Increasing Demand for Video in the Retail Industry Fuels Rapid Growth
November 30, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Invodo®, the only full-service eCommerce video partner for online retailers, today announced the addition of a Dallas video production facility as well as the expansion of its Austin headquarters office. As online retailers bring on more video content, Invodo has responded by increasing capacity for production, development and support. This need underlies both expansions. During the past six months, the number of Invodo customers in the Internet Retailer 500 has more than quadrupled, leaving the company poised for a strong 2011.
The Dallas facility, conveniently located near DFW airport, will house a production complex with multiple modular production studios as well as office and warehouse space. The Austin expansion will increase Invodo’s current office space, located at 211 East Seventh Street, by more than forty percent.
“This has been an exciting year for our team,” said Craig Wax, CEO of Invodo. “We look forward to bringing on new talent in both Dallas and Austin to serve our growing customer base. The Dallas production facility allows us to scale production to meet the demands of the largest retailers.”
The Invodo team relies on creativity and innovation in all areas to improve the way consumers shop online. The proprietary production process that enables the creation of high quality video at scale is an example, as is the eCommerce-focused nature of the Invodo InPlayer and the accompanying Smart Merchandising Technology. The casual but results-focused work environment reflects that creativity and innovation, from the flexible warehouse and studio space in Dallas to the Astroturf carpet for putting and chipping in the Austin office.
“We are changing the way consumers shop online and are dedicated to our clients’ success. We’ve learned that providing an environment that encourages creative thinking and interaction actually fuels the innovation process and drives success,” continued Wax. “Both our employees and our customers often cite the Invodo culture as a key ingredient in the formula that makes us a great company to work with.”
About Invodo
Invodo helps online retailers sell more through the power of video. A full-service eCommerce video solution, Invodo creates high-quality product video at scale and develops retail-focused technology to influence consumers where it matters most. Invodo videos increase sales conversion rates, reduce returns and drive site traffic for customers, including Internet 500 retailers and major brands such as Golfsmith, Magellan’s, Verizon Wireless, Moosejaw and Lenovo.
Contact
Invodo
Jen Cadmus
512-934-8350
Jcadmus
invodo
com
Enhancements Help Invodo Clients Drive Video Views and Sales
November 22, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas–(EON: Enhanced Online News)–Invodo®, the only full-service eCommerce video partner for online retailers, today announced a series of enhancements to the Invodo video player. The new player automatically adapts to device platform standards, including HTML5, and provides functionality for sharing eCommerce video via social media and email channels.
As consumers increasingly shop on devices ranging from PCs to smartphones to iPads, retailers must ensure that their video platform is able to deliver to those customers. Invodo’s latest version of the InPlayer supports both Flash and HTML5. Consumers who shop on an iPad, iPhone or Android-based phone or tablet will be able to view Invodo video on retail sites in their device’s native Web browser. The player determines the standard required by each individual browser and delivers the appropriate video, optimized for that platform.
“Consumers simply want to be able to view videos on whichever devices they’re using, and these enhancements let retailers deliver that experience,” said Craig Wax, CEO of Invodo. “The latest version of the InPlayer allows retailers to easily expand the reach of video to mobile devices, tablets or whatever the consumer is using.”
The InPlayer also now enables consumers to share videos via Facebook, Twitter and email. Consumers who find a product video helpful can easily share it with their friends and followers by clicking a sharing icon. This expands retailers’ reach and drives qualified traffic to their sites. According to Comscore, Facebook has become the second most popular video sharing site in the US. So allowing consumers to share video content will be a key objective as retailers launch or expand their video programs.
“Our focus with this release was on helping retailers get the most out of their video investment by simplifying the process for extending content to new devices and new channels,” continued Wax. “By making eCommerce video available at every point of consumer influence, retailers can significantly impact conversion rates. We’re making that easy for them to accomplish.”
The player seamlessly integrates with all the elements of Invodo’s full-service eCommerce video solution, including the platform and video syndication network. Retailers that work with Invodo will get all the technology and services necessary to create and implement high-quality video at scale and rapidly realize the benefits of increased conversion rates and decreased product returns.
About Invodo
Invodo helps online retailers sell more through the power of video. A full-service eCommerce video solution, Invodo creates high-quality product video at scale and develops retail-focused technology to influence consumers where it matters most. Invodo videos increase sales conversion rates, reduce returns and drive site traffic for customers, including Internet 500 retailers and major brands such as Golfsmith, Magellan’s, Verizon Wireless, Moosejaw and Lenovo.
Contact:
Invodo
Jen Cadmus
512-934-8350
jcadmusinvodocom
Video Enables Experts to Tell the Product Story to Mobile Shoppers
November 9, 2010
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Invodo®, the only full-service eCommerce video partner for online retailers, and mobile commerce leader, Digby, today announced that they have partnered to implement retail eCommerce product video within mobile-optimized websites and rich apps for smartphones. Retailers such as Golfsmith are working with both companies to produce and implement eCommerce video that is optimized for viewing on smartphones.
