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Reviews Matter: Elevate Your Reputation, Boost Your Success

Product and business reviews can be incredibly impactful when helping customers make purchasing decisions. Reviews provide a valuable source of information, as they are written by people who have already purchased or used the product and service. According to Globe News Wire, in 2023, the OEM parts and accessories market is expected to be worth $35 billion; by 2033, the industry will be worth more than $52 billion. The aftermarket is worth over $500 billion in 2023, which means if you’re in those competitive markets without an advantage, you’re missing opportunities with potential buyers. If you’re not using product, business, and service reviews on your website today, here’s why they should be added immediately to create a positive impact.


The Importance of Positive Reviews About Your Business, Services, and Products

When was the last time you purchased anything online and did not first read a review about what you were purchasing? Reviews have changed the game for online shopping.  It is often the first place a potential buyer goes to check your credibility as a seller, and the benefits of your products.  Customers want to see the good, the bad, and the ugly because they do not want to be surprised. In most cases, if a review is posted, potential buyers scan through the ratings and reviews, noting what has been said and what the majority of experiences have been. Product reviews provide an honest and authentic look into the item; things like quality, durability, design, packaging, etc., may not be visible in pictures.

When customers leave reviews on Google, this helps potential buyers form an opinion about the company and its services or products. It also increases consumer trust and encourages others to purchase from that business. Reviews that contain detailed descriptions of the customer’s experiences can be incredibly helpful when researching and deciding whether or not to Buy Now or Add to Cart.

Overall reviews and ratings can make or break a sale; when it matters, your positive reviews can be the one advantage you have over your competition.

Should Your Website Show Negative Reviews?

How often do you only see positive reviews when shopping for a product?  Have you been a little skeptical that everything about the product or business seems a little too perfect?  The negative reviews may have been hidden or removed if that is the case.  If you have an e-commerce site, you might ask yourself, ‘Should I show the negative reviews on my site?’
The answer is,
You Absolutely Should!

According to Forbes, posting and responding to a less-than-perfect review allows you to apologize and show other customers that you took the opportunity to make things right. Whether positive or less than perfect, product, service, and business reviews can build trust and authenticity with your customers that their experience will be worth their time and money.

The goal is to actively engage with your current and potential customers by responding to their positive or less-than-perfect feedback. Their suggestions can help to improve your business and services without extra cost or investment.

Using Google Reviews vs. Yotpo for Site and Product Reviews

Most internet users have heard of Google reviews, but fewer are familiar with the service Yotpo. These services allow customers to leave product, business, and service reviews. While Google reviews may offer more credibility due to its familiarity and larger user base, Yotpo also has some advantages. It’s free and easy to install on your website (whereas Google requires a bit of setup), offers more customization, such as the ability to add visuals like images or videos, and allows customers to comment on reviews.

Google Reviews offer an easy and convenient way for customers to share their opinions about businesses. Ratings displayed on Google are based on feedback from actual customers. Customers can rate a business’s products, customer service, or overall experience by leaving a star rating or written review. Additionally, Google Reviews are publicly visible, meaning potential customers can easily see how a business performs regarding customer service and overall satisfaction before purchasing.

Yotpo is an official Shopify partner, and by connecting Yotpo to your Shopify store, you can generate and leverage customer reviews, visual marketing, loyalty programs, and referrals to build trust, drive traffic, and increase conversion. It also allows easily importing your existing reviews from other platforms to Yotpo.

Yotpo also has an official partnership with Google, and it can further equip your business with the extra tools you need to stand out against your competition. As a Google-approved reviews aggregator, Yotpo incorporates meaningful and authentic UGC into your paid and organic ad campaigns by offering powerful solutions to boost performance across search and social. These reviews provide search engines with a constant stream of fresh, relevant content that helps your brand rank higher on SERPs and gives shoppers the social proof needed to build trust in your brand. All these features can increase click-through rates and drive more traffic to your site by showcasing your star ratings, product, and site reviews on search using Google Seller Ratings, Rich Snippets, Product Listing Ads, and more.


