Search Engine Marketing / Shopping Comparison
Why are shopping comparison websites so popular?
As consumers and businesses became more Web savvy, so did the Internet. Internet shoppers were looking for more convenient ways to compare prices and features versus scouring the Web looking for the best deal. Shopping destinations such as Yahoo! Shopping and/or BizRate (just to name a two, click here for a complete list) make it easy to compare multiple products and merchants quickly& and at attractive prices.
Shopping comparison sites are continuing to gain popularity quickly as more consumers recognize their advantages over traditional search engines. In fact, Shopping Comparison websites are expected to grow 55-81% annually (Source: Nielsen/NetRatings August 2003) over the next couple of years. It is highly expected this new growth will erode conventional search engine traffic. Find more remarkable Shopping Comparison Statistics here.
Is shopping comparison advertising right for my business?
Generally speaking, almost any business can benefit from advertising in shopping comparison websites. However, some businesses are more successful than others due to the nature of their product and service offerings. We have developed a list from the our most successful clients to assist you in determining if shopping comparison advertising is right for you:
- Wide selection of products (we suggest a minimum 25/product category)
- Well-branded products (SONY, Tag Heuer, etc.)
- Market exhibits a moderate to high demand for product or service
- Price is competitive- especially applies to online competitors and/or if the product can be found locally
- Product or service satisfies emotional buying motive (EBM)
- Business/Website has unique selling proposition
- Special offers have time constraints
- Product or service descriptions are compelling and not brochure-ware
- Shopping Ad's closely mirror website landing page
- Website utilizes merchant ratings and reviews (testimonials)
How important is price?
We often get asked this question. Price is important, however, is not the only variable that comparison shoppers will use to evaluate your offering. Most businesses find it difficult to compete solely on price. We recommend that prices be competitive with similar online merchants selling the same type of products or services. Your ultimate goal should be to offer a good perceived value when compared with your competitors.
Getting Started with Shopping Comparison Websites
As our continual goal to help businesses succeed in the online marketplace, we have developed Shopping Comparison Positioning SM (SCP) and Shopping Datatfeed Management services to make selling products and services easier in this new advertising medium.
If you would like to learn more about how our Shopping Comparison Advertising Services can transform your business, please fill out our free consultation request form or call us toll free at 1-866-840-3062.