“Both mobile and video are key sales-driving initiatives for retailers now,” said Matt Corey, chief marketing officer for Golfsmith. “Invodo and Digby have teamed up to provide consumers a rich and complete shopping experience at their desk, on the go, and even out on the golf course.”
“Video brings a product to life in a way that text and images can’t, which drives increased conversion for retailers,” said Craig Wax, CEO of Invodo. “By partnering with Digby, we have implemented a ‘plug-in’ to their mobile commerce platform so our content and video solution is now accessible to all of Digby’s retail customers.”
Invodo, a full service eCommerce video solution provider, creates high-quality content at scale and develops leading technology to implement and deliver online product video on retail sites and other points of consumer influence. Golfsmith and other customers have worked with Invodo to create unique video content for their top products and have optimized the videos for additional syndication through social media sites like YouTube and Facebook. Videos have also been optimized for delivery to consumers on the Digby Mobile Commerce Software platform, allowing consumers to view dynamic product videos on their mobile device.
“Our retail customers want to provide a world-class mobile commerce experience for consumers while boosting sales,” said Dave Sikora, President and CEO at Digby. “We have opened up a video API in our mobile commerce platform so that Invodo videos can be placed directly in the retailers’ product pages to support a rich, convenient and personal mobile buying experience.”
Digby mobile commerce solutions allow retailers to empower customers to easily browse and buy items from their mobile devices including iPhone, iPod Touch, BlackBerry and Android. By leveraging the Digby Mobile Commerce Software Platform, the Invodo-produced videos will now enable a product expert to demonstrate the benefits of the product in the palm of the mobile consumer’s hand.
About Invodo
Invodo helps online retailers sell more through the power of video. A full-service eCommerce video solution, Invodo creates high-quality product video at scale and develops retail-focused technology to influence consumers where it matters most. Invodo videos increase sales conversion rates, reduce returns and drive site traffic for customers, including Internet 500 retailers and major brands such as Golfsmith, Magellan’s, Verizon Wireless, Moosejaw and Lenovo.
About Digby
Digby mobilizes retailers by helping them take a strategic approach to mobile commerce by delivering a unique branded experience for the mobile Web and rich Apps for today’s consumers, anytime and anywhere. The Digby Mobile Commerce Software Platform is a fully-managed suite of applications designed for iPhone/iPod Touch, BlackBerry and Android devices that empowers retailers to optimize their mobile strategy and unify their web, in-store and catalog channels. Focused exclusively on the retail channel since 2006 and with more than 45 top retailers already enabled including Home Depot, Lilly Pulitzer, Wet Seal, Godiva, 1800-Flowers, Golfsmith, Orvis and many more, Digby is the leading provider of mobile commerce for retailers. Learn more about us at www.digby.com.
Contacts:
The Dialog Lab (Invodo)
Jen Cadmus
1-512-934-8350
jcadmusinvodocom
Ketner Group (Digby)
Catherine Seeds
1-512-794-8876digby
PRketnergroupcom
The primary objective of eCommerce video is simple- sell more online through the power of video. While there are many factors involved in achieving that objective, one of the most important is effective product page video implementation. Follow the 3 best practices below when integrating video on your product pages to drive maximum video results.
In web design, “above the fold” refers to the portions of a webpage that are visible without scrolling. Of course, the exact location of the “fold” differs based on browser and monitor resolution. Identify the portion of your product pages that lie above the fold and target that location for your video implementation.
Placing your videos above the fold, increases video awareness and more importantly, video view through rate (VTR). Video above the fold realizes an average VTR of 25.7% – almost twice the 15.1% for players below the fold. With a higher VTR, you increase the opportunity to convert viewers into in buyers.
PurePearls.com does a great job of “above the fold placement” in the hero position for maximum video impact.
Make your videos visible and easy to watch. Use video merchandising icons and video call-to-actions (CTAs) to draw attention to your video content and drive views.
For even greater visibility, add a text call-to-action, ex. “Click to Play” or “Click to View”, next to your video icon. The addition of text to an icon on your product pages increases your view through rate to 23.9% versus the 21.4% without.
Red Envelope, online gift retailer and Invodo client, does a great job of employing an eye-catching video merchandising icon. They chose to use an animated gif play button accompanied with a text CTA, “Watch Video.” Not only does this catch customers’ attention, but also provides a direct call to action to watch video.
Provide your customers with a consistent and brand rich shopping experience. 
Choose a video platform that allows for customization so you can implement your video to match your existing site design.
A great example is SwimwearBoutique.com. They chose to use a custom aspect ratio for their videos and implement a vertical embedded player, above the fold, in order to provide their customers with the best video experience possible. In addition, the transition from their product photos to their videos is seamless. They truly provide a shop by video experience.
Be creative and have fun with your video implementation but always remember the objective: sell more online through the power of video.