Yotpo is a reviews aggregator approved by Google. It enables brands to integrate authentic and meaningful User Generated Content (UGC) into their paid and organic campaigns, specifically through customer and product reviews. Yotpo’s suite of powerful solutions enhances campaign performance by providing search engines with a constant stream of fresh and relevant content. This, in turn, boosts your brand’s SEO ranking, increases click-through rates, and builds trust with shoppers. With star ratings, product, and site reviews visible on search, Yotpo drives more traffic to your site, making it easy to achieve your marketing goals.

Both Google and Yotpo offer advantages for your website and product pages. Ultimately, it’s up to you and what is best suited for your business needs.

Can Reviews Help with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Results?

Trying to rank on search engines is always a top priority: it is how you reach your target audience when they are searching for a product you sell.  So finding every advantage to stay at the top of the rankings is essential. You may be thinking, can product reviews, site reviews, and Google reviews for business help you rank better on search engines? Yes, reviews can absolutely help with SEO results! In addition to the added content on your page that helps with optimization, customer reviews are also seen as more credible than self-promotional copy. They can even influence a person’s purchase decision. When customers leave product or business reviews, it allows them to add their own unique keywords and phrases, which can further increase the visibility of your site on search engine results pages (SERPS). The more reviews you have, the better your chance of creating a higher ranking for your website.

Reviews can also show product ratings on search engines and help your product stand out more from your competitors. These reviews can also be utilized on the individual product pages on your website for consistent information across the various platforms. They can also allow you to use site reviews on your home page for further trusted information available for potential customers.  Reviews can also help build out your FAQs about a particular product.  You can optimize your product pages to include the most sought-after information based on the reviews. 

Ask your customers for reviews that include descriptions of the service and products and how your business delivered that service. Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for reviews; technological triggers can be sent via text or email within a timeframe of their transaction to help manage your feedback. Once you have that feedback and response, you can promote the interaction on your website. It will positively enhance your SEO results.

In Conclusion

Product and business reviews can positively impact your presence on the internet, user engagement, and sales. By giving potential buyers an honest look at what to expect from their purchase, they are likelier to make that final purchase decision. Additionally, when customers leave reviews on Google or other services like Yotpo, you gain credibility, which can further influence a purchase decision and help your SEO rankings. To improve your SEO rankings, having customer reviews is key. Not only will they help you rank higher in SERPs, but they will also increase user engagement and trust with potential customers. Reviews are incredibly important when making purchase decisions, and they should be on the top of your priority list.

When working with our partners at OEM Interactive, we understand the importance of incorporating product, service, and business reviews as an effective communication strategy. The marketplace is continually evolving, and how to stay ahead of your competition is a topic we continually update in our blog. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your auto parts business to the next level.

How to Create & Nurture an Effective Communication Strategy for Your B2C

Effective B2C communication goes deeper than just sending out information. It requires understanding the customer’s needs and wants, creating a message that speaks to these needs, and then delivering it engagingly. Effective customer communication is a critical component of success for any business today. It involves more than just sending out information and hoping that it resonates with potential customers; clear and effective communication requires thoughtful planning, careful execution, and an understanding of the tools available. Let’s dig into clear and effective communication, why it matters, and what tools you have available to accomplish the task.

Effective Communication

Before you start trying out communication tools, you must understand what effective communication is and what it should look like. Effective communication opens the line between a business, and its customers clearly, and consistently. It involves creating engaging content, connecting with customers personally, and consistently delivering your message to target audiences. Effective B2C communication can help companies build strong customer relationships, increase brand awareness, boost sales and conversions, generate leads for future campaigns, and more.  When used in strategy correctly, effective communication can eliminate misunderstandings and help to create a positive customer experience. It’s your chance to clarify vague or limited descriptions, inform them of upcoming events or happenings with your business, and generate interest in new or current products and services.

Have you ever been shopping online and had a question or concern, but couldn’t find any viable way to contact the company? It’s infuriating! Don’t be that company. Your customers deserve better. And remember, it’s not just about answering a question or responding to a negative review; it’s about making your customers feel heard and acknowledged.

Making Communication Personal Makes it Effective. 

Customers are more likely to stick around and make repeat purchases from companies that communicate effectively with them. It shows that you not only care about their needs but that you value your customer’s loyalty. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want loyal customers? They are like gold in the e-commerce industry.

