#A/B Testing For eCommerce

[enfuse-solutions]

Maximizing Profits: Strategies For Successful eCommerce Services

In the dynamic world of eCommerce, maximizing profits requires a strategic approach encompassing various aspects of your online business. From optimizing your website for conversions to effectively managing your inventory, every step you take can impact your bottom line. 

In this blog, we'll explore some key strategies for increasing profitability in eCommerce.

1. Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): CRO is the process of improving your website's performance to increase the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as purchasing. By analyzing user behavior, testing different elements of your website (such as design, copy, and layout), and making data-driven decisions, you can significantly improve your conversion rates.

2. eCommerce Pricing Strategies: Pricing is a critical factor in eCommerce profitability. Implementing dynamic pricing strategies, such as offering discounts, bundling products, or using psychological pricing techniques, can help you maximize revenue and attract more customers.

3. Cart Abandonment Reduction: Cart abandonment is a common issue in eCommerce, but it can be reduced by implementing strategies such as offering a guest checkout option, simplifying the checkout process, sending abandoned cart emails, and providing transparent pricing and shipping information.

4. eCommerce Analytics Tools: Utilizing eCommerce analytics tools can provide valuable insights into your customers' behavior and preferences. These tools can help you track key metrics, such as conversion rates, average order value, and customer lifetime value, allowing you to make informed decisions to improve your profitability.

5. Personalization In eCommerce: Personalizing the shopping experience for your customers can significantly impact your profitability. By leveraging data to tailor product recommendations, promotional offers, and marketing messages to individual customers, you can increase engagement and drive sales.

6. A/B Testing For eCommerce: A/B testing is the process of comparing two versions of a webpage or marketing campaign to assess their performance and identify the more effective one. By conducting A/B tests on elements such as product descriptions, images, and call-to-action buttons, you can optimize your website for maximum conversions.

7. eCommerce Marketing Automation: Marketing automation enables you to optimize your marketing activities and send tailored messages to your customers when they are most relevant. By automating tasks such as email marketing, social media posting, and customer segmentation, you can improve efficiency and drive sales.

8. SEO For eCommerce Websites: Ensuring your website is optimized for search engines is essential to drive organic traffic and enhance visibility. By conducting keyword research, optimizing product pages, and creating high-quality content, you can improve your website's ranking in search engine results pages (SERPs) and attract more customers.

9. Mobile Optimization For eCommerce: With the increasing use of smartphones for online shopping, optimizing your website for mobile devices is essential. Ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly, loads quickly, and provides a seamless shopping experience can help you capture more sales from mobile users.

10. Inventory Management Best Practices: Efficient inventory management is essential for reducing expenses and optimizing profits. By implementing practices such as real-time inventory tracking, demand forecasting, and strategic stocking, you can ensure that you have the right products in stock at the right time.

Conclusion

Maximizing profits in eCommerce requires a holistic approach that considers various aspects of your online business. By implementing these strategies and leveraging the right tools and technologies, such as those offered by EnFuse Solutions India, you can increase your profitability and stay ahead of the competition. EnFuse Solutions provides a range of services, including eCommerce analytics tools, personalization solutions, and marketing automation services, which can help you optimize your eCommerce operations and drive greater revenue.

[linkupminds]

What is email marketing and how does it work?

Email marketing is like a trusted friend in the world of digital marketing. It's reliable, effective, and has stood the test of time. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned marketer, understanding what email marketing is and how it works can significantly boost your marketing efforts.

Click the link above to continue reading!

[saintobio]

sincerely yours. (8)

↳ gojou satoru/reader

when a twist of fate led their marriage to the path of a quintessential tragic romance, two past lovers go through another series of experiences on love, heartbreak, identity, illness, and trauma along the road to a happily ever after. 

genre. heavy angst, amnesia, modern au, 18+ 

tags/warnings. profanity, mentions of cheating, implied suicide attempt, toxic relationship, explicit smut

series masterlist -> episode nine

9:21 AM.

Tap. Tap. Tap. The sound of your index finger drumming a slow and steady cadence against the table was nearly in perfect synchronization to the tick tock of the clock above the wall behind you. An icy, uninviting atmosphere was the best way to describe the current situation inside the conference room at this time of the morning, with the gelid detachment between the boss and her employees as you built a wall—an impenetrable wall—around yourself to keep the inner turmoil you had in your head. 

