Author: Annalena Sommer

General Web Design That Sells: Build a Successful E-Commerce Site

Web Design That Sells: Build a Successful E-Commerce Site

First impressions matter – especially in e-commerce. When users land on your site, they decide within seconds whether to stay or leave. That’s why strong, user-friendly web design is not just a nice-to-have — it’s a business essential. Shopify recently analyzed top-performing e-commerce websites and shared what makes them work. In this post, we break …

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General Germany 2025: Marketplaces as the Driving Force Behind Growth

Germany 2025: Marketplaces as the Driving Force Behind Growth

After two consecutive years of declining revenue, the German e-commerce sector has finally turned a corner in 2024. According to the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh), online retail sales of goods rose by 1.1% year-over-year, reaching a total of €80.6 billion. This modest but significant upswing signals a renewed momentum in the …

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General ISPC 2025: Submit Your Paper Now!

ISPC 2025: Submit Your Paper Now!

The International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC) returns for its 5th edition! From September 25–26, 2025, researchers, professionals, and early-career scholars from around the globe are invited to join this unique platform for sharing practical and academic insights into the digital world. This year’s event will take place in a hybrid format, hosted at the prestigious Adelphi …

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General Keeping Up with AI: Upskilling with OpenHPI

Keeping Up with AI: Upskilling with OpenHPI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving at lightning speed. New tools, breakthroughs, and applications are emerging almost daily. For professionals in e-commerce, digital business, and marketing, one key question arises: How can I stay up to date while gaining practical, in-depth knowledge? One powerful and completely free way to do so: online courses from OpenHPI. Staying …

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Social Commerce ZDF WISO: Professor Geibel Talks About Social Commerce

ZDF WISO: Professor Geibel Talks About Social Commerce

Social commerce is more than just a trend – it’s fundamentally changing the way we shop. With the launch of the TikTok Shop in Germany, this topic has gained even more urgency. The ZDF WISO program explored this development and invited me to share insights on the opportunities and risks of this new form of …

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General Keeping Up with AI: How to Stay Ahead with openHPI

Keeping Up with AI: How to Stay Ahead with openHPI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world. New tools, techniques, and applications are emerging almost daily. To stay relevant in today’s job market, continuous learning is essential. But how can you keep up – in a way that’s flexible, free, and high-quality? The answer: openHPI, the digital learning platform by the Hasso Plattner Institute. Why …

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General Successful E-Commerce Customer Service: Tips for Excellent Support

Successful E-Commerce Customer Service: Tips for Excellent Support

In e-commerce, customer service is a key factor in a business’s success. During the online shopping experience, customers often have many questions or issues, and excellent customer service can make all the difference. But what makes great online support? In this post, we’ll cover the basic principles for outstanding customer service in e-commerce. What is …

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General Social Commerce: Selling Directly via Instagram & Co.

Social Commerce: Selling Directly via Instagram & Co.

In today’s digital world, online shopping is shifting from traditional webshops to social media platforms. This transformation—known as social commerce—allows businesses to market and sell their products and services directly through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. While this creates exciting opportunities for reaching customers where they spend most of their time, it also comes …

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General New Book on ISPC 2024 Announced

New Book on ISPC 2024 Announced

We’re excited to share some great news: The official proceedings of the Fourth International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2024), held in a hybrid format on October 10–11, 2024, will be published in just six weeks! The book, titled “E-Commerce and Digital Services – Proceedings of the Fourth International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2024), Hybrid, October 10–11, 2024”, …

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General E-Commerce: A Revenue Driver for Airports

E-Commerce: A Revenue Driver for Airports

In today’s digital era, travelers expect seamless and personalized shopping experiences—even at airports. To meet these expectations and unlock new revenue streams, airports worldwide are integrating e-commerce solutions into their services. This article explores how airports are leveraging e-commerce to enhance the passenger experience and drive profitability. Integrating Technology into Travel Retail Airports are increasingly …

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General Post-Pandemic: How E-Commerce is Reinventing Itself