So, how does one communicate effectively? The best practice is to keep your communication personal. Yup, that’s right. You need to show your customers that you care about them as individuals, not just as numbers in your sales database. But don’t worry, being personal doesn’t mean you have to send handwritten letters to every one of your customers (although that would be pretty cool). You can start by being personal on your website. Ensure your content is informative, engaging, and tailored to your customers. Use language that speaks directly to them and shows that you understand their needs and concerns.


For example, let’s say you run a pet supply store. Instead of just posting a generic list of products on your website, consider adding helpful tips on caring for different types of pets, or even showcasing some of your store’s furry customers. This provides value to your customers and shows that you are genuinely interested in their pets’ well-being.

When you take the time to be personal with your communication, you’ll see the benefits quickly. Your customers will feel valued and appreciated and more likely to stick around and make repeat purchases. So, put down that generic sales pitch and connect with your customers personally. Open those lines of communication with your customers. They will appreciate it, and your business will reap the rewards. Trust us; it’s worth it!

Tools for Effective Communication

Now that you know effective communication, let’s look at the tools available to help you communicate more effectively and efficiently with your customers.

  1. Text Chat – Text chat is one of today’s most popular methods. Text chat is a great way to quickly and easily communicate with customers in real-time. It lets you answer soon, ask follow-up questions, and present new options or solutions when needed. You can also use text chat to provide personalized customer service—like offering discounts or special offers—that can create additional sales opportunities for your business. Our text chat tool, Parts Messenger Pro, is an invaluable texting tool that enhances your communication channels and delivers timely updates directly to your esteemed customers. This tool lets us keep our customers informed about the status of their orders, provide real-time updates on product availability, and address any inquiries or concerns they may have.
  2. Business Texting – Business Texting and email are also effective ways to stay in touch with customers. Direct texting lets you quickly send out special offers or discounts, product updates, customer service reminders, and inquiries.
  3. Direct Email – Direct Email is still the go-to for many businesses regarding communication and is essential for building customer relationships. You can use emails to provide detailed information about upcoming promotions, product launches, or other newsworthy items that keep customers informed.
  4. Chatbots – Chatbots are also a great way to communicate with customers. Chatbots are automated programs that can respond to customer inquiries quickly and accurately, so you don’t have to spend time manually answering each question. This saves time and resources and directly provides more personalized interactions with customers on your website.

  5. Direct Mail – Direct mail is another tool to communicate with customers. Direct mail lets you send personalized messages tailored to the recipient’s needs. You can also include coupons and discounts in your direct mail campaigns, as well as special offers and newsworthy items related to your business.

  6. Social Media – Social media provides a platform to interact with potential customers directly on their terms. Utilize this tool by regularly posting content tailored to your target audience’s interests. Pay attention to customer feedback, respond promptly, and customize messages according to customer preferences. This can be used as an opportunity for product promotion or even customer service issues. 
  7. Phone Calls – Contacting customers via phone is also a great way to build relationships. Phone calls allow for more personalized conversations that can help you better understand customer needs and wants and quickly resolve any issues or misunderstandings.

Knowing you need clear and effective communication, why it matters for your business, and what tools you have at your disposal doesn’t equate to success 100% of the time. Remember that personalization is a critical criterion that customers want, and you must balance how and when to communicate with each person. The boomer generation may prefer more phone calls, whereas the millennial group likely prefers text messages. Having a strategy and being intentional in your approach to customer communication is critical to ensuring that you provide a valuable service to them and build loyalty. Understanding their needs and preferences will help you create an effective communication plan that works for all.

When working with our partners at OEM Interactive, we understand the importance of clear and effective communication. We believe it’s the secret sauce to our recipe for success! That’s why we are committed to helping create open and consistent lines of communication tailored to each partner’s unique needs. From text chats to direct emails, and even good old-fashioned phone calls, we know there is no one-size-fits-all approach to effective communication. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your auto parts business to the next level.

Start taking product photos today, see the benefits tomorrow.

There is no easy way to put this, but generating sales takes more than creating a website. How do you stand out with so much competition in the parts & accessories market? What makes you different? Why should someone go to your site, and why should they buy from you? What is your story?