So, you listened. You succumbed to silence as a result. 

“I’d like to present this new idea that we, along with the ecommerce team, have come up with to increase engagement on our website.” Even as the marketing manager started to speak, you remained frigid. “We did go through some feedback that people have been posting online and they’re mostly saying that the current web theme is too plain and that they’re hoping to see a more engaging website, so we would love to propose some ideas that could improve Hearte’s overall online presence. We know that keeping the brand’s look consistent is very important, especially now that Hearte is still establishing its own name in the fashion industry, and we have currently done a phenomenal job with our brand style. However, as the online website is our visual storefront, not only is its functionality critical, but we also have to ensure that the web design is in line with our aesthetics.” 

9:26 AM. 

You leaned back on your chair with your arms crossed, looking up to speak to the manager from across the conference room. “Let’s keep the unnecessary introduction short and just go straight to the point,” you strictly announced, receiving curious eyes in return as it was their first time seeing you becoming all stern and unamused. Such an odd sight to see from a boss who used to have the brightest of sunshines reflecting on her smile. “What’s the proposal?” 

The marketing manager cleared her throat and moved her presentation onto the next slide. “Yes, Ms. Y/N. So… uh, based on the data that you can see on the screen, our online sales increased by 15% for the past two weeks, but we still have about 10% of shoppers abandoning their shopping carts. Earlier this week, we set up email campaigns and social reminders to decrease our abandonment rate and urge shoppers to return to their carts. While working with the IT team, we did some A/B testing to determine which version would drive our business metrics. We’ve also reached out to The Society Management and added Kendall Jenner to our PR list so that possibly, in the future, we can get her as a model for our landing page and attract the western market,” she continuously explained in a manner to convince you of how much effort their department was doing to increase Hearte’s sales, “But what we believe could bring a tremendous improvement on our website engagement is by introducing style guides. This will capture the interest of the audience now that they can mix and match some outfits based on their own style, and—”

9:32 AM.

Sigh.

“Ms. Ono, I have to be honest, but I expected more from you,” you cut her off by leaving a frank comment on her presentation, “Fashion brands have been doing style guides for years. You make it sound like it’s unique, but it’s nothing new. How sure are we that it will actually bring a dramatic improvement on our website engagement? I doubt most of them would even browse through it.” 

“Well, uh…” The marketing manager faltered, glancing at the head of the social media team for some help, which she didn’t end up receiving. “I think it’ll work the way we want it to as long as we introduce engaging copies that make buyers fall in love with the designs.” 

“You think?” You criticized her word of choice. “Ms. Ono, I gave you enough time to brainstorm with your team, so the moment you step inside of this conference room, you should have prepared whatever strategy you had in mind. I don’t settle for ambitious words like ‘I think’ or ‘I believe’. I want to hear a proposal that’s original, unique, and captivating. I want you to be a hundred percent sure that you know what you’re doing before you waste everyone’s time like this. Do you understand? Am I being clear? I want a proposal that would definitely get us somewhere and not just by assuming we will.” 

Were you being too harsh? They said that the fashion industry in itself was harsh, so what was so surprising about seeing you being strict, candid, and business-like? This was the nature of your job. This was normal. 

9:47 AM. 

Very timidly did Nobara raise her hand beside you to chime in on the discussion. “I know I’m not in the position to make suggestions, but…” She pressed something on her laptop before carefully sliding it to your side of the table, showing you what appears to be a classic early 2000s ‘dress-up game’ with a base model and a selection of outfits that were inspired by your designs. “I just wanted to show you this, Ms. Y/N. I do agree with Ms. Ono’s idea to introduce style guides, but maybe we can do it in an interactive way. I know the dress-up game idea may look childish and unsophisticated, but I was kinda hoping that we can just make certain adjustments so that it could match Hearte’s classy and simplistic style. We can have base models in different body types and skin tones to show our brand’s diversity, then we can have shoppers try dressing them up using the outfits on our current collection. That allows them to easily visualize how the pieces would look on a certain skin tone and body type.” 

