eCommerce

Anyone with real sales with their e-commerce website will eventually have a day where a hacker/thief is attempting to buy goods on your website with a stolen credit card.

There could be hundreds and even thousands of attempts.  

Your mailbox fills up with declined card notifications.

Your annoyed and distracted all day.

You may even receive a call from your credit card company to discuss this suspicious activity.

Finally you will contact one of us here at Website Forge and ask for it all to stop.  

Something like "Can you block this person from attempting to charge this card over and over?"

And here is the answer:

IF the person is making these attempts from the SAME IP address -- YES.

However if they are using many IP addresses, which are usually spoofed, then - NO.  

Not without risking blocking actual good customers that might buy.  And this is usually the case.

See. IP addresses are generally "Static" or never change on a server or web site.  However, IP addresses are generally reused and change often on the consumer side.  

The IP address is a unique number used to identify the machine.

Since your customers are intiating the visit to your web site -- their IP address only needs to be the same for that session.  Not always.

So if you start blocking all sorts of IP addresses -- you just risk blocking valid users from your store.

What other effects can this have?

Well I know of a customer that had his PayPal account locked out because of too many fraudulent attempts.  Not his fault.  They locked him out anyways.  

I received a call at 7am on a Sunday.  And we mitigated his situation.  He wasn't very happy at all with PayPal.

SIDENOTE:  This is one of the many reasons PayPal is not the best credit card processing solution.

Some customers are later called by the FBI to help figure out who was doing this.  Because you weren't the only one getting hammered.

Bottom line:  If this happens to you.  You are on the map!  Yes this means you are somebody :)  

Because it seems just as you become successful with sales this type of issue happens at least once.

So I look forward to your call.  Now that you know a bit more about it -- you can relax and we work on it together.

Shane Merem

e-commerce website consultant 

www.websiteforge.com

What the heck is a "Google sitemap"?

Well -- originally a sitemap was a page on your web site that provided an easy way to find other pages within the site.  It was popular early on when websites weren't designed to be easy to navigate.

Many sites still include sitemaps in this sense.  However, a well designed web site shouldn't need a "map" for the visitor.

The term "Google Sitemap" has become popular and it's really an entirely different thing.

Web sites started as plain HTML which is generally easy for Google to read.  When sites became slicker with dynamic content, ajax, and flash -- the ability for Google to understand what the page contained was much harder.

Plus many of the url's (links) in the page might yield different dynamic content depending on what was searched or clicked.

This would cause Google to miss imporant product pages or "get lost" when trying to analyze your web site.

Of course this could hurt the rankings of your site.

So Google came up with a new standard originally called "Google Sitemaps"

Google said.  HEY!  Why don't you provide us with an XML formatted file that will show us a list of pages we can look at when analyzing your website.  And in return your web site could be fairly ranked with it's competitors.

PROS:

- Every single page of your site would be looked at by google.

- You have the opportunity to associate important keywords to each page

- Dynamic product pages would no longer be missed or undervalued

CONS:

- Most "web designers" and even people who fancied themselves "programmers" really could not build a proper xml file per Google's specifications.

- If you could manage to get the file built -- you were required to automatically deliver it anytime google askes for it.  This really requires a good programmer.

So even today many of your competitors fail to use this Google Sitemaps function.  The same format is the standard for other Search Engines like Bing as well.

I'm happy to say that all Website Forge web sites already have "Google Sitemap" functionality built in.

WHERE IS THIS GOOGLE SITEMAPS FILE?

This file is automatically generated every time you download it.

Just append  /sitemap_index.gz to your domain name to see it. 

This is the permanent location of your sitemap file.

Example:   www.yourdomain.com/sitemap_index.gz

Now, you probably won't be able to read the file unless you are a programmer.  Just suffice to know you have an edge over your competitors.

Create a ticket at http://ticket.websiteforge.com with any questions setting up your Google Sitemaps file with google.

Hope this was a helpful article. 

Shane Merem

e-commerce website design

Michigan E-commerce Consultant

www.websiteforge.com

How do I put a whole page of products in my site at once?  How do I get all my products back out again?

Almost any data driven system deals with a way to import or export the information to other programs.  Salesforce.com, Quickbooks, and many other systems use CSV files to handle sharing of this data.

Salesforce.com and Quickbooks are what you might call a "Proprietary System".  Website Forge could be considered "Proprietary" because we don't share our source code with the world.   

There are also many different database system like MySQL, Oracle, And Microsft SQL server.  All use a "proprietary" storage format.

They don't make their "source code" available to the public.  However they use a common file format to allow other systems to share the data that resides within the software.

A CSV file stands for a "Comma Separated Values" file.  This is a universal file format used to allow dissimilar system to SHARE DATA. 

A CSV (comma separated Value) file might look something like this:

sku,price,color,description

1234,1.99,Red,Red Gloves

3432,2.99,White,Shooting Cap

4432,100,black,Mountain Bike

(each record is on one line and each field separated by commas.  Simple)

So you can dump your contacts from SalesForce.com to a CSV file and then import them into your Gmail contacts.  And vice-versa.

