Key Shifts in Shopper Behavior
Consumers are exhibiting more complex and varied preferences in their communication with retailers. According to a new report from Narvar, more than 80 percent of consumers-who have purchased online in the previous six months-prefer to receive messages from retailers via email, and 38 percent now want to hear from retailers on multiple channels. Additionally, 79 percent of shoppers surveyed have also used text messages, messenger apps or voice devices to connect with retailers.
Google Still #1 for Product Discovery
Amazon is certainly gaining ground, but survey results from Kenshoo of more than 3,000 consumers in the U.S., Germany, U.K. and France found Google is the most-used online source when researching information prior to a purchase. Eighty-five percent of survey respondents indicated they are most likely to use Google to help find product ideas and information before making a purchase, followed by Amazon (72 percent) and eBay (38 percent) - with respondents able to choose more than one option.
The End of Autoplay is Nigh
After years of suffering from this digital annoyance, it appears the end of autoplay is close. Starting early next year, Google's Chrome browser will no longer automatically play videos unless they are muted (or do not have sound) or if users have previously expressed interest in watching them. "Expressed interest" means Chrome will autoplay videos only on websites saved on the user's mobile home screen or, if on a desktop, the user typically plays media on the website being viewed.
Do We Have to Tell Them?
It only took four years, but Yahoo (now part of Oath) is reporting all accounts that existed at the time of its Aug. 2013 data theft incident were likely affected. Previously, Yahoo disclosed more than 1 billion of the approximately 3 billion accounts existing in 2013 had likely been affected, now it is pretty certain all 3 billion were.
Compare Developer Salaries by Location, Skillset & Experience
Stack Overflow recently launched a tool for developers to find out how much others in their area and industry are earning. The data used for the new salary calculator is based on information from the site's annual developer survey. Developers just need to enter in some general information on their location (which is perhaps one of the most significant factors influencing salary), education, years of experience, job type and the technologies in which they are proficient to see how their salary compares to their peers. Give it a spin at
wsm.co/devpays.
The Use of Predictive Analytics in Hiring
According to research from predictive analytics firm OutMatch, 95 percent of human resource professionals surveyed said access to analytics that predict candidate performance and on-the-job success would be helpful, and 91 percent said their company considered HR a critical component of corporate profitability and success. The problem, of course, is only 35 percent said they are currently using data and analytics when hiring employees, and only 44 percent are using that information when building employee development plans.
+ SAP announced it entered into an agreement to acquire identity management platform Gigya. Following the news, Gigya released a standalone offering (its first) to provide a complete solution for centrally managing customer preference and consent settings (ahead of General Data Protection Regulation).
+ AI marketing company Amplero announced a $17.5 million Series B funding round ($25 million to date) co-led by Greycroft and Ignition Partners. Existing investors Wildcat Venture Partners, Seven Peaks Ventures and Trilogy Equity Partners also participated in the round.
+ Atlanta-based call tracking and analytics solution CallRail announced a $75 million growth equity investment from firms Sageview Capital and Leaders. Aria Systems announced it raised $18 million in new capital ($150 million to date). The round was led by Madison Bay Capital with Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, InterWest Partners and Venrock participating.
When to Send that Marketing Email
Before pushing send on your next email marketing campaign, take a look at this recent data. Read more at
wsm.co/optsends.
Push Notifications via Customer Behavior
Get in front of shoppers at key moments in the buying journey this holiday season and beyond. Read more at
wsm.co/pushbehave.
The Reality of Ecommerce Today
Global shopping cart abandonment rates are in focus in this telling online infographic. Read more at
wsm.co/cartsgone.
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