The way everyone else in that conference table looked at Nobara was very obvious that they were expecting you to reprimand her for even having the guts to offer such a farcical idea. What does she know? They were probably thinking that. You’re just an intern. You knew they were saying that in their minds. On the other hand, you surprisingly liked her proposal and enjoyed the unique idea of introducing it to the website because her proposal actually did make sense. People would be curious, people would try it out by interacting with the website, and that means the engagement would rise up. 

“I like that idea. We can go with that,” you said, sliding the laptop back to her while nodding at the marketing and social media managers, “I need the team to discuss Nobara’s idea further and polish it thoroughly before we can start adding it onto the website. Make adjustments as needed and ensure that everything is still in line with our brand. If you notice any flaws with this proposal, you can flag them with me and I’ll review them.” 

9:54 AM. 

Just as you were about to wrap up the meeting, a certain someone entered the conference room in haste—panting out of breath with her long, wavy hair and creased red pants. “I’m so sorry, I’m late.” 

Her casualness made you clench your jaws tightly, fueling the fire to your already terrible day. You could no longer stop yourself from unleashing your rage as you looked up at her with a critical squint. “Ms. Hirai, what time’s it?” 

“It’s ten, I know. I’m so sorry,” she repeated her apologies and paid an apologetic bow to everyone in the meeting room, “I’m sorry, everyone. I was caught up in heavy traffic today.” 

You let out a silent scoff and ignored her compunctious act. “How long are we gonna keep using that excuse, really?” you questioned her, earning the intrigued eyes of your employees who were all sensing the sudden tension between you and your best friend, “As the fashion merchandiser and my second-in-command, you should’ve been here in this meeting with me, but where were you? You anticipated that there would be heavy traffic, yet you couldn’t be responsible enough in coming to work early knowing that we have a meeting? Or was it because you’re too busy doing other things so you’re no longer interested in showing up to work on time?” 

Akemi shook her head, contritely. “It’s… It’s not like that.” 

“Not like what?” Your icy stare bored into her. No trace of compassion was present in your eyes. “I’m sure you’re living a very blissful life outside of work and I’m glad you are, but is that also why you don’t bother with anything else anymore?” 

“Y/N—”

“Miss Y/N,” you corrected, “I’m your boss, so treat me like one.” 

Wide, chocolate brown eyes greeted you in response. It was clear that she was at a loss of words and could only repeat her meaningless apologies a thousand times. “I’m really sorry, Ms. Y/N. It won’t happen again.” 

“You didn’t even let me know that you’ll be coming in late,” you continued and ignored the pitiful expression on her face, focusing on her swollen red lips and her dewy, rosy cheeks. She must have had a really good morning to look like a cherry blossom on a spring day. Was she so preoccupied being all lovey dovey with your ex-husband this morning? Did she sleep comfortably on the same marital bed you used to share with him? Your jaw tensed visibly. “You’re just coming in whenever you want. You don’t respect people’s time. You don’t respect my rules. You don’t respect me.” 

Yes, you were overreacting by taking things too personally and it was the reason why you got up from your seat and bolted out of the conference room upon realizing your unusual outburst. You could hear the clicking sound of your stiletto echoing across the corridor as you stomped towards your office, swinging the glass door open and heading straight towards the ceiling-to-floor window to have some peace of mind. Peace? How ridiculous. How could you find peace? You couldn’t even grasp the fact that your best friend was acting like everything was normal. You couldn’t understand why she was rubbing her relationship to your face as if she wasn’t just a placeholder to somebody’s ex wife.

“Y/N?” Akemi’s voice cut you out of your toxic trail of thoughts—your mouth thinning with displeasure while you didn’t bother turning around to meet her gaze. Breathe. You had to breathe and think rationally. “I…I understand you’re really angry right now, but I was hoping we can have this much needed talk.” 

You could feel her reaching for your hand at the height of your frustration and your defensive instinct led you to angrily swing your arm away, accidentally hitting her cheek as you pivoted on your heel to face her. It took two seconds for your eyes to shift from glaring in frustration to widening in surprise after seeing the small cut your diamond ring left on her cheek. “Are you okay?” 

