Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to help us understand the importance of search engine optimization in e-business website evaluation. Web-traffic is fundamental, especially on sites involved in electronic business. This paper seeks to compare two e-commerce sites, which include The Iconic and Globe International Limited. Their URLs are www.theiconic.com.au/?desktopOnly=1 and www. globe. Tv respectively. It will also seek to establish the importance of the business’ name on the URL. From the observations, Globe International Limited attained 5 while The Iconic achieved 4 points on the semantic differential scale. Globe International Limited website has more features as compared to The Iconic. Both companies are related to with clothing and shoe industry. This offers us an opportunity to compare and contrast how each site is developed in order to attract more customers.
Introduction
The Internet has become very popular in the current century where one can get any information with a click of a button. E-commerce comes in handy with website optimization, making it easier for any user to get any information within a blink of an eye. Unlike the past centuries, one can purchase, entertain, read, sell or hang out with friends via the internet. Access to information has become much easier as one get answers right from their hands with a click of an electronic device. Business arena has not been left behind as one can safely purchase or sell items through the internet. Electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce is a type of an industry which allows purchase or selling of commodities or services through the internet and other computer networks. These activities have expanded such that one can have an electronic bank with e-currency to pay or purchase commodities through the internet. E-commerce has contributed greatly to the evolution of the business world, ensuring that the overall management of the business is easier as it saves time, space and resources, among other crucial aspects. E-commerce is divided into various categories depending on the type of business and transaction to be carried out during the exchange.
Search engine optimization of any website is fundamental, especially to those dealing with business transactions. This is done so as to ensure that the website, when searched, appears among the top ten in webpage search results. There are high chances of a potential client accessing the site if it appears among the first search results. This also plays a critical role in increasing web traffic, which in turn ensures that the website remains at a top ten position, in the webpage search results.
Globe International Limited
Globe International Limited is a company which mainly deals with cloth line, footwears and skateboards among other products. Its official site is www.globe.tv. This particular site is related to the company since its website URL has the company’s name. Apart from the website itself, other crucial information about the company is also accessible on the internet conveniently. The client is in a better position to learn more information about the site from other sources. The site itself has been optimized such that a client can get various information such as news, collection, products, display videos, teams, features and most importantly, the contacts. With a single click of ABOUT US, the client is in a position to learn more about the company’s history and gather any important information. The customer care team, on the other end, is in a position to give more information to a potential client, by providing answers to various queries from the clients.
At the bottom of the homepage, the site has integrated its information with social media sites. Such social sites include Facebook, Tumblr, globe skate, Instagram, Vimeo and YouTube. This plays an important role when it comes to strategic internet marketing. It does not only increase web traffic but also provides a common platform for interaction with its clients. They have also provided the client with an option of receiving newsletter so as to keep them updated about new products. Pictures, followed by a brief description of their products have also been displayed on the site.
In order to build trust from its users, Globe International Limited has provided chat rooms in both their social sites as well as their official website. In addition to this, a client can read various reactions from former clients who have previously used the products. Price tags and the products’ pictures are conveniently displayed on their site. This saves the client the hassle of window shopping hence saving time and resources. Details such as size and material used to make the product are adequately provided to the client. This ensures that the client goes or orders specific products which meet his/her specifications. This is very convenient as busy individuals who almost spend their entire day in offices can purchase specific items without wasting time while window shopping. Privacy, policies, safety and security statutes are clearly outlined by the company so as to ensure that their clients are aware of all dangers involved during the process. This is fundamental as the site is also prone to cybercrimes. Ordering information, terms and conditions applied are clearly outlined so as to educate the buyer on his/her rights during the contract.
The Iconic
Another site involved in e-commerce is The Iconic. It is more specific as it deals with online clothing and online shoe business. Its title is integrated into the URL such that the word ‘Clothes Online |Shoes Online | THE ICONIC’ is displayed on the webpage. This website is more specific, unlike the previous one. By simply searching the word clothes online, a client is in a better position to see the website among the first results. Its name is very convenient as there are higher chances of a potential buyer accessing the site due to its title.
On its homepage, clothes are grouped according to the gender of potential clients. The site goes further to recommend some of its products. Price tags are conveniently displayed to the buyer. For instance, the site presents different classification such as WOMEN, MEN, KIDS, CHRISTMAS, SALE and BLOG. This enables the client to access any category with a lot of ease as s/he goes directly to the point without wasting much time. The site goes further and groups different outfits with respect to their appropriate occasions. This makes it convenient for a client to buy an outfit without necessarily going for a window-shopping activity. It can be described as a one-stop-site where one can order all types of outfits, starting with clothing, shoes and accessories under one umbrella.
Comparison and contrast
When it comes to comparison and contrast, both The Iconic and the Globe International Limited are equally competitive. However, Globe International Limited is in a better position to be visited by many clients as compared to The Iconic due to security and legitimate reasons. Globe International Limited provides more credible detailed information as compared to The Iconic. There is a team specially designed to take in issues from the clients. Such interactions are very important as they contribute to the online customer’s trust. In a lane mans’ opinion, The Iconic is more concerned with an advertisement on social media, unlike the Globe International Limited provides a variety of chat rooms to interact with its clients. When it comes to the question of fashion, Globe International Limited again outshines The Iconic. Globe International Limited provides more information on the fashion, in what they have termed it as COMING SOON. This is fundamental as the client knows what to expect in the market. On the question of the official name of the site, The Iconic has outdone the Globe International Limited since it is more precise. Unless a client reads more about Globe International Limited, s/he cannot understand its purpose and products.
On the advertisement part, both sites have failed to make their websites more attractive. Captivating images and web designing are fundamental steps as they attract more clients to their site. They ought to have ensured that the display of the picture is shown in slide mode, so as to improve on the general appearance of the site. This makes the site more appealing to the client, especially the teenagers who are virtually obsessed with fashion.
Conclusion
Cybercrime still remains a major challenge in the e-commerce arena. Care should be taken so as to ensure that the purchase is made on secure websites. All e-commerce websites must ensure that rights to privacy are observed to the latter, so as not to expose them to a third party. Search engine optimization must be done to all sites so as to increase chances of first webpage results. Joining an e-commerce site with social media is very important as it increases web traffic, which in turn ensures that the search engine ranking is achieved and maintained.
Appendixes
Semantic Differential Scale
The Iconic