I know I rarely write articles this technical. I have a good reason.

I was insulted.  Yes - insulted.

I was told by a customer the other day that I was "holding him hostage" with my "proprietary system".  He asserted he could not get his products out.

You see he decided to move his website to another company.  That happens.  His web company asked him for a copy of his data in MySQL format.

Website Forge provides an EXPORT TO CSV feature for this very purpose.  And we sent him the CSV files, images and instructions for his new company.

Apparently his new host told him they cannot use it.  

I won't give an opinion about using a web developer that has no understanding of the most universal file format in existence.  You can guess though.

Here is the kicker.  The process of importing a CSV file into MySQL is well documented and extremely easy.

The command looks something like this:  shell> mysqlimport --local test imptest.txt

Thats it!!!

Now.  I googled the words "mysql import csv file" to find this example.  

So this post has a two objectives.  First, help you understand what a CSV file is.  

Secondly. I figured that if I was going to write more instructions -- I could blog it at the same time and make it educational.

Please understand I don't blame the customer for not knowing this.  In fact I'm happy to help.  I'm just offended that when I offer a solution over and over again -- he would prefer to believe that I would somehow try to mislead him.

I do my best to provide the best service, experience, and value to Website Forge customers.  I may not always succeed -- however I won't give up.

Thanks for listening.  Hope you find this helpful.

Shane Merem

E-commerce Web Site Design

www.websiteforge.com

Yes. I said it. It sucks!

It sucks trying to find a .com name that isn't already taken.

It sucks coming up wth a logo.  Site colors.  And a design.

It sucks when you have a picture in your mind's eye and the designer doesn't "get it".  It sucks having to go back and forth a million times to get it right -- and maybe you never do.

It sucks when you have to hand key in hundreds or thousands of products.  spending hours and hours "stealing" product photos form other websites.. Or worse -- taking them yourself.

It sucks when you talk to 20 "credit card guys" only to be more confused every time.

It sucks trying to come up with the words to put on your pages.  Trying to think of the "perfect slogan".

It sucks when you get lazy and lose two weeks because you are paralyzed with all the frustration and work still left to do.

It sucks the first time you get an order -- only to realize the customer meant to buy something else.

It sucks when your credit card company asks you to fill out a million question form about PCI compliance.  Whats that?  Right?

It really sucks.  I have done this for a very long time and I still think it sucks.

THATS WHY EVERYONE DOESN'T HAVE A SUCCESSFUL E-COMMERCE WEBSITE!

Because only the people that get through the "sucky" part of the job get to enjoy the good stuff.

All of you that have succeded know what I mean.  Even if you have only succeeded in a little way.   Your first few hundred bucks.  Or the first time your site ranked on page 1.  The first customer testimonial.  In many cases pulling in thousands every week.

All of you that still think it sucks.  Get used to it.  As soon as you finally get used to it.  You will start to see the real progress.

So everyone.  Let's SUCK IT UP in 2012!  I know I will!

Shane Merem

www.websiteforge.com

Forget that the upgraded Checkout is faster.. Better.. Smoother.. Easier to use.. And has a "Guest Checkout Option"....

You NEED the new checkout because our customers are reporting an average of 15% less abandonded carts.

That means MORE ORDERS!

Don't wait.  Contact support TODAY and request a FREE Website Forge Checkout Upgrade.  

CLICK THIS LINK TO REQUEST THE UPGRADE http://ticket.websiteforge.com 

You can't afford NOT to upgrade.  It's free and you will sell more stuff!

Shane Merem

Website Forge

www.websiteforge.com

Please be aware of these new Google Base requirements.  We have updated our System to comply.

First, you should be aware of the changes and required attributes which will go into effect Sept 22nd.  Below is the relevant portion of an email from Google which explains the changes.
 

The following changes were applied per Google's new requirements effective Sep 22:

Field set changes

1) "Availability" is now a required field.

2) "Image Link" is now a required field.

3) "Google Product Category" field can be added via "Add Mapping". It is a recommended (and required for some product types) field which must contain a category from Google's Taxonomy.

4) "Availability" can be set to "preorder".

5) New fields for apparel products: "Material", "Pattern", "Gender" and "Age Group" can be added via "Add Mapping".

6) The following fields have become deprecated and removed: quantity, feature, manufacturer, genre, featured product, year, author, edition.

Note that our set of required fields is very basic. We require those fields only which are required by Google for any product type. Some products, e.g. apparel, have a broader set of required attributes. You need to read Google Merchant Center manual thoroughly yourself to find out what is requred for your particular store.

Option export

For apparel or variant products, Google requires every variant (size, color, material) etc. to be exported as a separate product. To achieve this, Size/Color/Material/Pattern mappings can be set to "<Option>" which allows you to specify names of options containing these attributes. Inventory grids, as well as regular options, are supported here.

Automatic Google Base export!

There is a new "Google Base Export" section added within the Ecommerce module (at the end of the Catalog section) which will allow you to set up mappings for an automatic export. This new section (in your WebsiteForge Member's Area ) will display the URL which should then be entered into Google merchant account for scheduled upload. Google will then fetch the data from this url on schedule.