Once retailers create eCommerce product videos, the first step is to put the videos on the appropriate product pages so consumers can watch. Unfortunately, most retailers stop there.
Forward-thinking retailers find many more uses for their videos. They incorporate the product videos across their site (product pages, category pages, video galleries). They leverage video in marketing campaigns (email, blogs, newsletters) and push it through all channels (Web, mobile, in-store). Why? To increase the number of video views and maximize the return on the investment for creating the video.
Toys “R” Us (an Invodo client) is doing exactly that with its just launched iPad app for the holidays. The app has several cool features. One of my favorites is the ability for kids to create a wish list for their parents to see. But I’m not writing because of the wish list. I’m writing because Toys “R” Us has integrated its product videos into the app. Smart!
Toys “R” Us knows that people are more likely to buy when they watch product videos. So it makes sense to put the videos where consumers want to see them. And Invodo’s service allows for unlimited product video views. A perfect combination.
As more retailers create product videos, they should take a page out of the Toys “R” Us playbook and incorporate video into their mobile strategy. It’s just smart business.
E
arlier today ATG (Art Technology Group) announced it is joining forces with seven software companies including Invodo through its Catalyst Alliance Program (CAP). The CAP program makes it easy for ATG’s eCommerce clients to integrate the services of CAP participants.
As we’ve reported on our blog time numerous times, eCommerce video is becoming an integral part of the online shopping experience. That’s because video increases site traffic, increases conversion rates, and reduces product returns.
We are happy to have been selected as CAP’s full service eCommerce video partner. Participating in the CAP program makes implementing Invodo’s technology even easier for ATG’s clients. And that’s’ exciting for us.
Thanks ATG – - we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.
Partners offer new integrations for ATG customers, integrators, and developers
November 1, 2010
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ATG (Art Technology Group, Inc., NASDAQ: ARTG), the premier provider of cross-channel commerce solutions, has joined forces with a number of complementary software provider partners to deliver new, pre-built integrations and extensions for ATG Commerce via the ATG Catalyst program. The Catalyst Alliance Program (CAP) makes it easy for partners to share these integrations via the ATG Catalyst library of assets on community.atg.com. This program, an extension to the successful ATG Catalyst Program introduced last year, gives ATG customers, integrators, and developers access to an extensive library of no-cost software assets that reduce the overall time and cost of a typical commerce implementation.
The ATG Catalyst Program, launched in 2009, is an asset sharing and distribution channel. Participants use the ATG online community to share code and documentation that extends the ATG Commerce platform in order to solve a particular business or technical challenge. These assets are made available at no charge to ATG customers via an Apache open source license. They include ATG Commerce integrations with emerging technologies, such as mobile and social commerce solutions.
“Launching the open-source-inspired ATG Catalyst Program was our way of encouraging innovative thinking among our customers and partners,” said Bill Zujewski, vice president of product marketing, ATG. “With the Catalyst Alliance Program, we have a comprehensive community of technology and strategy experts who further inspire each other to enhance product implementations and ATG-based sites. Not only does this allow our customers to maximize the value of their ATG investments, reduce integration costs, and deliver the most innovative and engaging cross-channel commerce experiences available, but it also helps our customers connect with innovations that can complement their strategies.”
CAP partners and the Catalyst Assets they have delivered include:
ATG Catalyst Assets are hosted in a central repository on the company’s online customer and partner portal called ATG Community. Since the original program’s inception, more than 2,680 members have joined the program and downloaded thousands of assets created by ATG employees, partners, and customers. ATG clients have leveraged these available assets to build new features and applications, enhance existing functionality, and improve the overall customer experience across commerce channels.
Today, as part of its ever-growing ATG Catalyst Program, the company also announced the availability of ATG Mobile for Android™, an asset which enables clients to create native Android applications to support mobile shopping of ATG-powered e-commerce sites.
For information about the program, to learn how to become a partner, or to download assets, visit: http://www.atg.com/en/products-services/catalyst/index.jsp.
About ATG
ATG (Nasdaq: ARTG) provides the most advanced cross-channel commerce software and services to fuel the growth of the world’s best brands. Offering the industry’s leading commerce solution, ATG works in partnership with clients to drive sales via a personalized customer experience – unifying and optimizing interactions across the Web, contact center, mobile devices, social media, physical stores, and other key channels. Exclusively focused on online and cross-channel commerce, ATG is uniquely capable of powering the most innovative and successful commerce experiences, with results that outperform industry norms. ATG Commerce is the commerce platform and business user application solution top-rated by industry analysts for powering results-driven, personalized, and innovative e-commerce sites. ATG’s platform-neutral optimization solutions for live help, lead performance, and product recommendations can be easily added to any website to quickly and measurably grow revenue, boost loyalty, and unlock profits and insight. ATG is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional locations throughout North America and Europe. For more information, please visit http://www.atg.com.
© 2010 Art Technology Group, Inc. ATG and Art Technology Group are registered trademarks. All other product names, service marks, and trademarks mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
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