One way to separate yourself from the competition is to start taking custom photos and videos of your products. Custom product photos and videos tell your product story words alone cannot. They show your customers exactly what they are buying, including details, features, and benefits. High-quality, professional photos and videos highlight the quality and craftsmanship of your products. They build trust and confidence in your brand and dramatically increase the likelihood of sales. This post will cover the immediate benefits of taking custom product photos and videos and how this will help your sales!

Building (and nurturing) consumer trust and engagement

In the world of e-commerce, a product page is often the first and only chance you have to make a good impression on potential customers. According to a survey, 30% of U.S. shoppers say they will only purchase if high-quality images are present. And 70% said they are more likely to buy a product from a personally relevant product page, showing how useful it would be or how it fits into their lifestyles. Studies have also shown that product pages with custom photos and videos convert up to 144% more than pages without. The proof is in the numbers.


Building consumer trust starts with presenting a product accurately. Get your customers to trust you by showing them exactly what they get when purchasing from you. Custom product photos and videos do this better than anything else. It shows that you took the time and effort to showcase your product and why it’s better than your competitors. If a picture can say a thousand words, imagine a 20-second video of your product on a swivel. Glorious.

Adding custom product photos and videos can also build your brand’s identity helping establish your site as an industry leader. Your customers will remember your product and return for more, knowing they can trust you to provide the best quality products possible.

Increases your website’s visibility 

When taking product photos and videos, you are creating a visual representation of your product story that will provide immediate information to potential customers. With custom photos, buyers can get an idea of the size and features of the part or accessory they want to buy much more quickly than with standard stock images.

When customers shop online and compare products, they want to see it in action. A custom video helps showcase all the product features and benefits. It’s also an excellent way for customers who need to be more tech-savvy to understand how the part or accessory works.

Additionally, custom videos provide an opportunity for SEO optimization. Including keywords relevant to your product in the video title, description, and content can help drive organic traffic to your site. Photos and images can make your website more visually appealing and engaging. This will increase the time spent on the site, which helps your ranking on various search engines like Google and Bing.

Boosting your sales!

High-quality, professional photos and videos of your parts or accessories will boost the product’s perceived value. Customers are likelier to buy from a website with high-quality pictures and videos than without them. Not only will custom product photos and videos get more people through the door, but they will also convince them to make a purchase.

Custom product photos and videos are an investment that pays off in the long run, helping you stand out from the competition and increasing your sales. So what are you waiting for? Start taking custom product photos.


When our partners ask, “What if I cannot afford a professional photographer?” I always respond with, “Do you have a smartphone? Then start taking photos”. To make it efficient, before you ship any products, take it out of the box, place it on a white background, and take pictures of the item from all different angles. You will be amazed at how quickly your library will grow.

In a world full of horses, you need to be the unicorn. 

Custom product photos and videos are an inexpensive way to set yourself apart from the competition, connect with your customers, and increase sales. In the competitive Parts & Accessory market, you need every advantage. Custom product photos and videos are the advantages your business needs to stand out, tell your story and increase sales. The time and financial investment will pay off; the numbers don’t lie.

At OEM Interactive, we understand the importance of custom product photos and videos for the success of your auto parts business. That’s why we can assist in obtaining high-quality custom images and videos of your auto parts that will help your products stand out and attract more customers. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your auto parts business to the next level.

How to Harness the Power of Technology to Supercharge Your e-Commerce Marketing

Many consumers are still freaked out about being retargeted by their searches. The ‘ole, “I searched for a home workout machine once, and now I am seeing ads for it everywhere.”

What should scare you more is that Google Ads introduced retargeting 13 years ago! Since then (in 2010), technology and marketing advances have been vast and incredible. Online retailers should embrace the power of new technology rather than be intimidated by it. We recommend e-commerce businesses dip their toes in the latest technology like automation, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality (VR). By implementing these new technologies, companies can supercharge their online sales and create a more convenient shopping experience for consumers.

Automation:

Automation uses computer software and hardware to perform tasks without human intervention. But what does that look like for the e-commerce marketplace? Well, you’ve likely seen them when you’ve shopped online, so why not take advantage of them?