- Please contact Support if you have any specific questions about the WebsiteForge changes.

- You should contact Google with any questions about how their new requirements affect your feed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forge Ahead with International e-Commerce!

Register today, for our webinar on Sept 22nd, 1 pm EST

Join us for this complimentary, informative webinar to learn:

- Expansion Challenges

- International Solution - Simplified

- Benefits

- See How it’s Done

- Q&A…

Sign up here to register and make the most of the holiday shopping season!

*After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Kevin Ledezma

www.websiteforge.com

e-commerce web site design

Please be aware of these new Google Base requirements.  We have updated our System to comply.

First, you should be aware of the changes and required attributes which will go into effect Sept 22nd.  Below is the relevant portion of an email from Google which explains the changes.
 

The following changes were applied per Google's new requirements effective Sep 22:

Field set changes

1) "Availability" is now a required field.

2) "Image Link" is now a required field.

3) "Google Product Category" field can be added via "Add Mapping". It is a recommended (and required for some product types) field which must contain a category from Google's Taxonomy.

4) "Availability" can be set to "preorder".

5) New fields for apparel products: "Material", "Pattern", "Gender" and "Age Group" can be added via "Add Mapping".

6) The following fields have become deprecated and removed: quantity, feature, manufacturer, genre, featured product, year, author, edition.

Note that our set of required fields is very basic. We require those fields only which are required by Google for any product type. Some products, e.g. apparel, have a broader set of required attributes. You need to read Google Merchant Center manual thoroughly yourself to find out what is requred for your particular store.

Option export

For apparel or variant products, Google requires every variant (size, color, material) etc. to be exported as a separate product. To achieve this, Size/Color/Material/Pattern mappings can be set to "<Option>" which allows you to specify names of options containing these attributes. Inventory grids, as well as regular options, are supported here.

Automatic Google Base export!

There is a new "Google Base Export" section added within the Ecommerce module (at the end of the Catalog section) which will allow you to set up mappings for an automatic export. This new section (in your WebsiteForge Member's Area ) will display the URL which should then be entered into Google merchant account for scheduled upload. Google will then fetch the data from this url on schedule.

- Please contact Support if you have any specific questions about the WebsiteForge changes.

- You should contact Google with any questions about how their new requirements affect your feed.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forge Ahead with International e-Commerce!

Register today, for our webinar on Sept 22nd, 1 pm EST

Join us for this complimentary, informative webinar to learn:

- Expansion Challenges

- International Solution - Simplified

- Benefits

- See How it’s Done

- Q&A…

Sign up here to register and make the most of the holiday shopping season!

*After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Kevin Ledezma

www.websiteforge.com

e-commerce web site design

veryone!  Another new feature announcement!  GOOGLE 1+ integration.  (one plus)

Google 1+ integration is becoming widely used.

1+ is a way to say "This is pretty cool" or "I like this"..

What is it?  Check it out here http://www.google.com/+1/button/

Check it out on our home page at www.websiteforge.com (must be logged into your google account to use it).

MAKE SURE YOU Facebook LIKE and Google 1+ our websiteforge.com web site!!  And this blog!

Contact support at http://ticket.websiteforge.com asap to add it to your site. 

Other recent FREE e-commerce web site upgrades:

- Improved Checkout

- Facebook Integration

- Twitter Integration

Upgrades Coming Soon:

- Instant MOBILE SITE delivery

- Constant Contact API integration www.constantcontact.com 

- Go Data Feed www.godatafeed.com integration

Recent Feedback from Website Forge e-commerce web site customers:

Ginger Rushing says: June 28th, 2011 at 11:20 am   Edit Delete I upgraded both www.yourlightsite.com and www.coppergaslanternsplus.com a few weeks ago.  I LOVE the new checkout.  A lot of my customers call me to order due to the nature of my products and I am now able to enter their orders while they wait, with ease.  If I can do it quickly and easily, I know my customers can also.  The wait was worth it.  Thanks Shane for this great "free" upgrade.

Cary Anderson says:

Brian says:

June 28th, 2011 at 10:39 am   Edit Delete

We here at ShopBakersNook.com have seen a dramatic decrease in cart abandonment rates with the new websiteforge e-commerce check out process. This is a no brainer upgrade that is free and a great addition to the websiteforge e-commerce platform.

Thanks again for all the great feedback!  WE ARE LISTENING!!!

Shane Merem

www.websiteforge.com

e-commerce web site design 

Guest Checkout!  Smoother flowing e-commerce checkout screens, change your address on-the-fly and more! ...

Just a few of the upgrades our new website forge e-commerce checkout process offers.

How do you upgrade?

Simply contact Website Forges support and let us know you wish to upgrade.   We will schedule an upgrade time so you can review the upgrade and publish these great features!

Look forward to hearing from you!

P.S.  For you who have already upgraded.  Feel free to comment your experience thus far!

Shane Merem

www.websiteforge.com

e-commerce website design