“Y-Yeah, no, it’s fine,” she insisted with her palm pressed onto the right side of her face. “I deserved it.” 

Good lord. What was happening to you? Despite having all these unspoken rage and unresolved conflicts between the two of you, you would still drop everything and be concerned for her. You would still let your walls collapse. You were the villain that couldn’t stick to being a villain. Why? Why did you feel this way? Was it because you knew she wasn’t technically doing anything wrong? Or was it because you were just projecting your personal frustrations onto her? Was betrayal really the issue here? Or was it the huge possibility that she could in fact be Gojou’s one true love? You had thought of this before, but the same questions in your head never stopped. And never did they stop from invading your headspace as you made your way towards the small fridge to grab an ice pack that you soon offered to Akemi, leading her to one of the couches while finally coming into your senses. 

Yet there was silence and nothing but awkward silence when you two sat at a safe distance from each other. 

“I’m shameless.” She was the first one to break the uncomfortable atmosphere. “I know you’re thinking that and I do agree with you. I really am shameless to even look you in the eye right now.” 

You sighed and looked away, only to keep yourself from the furnace of pain that you had been bottling inside. “Stop. You’re making me seem like a villain right now. I’m tired of seeing myself this way.”

She closed her legs and sat humbly, reaching forward to squeeze your hand. “You’re not. You’re not a villain and you never were,” said the same woman you accidentally smacked a few minutes ago, “I understand why you would feel a certain way towards me. I’d even understand if you hate me so much that you wanna murder me. I’m your best friend and I know about your history with Satoru, yet here I am seeing your ex-husband behind your back. I didn’t mean it. I didn’t plan it. I truly didn’t. Even though you’re not together anymore and I’m technically not homewrecking anyone, I’m still putting us—you and I—in a really awkward position. You didn’t deserve any of that and I’m very sorry.” 

At least, she was self-aware. But looking at the brighter side of things, you were getting calmer now that you were hearing her side of the story, though that didn’t stop you from feeling any less horrible. “I don’t really care who you date,” you claimed, adamantly, “And I most definitely do not care who Satoru chooses to date. We’ve been divorced for three years.” 

“It’s still not right that I’m seeing him.” She let her guilt speak up for her. 

And you let your resentment speak for you. “Then, why him of all people?”

“It’s…” 

“Complicated?” 

“Y-Yeah…” 

You decided to keep a straight face. “How did this happen?” 

Akemi looked as if you had just forced her to be on the hot seat because of the apathy on your visage. “It was a drunken mistake at first and we kinda just…”

“I’m not asking about when you two started fucking,” you replied, bluntly. Something you had never done before in your usual sophisticated vocabulary. “I’m asking when you realized you have feelings for him. When did you fall in love with him?” 

She had trouble finding the right answer. “It just happened. I d-don’t really know. Whenever you asked me to look after him, I guess the bond he and I developed from that made me see him in a different light.” 

You disregarded the pain in your chest and let the volcano explode on its own, because her answer only meant that she was already growing feelings for your ex-husband at the same time you were confiding to her about him. That was the worst part of it all. 

“Why do you like him?” you questioned further, “Despite knowing what happened while I was married to him, why did you still end up falling in love with him? If that’s so hard to answer, then don’t think about us or me or our friendship. Just think about the decisions you made for yourself. Why are you with Satoru?” 

Her gaze found the floor. Hesitance. Guilt. Shame. Those emotions were all dancing in her eyes in a complete roundabout. While she took a moment to fully reassess her decision, you weren’t sure if you deserved to still feel hurt when she gave you an honest answer. “When I met Satoru, I didn’t meet the toxic, cheating ex-husband that he was known for,” she said, slowly, “I met a man who holds such a high respect for his ex-wife, adores his son like his greatest gift of all, and values his marriage more than anything else in this world. I met a vulnerable man who isn’t afraid to open his heart to strangers. A man who gave me emotional support even when he’s the one who needed it the most. I… It’s hard to explain, but…” 

Was there really anything left to say? Her point was clear, and your silence while she was speaking was more so because you were trying not to let the tiny pricks in your heart affect you further than it already did. The fullness of her voice and the way her eyes shined when she talked about him were enough to tell you that your best friend had truly fallen in love and you would be cruel to take that away from her. Even from him. They would not have been involved in such an intimate relationship if there had been no attraction between them to begin with, so then… Why did it feel like you were being cheated on? She was no Sera, and he was not the Satoru that only used you for his corporate ambitions. It was just Akemi and Satoru—they were each other’s right person at the right time. The only thing blocking their path to a loving relationship was you. 