Post-Pandemic: How E-Commerce is Reinventing Itself

The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently changed consumer shopping behavior. During lockdowns, many physical stores were forced to close, leading to an unprecedented boom in e-commerce. Even after the pandemic, digital transformation remains a key driver in the retail sector. Retailers now face the challenge of providing customers with a seamless shopping experience both online and …

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General Verbraucherschutz im digitalen Handel – Erkenntnisse der Fachtagung NRW

Verbraucherschutz im digitalen Handel – Erkenntnisse der Fachtagung NRW

The digital world is rapidly changing our consumer behavior. From shopping via social media to personalized recommendations – the lines between e-commerce and social media are becoming increasingly blurred. But how does consumer protection function in this increasingly digital marketplace? This was one of the central topics of the conference “(Un)Influenced by the Net? Consumer …

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General New E-Commerce Action Plan by the German Government

New E-Commerce Action Plan by the German Government

E-commerce has rapidly evolved in recent years, becoming an integral part of the German economy. However, as online trade continues to grow, so do challenges in areas such as product safety, consumer protection, and compliance with environmental standards. To address these issues, the German government adopted a comprehensive E-Commerce Action Plan on January 29, 2025. …

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Event Rheinland-Pitch #122: The Stage for Innovative Startups in Cologne

Rheinland-Pitch #122: The Stage for Innovative Startups in Cologne

Since its founding in 2013, Rheinland-Pitch has become Germany’s largest and longest-running startup pitch event. With over 2,500 participating startups, more than 25,000 attendees, and 118 events across 30+ locations, it provides a unique platform for emerging businesses to present their ideas to a wide audience. The Next Event: Rheinland-Pitch #122 in Cologne 📅 Date: …

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Social Commerce Cultural Differences in Social Commerce on Instagram

Cultural Differences in Social Commerce on Instagram

Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing platform to a significant player in social commerce. With over two billion monthly active users worldwide, it has become essential for businesses aiming to sell online. Features like shoppable posts, live shopping, and personalized product recommendations have solidified Instagram’s role in e-commerce. Despite Instagram’s global reach, user purchasing …

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General Social Commerce on YouTube

Social Commerce on YouTube

YouTube is no longer just a platform for entertainment and education – it has become a key marketplace for social commerce. Businesses, influencers, and content creators increasingly use YouTube to market products through targeted placements, interactive formats, and personalized advertising. But why is YouTube so relevant for social commerce? What are the benefits and challenges …

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Social Commerce How Whatnot is revolutionizing social commerce

How Whatnot is revolutionizing social commerce

In a world where shopping is becoming increasingly digital, Whatnot is setting new standards. Founded in 2019 by Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head, Whatnot is more than just an interactive marketplace—it’s a platform that blends livestreams, auctions, and social media into a unique shopping experience. With over $60 million in funding secured by 2024 and …

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General Successful Selling on TikTok Shop: The Ultimate Guide

Successful Selling on TikTok Shop: The Ultimate Guide

TikTok Shop is revolutionizing social commerce, allowing brands and consumers to connect in unique and effective ways. With its growth-oriented ecosystem, TikTok Shop offers unparalleled opportunities to scale a brand from scratch to generating millions in revenue. At Outlandish, we’ve crafted this guide by combining key social commerce trends with practical strategies to help you …

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General Pinterest: How Inspiration Turns into Purchases

Pinterest: How Inspiration Turns into Purchases

Pinterest is no longer just a platform for inspiration – it has become a major player in social commerce. Especially in the fashion industry, it seamlessly connects inspiration with purchasing. Features like visual search, shoppable pins, and personalized recommendations make Pinterest one of the most exciting digital commerce channels. Pinterest as a Social Commerce Platform …

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General Otto Group: Rethinking Social Commerce

Otto Group: Rethinking Social Commerce

Social Commerce is more than just a trend—it’s a revolution in e-commerce. While many businesses still underestimate the potential of social media for direct sales, the Otto Group is strategically embracing Social Commerce. In an interview with ONEtoONE, the company explains why this approach is crucial for the future of retail and how they are …

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