christmas dinner with this beautiful table linen’.</p>
<p>Remember, shoppers will generally search for product names rather than store names.</p>
<h4>Meta Keywords and Descriptions</h4>
<p>While not as significant as natural content on your Category and Product pages, the meta keyword and description fields provide additional information for search engines.  The meta descriptions in particular may be used by search engines as the summary under the page title in the search results.  Select key sections from your Product Description to include in the meta description field.  Look at how your competitors are listed in the search engine results for products and amend your meta information if required.</p>
<h4>Shipping and Returns Policies</h4>
<p>You may not have reviewed your shipping and returns policies since you first set up your Zen Cart store.  If you offer a range of shipping options, are the differences in delivery time they can expect clearly outlined?  Do your customers understand the conditions in which you will accept a return?</p>
<p>Are your shipping and return policies easy to find from the Home page?</p>
<h4>Define Pages</h4>
<p>A sure sign of an unfinished Zen Cart store is visiting a page and finding sample text such as “<em>To remove this section of the text, delete it from the Define Pages Editor</em>” or “<em>A few words about the approximate shipping time or your processing policy would be put here</em>”.</p>
<p>Out-of-date information on define pages is also a sign that the online store may not be maintained and this will also erode customer confidence in your store.</p>
<h4>Zen Cart Email Communications</h4>
<p>The Welcome Email forms part of your store’s first impressions.  The Zen Cart emails are an important part (and sometimes the only method) of communicating with your customers.  It is vital you know the contents of the email messages sent from Zen Cart and that they display correctly.  If you have HTML email as an option, have you updated the <a href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/zen-cart/zen-cart-email-templates/">email templates</a> to include your store’s logo and to reflect the color scheme of your online store?  Do they portray a professional image?</p>
<p><img style="display: inline; border: 0px;" title="merrychristmas6" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas6.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas6" width="400" height="109" /></p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Three: Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
	
		<series:name><![CDATA[Getting your Zen Cart Store Ready for Christmas]]></series:name>
	</item>
		<item>
		<title>Is your Zen Cart store ready for the Christmas rush?</title>
		<link>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/</link>
		<comments>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:47:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>kerrin hardy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Zen Cart Store Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[store management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As we approach the biggest sales opportunity of the year, Zen Cart store owners need to plan getting their store ready for the Christmas rush. Online stores are the perfect alternative to the shopping mall frenzy and every year more and more people are buying more and more online.  So it make sense to be [...]


More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As we approach the biggest sales opportunity of the year, Zen Cart store owners need to plan getting their store ready for the Christmas rush.</p>
<p>Online stores are the perfect alternative to the shopping mall frenzy and every year more and more people are buying more and more online.  So it make sense to be ready.  Poor preparation may mean you miss out on valuable Christmas sales – and the opportunity to make an even more valuable repeat customer.</p>
<p><img style="display: inline; border: 0px;" title="merrychristmas" src="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/merrychristmas.jpg" border="0" alt="merrychristmas" width="400" height="109" /></p>
<p>In this seven part series we focus on getting your Zen Cart store ready for Christmas:</p>
<ol>
<li><a title="Getting ready for Christmas: Back to Basics Store Management" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/31/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-one-back-to-basics-store-management/">Part One – Back to Basics Store Management</a></li>
<li><a title="Getting ready for Christmas: Back to Basics Store Front" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/">Part Two – Back to Basics Store Front</a></li>
<li><a title="Part Three - Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/15/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-three-setting-the-scene-do-they-know-its-christmas-time/">Part Three – Setting the Scene, Do they know its Christmas time?</a></li>
<li><a title="Part Four - Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/">Part Four – Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
<li><a title="Part Five - Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/">Part Five – Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a title="Getting ready for Christmas: Part Six - Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping" href="http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/">Part Six – Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a title="Getting Ready for Christmas – Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush" href="../2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/">Part Seven &#8211; Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
</ol>
<p>Check back tomorrow for part one.</p>


<p>More Zen Cart:<ol><li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/30/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-seven-essential-follow-up-after-the-christmas-rush/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Seven: Essential Follow-up After the Christmas Rush</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/10/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-two-back-to-basics-store-front/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Two: Back to Basics Store Front</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/12/16/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-six-inviting-customers-to-your-store-for-christmas-shopping/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Six: Inviting Customers to your Store for Christmas Shopping</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/21/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-five-sweetening-the-deals-for-christmas-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Five: Sweetening the deals for Christmas at your Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/11/18/getting-ready-for-christmas-part-four-encouraging-a-christmas-shopping-spree-at-your-store/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store'>Getting Ready for Christmas &#8211; Part Four: Encouraging a Christmas Shopping Spree at your Store</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://www.kerrinhardy.com/2009/10/30/is-your-zen-cart-store-ready-for-the-christmas-rush/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