You. The irrational and spiteful ex-wife. The ex-wife who always played the ‘victim card’. The selfish ex-wife who wanted all the good things to only come her way. 

Well, god be damned, because you were beginning to confuse yourself with the version of you that wasn’t even remotely like you at all. She was just a mirrored image of yourself that you thought people perceived. 

“You can do what you want.” The moment you spoke again, you were already creating a huge wall between you and your best friend, making sure that there were boundaries that none of you should ever cross now that she had chosen to be with someone you had sincerely loved in the past. It may sound like you were letting go, but truth be told, you just didn’t think that you even had the option to hold onto anything. Satoru wasn’t yours and you weren’t his anymore. You were two individuals living separate lives. “If you wanna be with him, that’s your choice. I don’t plan on intervening. It just… just really surprised me that you didn’t have the decency to tell me at all.” 

Akemi nodded, apologetically desperate. “I understand how you’re feeling and I’m sorry. I really, truly am sorry, Y/N.” Her voice and her countenance did show the genuineness in her plea to be forgiven, but you were too numb to feel anything else. “I hope we can stay friends despite everything.” 

How could you even stay friends in a situation like this? 

First option was to keep pretending that their relationship wasn’t bothering you. Second option was to focus on your own relationship with Toji to the point where everything else just didn’t matter anymore.

Yeah, you thought. You could certainly choose the latter. 

“Our friendship isn’t my top priority at the moment,” was your straightforward response to her, “I wanna focus on my son and his relationship with his father. That’s all.” 

Any regular person would have thought: ‘Wow, Y/N. You handled that well.’ ‘You’re so mature.’ ‘You’re a lot calmer than we expected.’ The thing was, you really did think that you had been way too calm about it. In spite of the scene you caused at the conference room, or the dramatic exchange you had with Akemi in your office, you still handled it much better than one would think. In TV shows or movies, the ex-wife would have dragged the best friend to the ground, slapped her face, pulled her hair, started a nasty catfight, and called her all the terrible labels you could think of. Look, part of you wanted to do that. And the other part of you—the sympathetic, altruistic part of you—thought you shouldn’t do that. You would only look pathetic. 

Of all the negative things Satoru had made you feel over the course of your failure of a marriage, this aftermath was probably the toughest. 

You just weren't in the right state of mind to justify why. 

You also couldn’t justify why you had been looking for unhealthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety. If anyone from your family saw you standing at the smoking area near the parking lot right now, they would have given you an earful of how you must be out of your mind for even putting a cigarette stick between your lips. How exactly could tobacco be good for you? You would say, first of all, that nicotine does in fact cause pleasant feelings to distract you from unpleasant ones. You couldn’t find any other way to relax your mind any faster than one cigarette stick could. Besides, staying in the office and seeing Akemi around was getting too suffocating and you couldn’t afford to have your negative mood lingering in your mind for the rest of the day. One stick wouldn’t hurt. Another one wouldn’t, too. And another one should be fine, right? 

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” 

The irony. You didn’t even have the time to recoil before the main cause of your stress showed up in front of you, frowning after he snatched the cigarette stick out of your lips. He was quick to throw it to the ground, stomp on it like he would do with your heart, and give you a questioning look that made you scoff at the ridiculousness of this situation. This could be a dream for heaven’s sake. Or a hallucination. There was no way Satoru Gojou would be standing right in front of you just as you were thinking about him.

“Since when have you been doing this?” he questioned again, holding your wrist this time to make you realize that his presence or this interaction wasn’t just a figment of your imagination. It would have been better that way, but the reality was, Satoru was there and he wasn’t the least bit pleased. “I know you’re mad at me and this isn’t the right time for me to chew you out like this, but…” he paused, taking your cigarette pack. “I can’t believe you’re fucking smoking right now, Y/N. Did you get this habit from Toji?”