Here are a few that consumers love: 

  • Shopping Cart Automation: Shopify
  • Social Media Automation: Hootsuite
  • Automated Loyalty Programs: act-on
  • Email Automation: Hubspot

These automation systems can help make online shopping smoother and faster for customers while saving businesses time and money. Businesses can focus human resources on more critical projects by automating repetitive tasks and creating better customer experiences.

AI – Chatbots:

An AI chatbot is a computer program that is built to simulate a human conversation. It uses natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand what the user is asking and then provide an appropriate response. AI chatbots are increasingly being used in customer service, marketing, and other areas where they can quickly answer questions, address customer concerns, and provide helpful information. They can also automate tedious tasks that would otherwise require a human. AI chatbots are helping businesses improve customer service, increase efficiency, and save money. As technology continues to develop, more and more companies are taking advantage of AI chatbot technologies in their operations.

How Chatbots Can benefit Online Shopping:

  • Increased Customer Engagement
  • Automated Support
  • Upsell and Cross-sell
  • Improved Analytics
  • 24/7 Availability

AI Chatbots are one of the latest technological advancements businesses are starting to invest in. Chatbots are programs that can mimic human conversation, and they’re becoming more and more common as customer service tools.

Virtual Reality

VR has opened up a whole new world for e-commerce by allowing customers to experience products in an immersive way from the comfort of their homes. For example, VR can be used by clothing retailers so customers can virtually try on items before making a purchase decision. According to research conducted by Accenture, 75% of consumers said that experiencing a product through virtual reality would make them more likely to buy it online.

Here are some suggestions for using VR online:

  • Design Simulations 
  • 360-degree product views
  • Immersive shopping experiences
  • Virtual product try-on 
  • Guided shopping experience

Overall, virtual reality technology is transforming how customers shop online and providing a more immersive experience. By leveraging this technology, retailers can create a unique shopping experience that stands out from the competition and encourages customers to purchase products faster and more frequently. Ultimately, it builds consumer trust with the products and companies they purchase from. 

The Present Benefits:

The benefits of using new technology in e-commerce are clear. According to a survey by Salesforce, 87% of consumers said that the ability to use new technologies would make them more likely to shop with a particular brand. In addition, businesses that embrace these technologies will have the edge over their competitors as customers become more demanding and tech-savvy.

The Future Benefits:

In the future, we expect to see even more technological advances used in e-commerce. For example, voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home could be incorporated into shopping experiences so customers can get product recommendations or information by talking. Augmented reality (AR) is another technology that could be used in e-commerce to allow customers to try on items or view product demonstrations virtually. 

The potential for using technology to help power e-commerce businesses is something we are only just beginning to understand.  It’s full of exciting possibilities, whether collecting data or creating something new or disruptive that changes the industry entirely. Make sure you read up on this area – there’s still so much more to discover! This article has presented a brief overview of what’s available now, what may be available soon, and how it can help power your e-commerce team – but if you want further insight into these topics, then look around online and read various sources. And don’t forget to check out our website – lots of great tips and tricks on how to make the most of technology in your business. Read more here!

10 eCommerce Strategies for the New Year

Change is in the air with the New Year. It’s time to make new resolutions and set new goals. The New Year is also a time for innovation for business owners. Stay ahead of the competition by developing new ways to improve your business. Let’s talk about 10 e-commerce strategies you can use to boost your sales in the New Year!

1. Utilize New Technology:

New technology can help you stand out from the competition, from AI-enabled customer service to virtual reality shopping. Investing in these technologies now will give you a significant advantage in the future. 

2. Focus on Mobile Shopping: 

More and more people are shopping on their phones. Your website should be mobile-friendly, and you should consider a mobile app so customers can buy more easily. 

3. Improve Your Website: 

Well-designed websites make a huge difference in customer experience. Use quality design, high-resolution images, or a user-friendly layout.  In a Dynamic Yield survey, 67% of users said that “pages and links being too small to click on” impeded mobile shopping.

4. Improve Your Search Engine Rankings: 

Customers can only buy from you if they can find you. Many customers are searching for you via voice command. Narvar reports found that 51% of shoppers use voice search to research items, so you might consider optimizing your product information pages for voice search. 

5. Enhance Customer Service: 

Customers expect quick responses and good customer service. Make the customer experience more enjoyable by investing in a customer service system that helps you quickly respond to inquiries and complaints. 

6. Create Loyalty Programs: 

It’s important to keep loyal customers. Give them loyalty programs or discounts so they’ll keep coming back. A recent article published by Forbes on the importance of Loyalty Programs stated that “81% of consumers say that Loyalty Programs make them more likely to continue doing business with brands, and 66% modify their spending patterns to maximize Loyalty benefits.”

7. Personalize Your Marketing: 

Marketing needs personalization. Create customized emails, target customer segments, and tailor your messaging. IBM’s research found that 61% of companies use automation software and tools worldwide, and 19% of the latter plans to use personalization in the next 12 months. 

8. Offer Multiple Payment Options: 

Paying for purchases should be convenient for customers. Make sure you accept credit cards and alternative forms of payment, like Apple Pay. Statista found in 2021, digital and mobile wallets accounted for roughly half of global e-commerce payment transactions, making the digital wallet the most popular online payment method worldwide.

9. Invest in Social Media: 

The power of social media is undeniable. Look for ways to increase visibility on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by engaging with customers rather than just pushing sales messages. Looking ahead: Insider Intelligence project’s social commerce will be a $79.64 billion industry in the US by 2025. Social commerce is most popular among adult members of Gen Z: More than half of US social media users ages 18 to 24 have made purchases via a social channel.

10. Utilize Relationship-Building Strategies: 

The key to long-term success is building relationships with your customers. Show your customers you appreciate them with personalized thank-you notes, referral rewards, and special events. It pays to have a good business reputation.

Getting started on these strategies in the New Year is a great way to improve your e-commerce business. Make 2023 your best year with these 10 eCommerce strategies!

Best of luck!

5 Best Practices for Product Pages: Part Two

Our first part in this series covered the first five best practices for product pages. Let’s talk about the last five! In order to maximize conversions, business owners need to make sure that their product pages are optimized. This means including key information and removing any clutter that might prevent visitors from making a purchase. Now let’s take a look at the last five best practices.

6. Remove Clutter

Your product pages should be designed with your visitors in mind. They should be easy to navigate and clutter-free. You want your visitors to be able to find the information they need quickly and easily, without being bombarded with too much data. Including only the most relevant and useful information on the page, and using clear and concise language. You don’t want anything on your page to take away from the central focus: your products! When in doubt, less is more.

7. Include FAQs

What are the most frequently asked questions about your product? Do you have a list of FAQs that you can share with potential customers? By addressing common concerns and questions, you can help put potential customers at ease and increase the likelihood of them completing a purchase. FAQs can also be helpful for customer service purposes. By providing answers to common questions, you can help reduce the number of customer service inquiries. This can save your company time and money, while also providing a better experience for your customers.

8. Highlight/Include Value Proposition

Ensure that your product’s unique value proposition is highlighted on the product page. This is the key benefit or selling point that sets your product apart from others on the market. Putting your value proposition prominently on display will increase visitors’ understanding of why they should buy your product.

9. Clear Call-to-Actions

Your product pages should also include clear call-to-actions (CTAs). A call-to-action (CTA) is a button or link intended to encourage visitors to take the desired action, such as making a purchase. By including CTAs, you can help guide visitors through the conversion process and increase the likelihood of them completing a purchase.

10. Provide Technical Information

Make sure to provide any relevant technical information on your product pages. This includes things like dimensions, specifications, and instructions. By providing this information, you can help ensure that visitors have all the information they need to make an informed purchase decision.

If you offer products that require parts or accessories that are not included, be sure to include links to them or a bundle option. By including everything they need, your customers get the most out of their purchase and avoid any potential frustration. 

By following these best practices, you can help optimize your product pages for conversions. By removing distractions, addressing common questions, and highlighting your product’s key selling points, you can increase the likelihood of visitors completing a purchase. And by providing relevant technical information, you can help ensure that visitors are making an informed decision. So what are you waiting for? Implement these best practices today and see the results for yourself!