Okay. Gojou could be way out-of-line sometimes, but this was the apex of it. 

“Don’t bring Toji into this,” you snapped back, shooting him a glare that could easily kill. “What are you doing here?”

You could see how deep his inhale was just by the loudness of his sigh after it. His face showed a combination of yearning, regret, frustration, and pity as if he was deciding which emotion should dominate him more. But among the multitude of emotions that were drowning him right now like a tidal wave, he looked all the more exhausted. Whether it was dealing with you, trying to make amends with you, or simply being around you—you could tell that he wanted to drop his constant need to care for you because it was beginning to tire him out. 

He didn’t really answer your question, and instead, asked one of his own. “Are you smoking because of stress?” he asked, trying to mask the sympathy in his eyes. “It’s bad for you. Set a good example for Sachiro.” 

You’re bad for me, you wanted to say. Why did it even matter to him, anyway? You were nothing more than just a mother to his child. Anything outside that role was completely not his business anymore. The fact that he was even within the vicinity of your office was ridiculous, because you were already having a bad day and his presence was adding further into it. “Don’t you dare talk about setting a good example to my son like you’re so righteous yourself.” 

“Y/N, come on.” He reached for your hand once more as if trying to show how much he cared or how worried he was with what you were doing to yourself because of him. “I don’t want you to—”

“Keep your fucking distance, Gojou. You’re not in the place to give a damn about me anymore,” you raged, withdrawing your wrist and breathing heavily as you tried to keep yourself from further exploding. You would have. You were so close to cursing him off, but you saw the flash of pure shock in his eyes, and that was how you realized what you just did. All these violent reactions, these unusual outbursts—these were not you. This was not the meek, soft-spoken ex-wife that he was once married to. 

“Toru?” 

Unfortunately, Gojou no longer had enough attention span to listen when he looked away, only to turn to his new woman with a genuinely worried expression painted on his face as soon as he saw her coming out of the building with a hand on her cheek. You realized that he was actually here to pick her up and was doing everything that a caring boyfriend would; checking every inch of her face to see how bad she was hurt and asking her what happened and whether she was okay. You didn’t know how to react the moment he turned back to you with his tired, yet passively accusatory eyes. “Did something happen?” 

You knew that his question actually translated to: ‘Did you slap her?’ With your thorough knowledge about his acquired trauma from physical violence, you felt the sudden need to clear your name, but you didn’t know if you should be grateful that it was already your best friend who did the part in doing such. “Nothing happened. It was an accident.” Her tone was almost begging before she started tugging his arm. “Let’s just go, please.” 

Satoru didn’t want to let it go, but decided that it was best to just leave it be as he glanced at you with a slightly detached gaze. “I’ll see you in a couple of days,” he reminded, referring to the dreaded New York trip together with Sachiro. 

A conflicted look from him and an apologetic gaze from her. That was all that you received before they got inside the car and left you alone and miserable in that parking lot. You watched his car fade into view with her on the passenger seat and him probably holding her hand as he drove through the street. Just when you thought you could actually stomach the sight of him and her together, it would be a big fat lie to say that it didn’t sting. It stung worse than the times he ran after Sera than to stay behind with you. Worse than when he used to treat you like a mistress rather than a wife. 

You must be going crazy, indeed. Who in their right mind would cry over her ex-husband in the middle of the parking lot? Why would you even shed tears when you were the one who wanted him to find someone else and move on? This was becoming a never-ending loop because you were letting yourself be affected by it. It shouldn’t be that way. Never. 

“Toji.” You were doing your hardest to conceal the weakness in your voice as you pressed your phone into your right ear. “I-I need you… right now. Please.” 

“Hey, I was just about to pick-up Sachi from daycare. Is everything okay?” 

Wiping your eyes, you looked at the dull skies wondering if the universe was trying to reflect all these emotions running inside of you. “Yeah… Can you come soon?” 

He didn’t really hesitate to answer, quickly understanding that he had to drop everything else right now and be with you. “Alright, I’ll be there.” 

Satoru was conflicted, but he didn’t know what exactly made him feel that way. Was it because he saw you smoking in the parking lot? Or was it because he could tell that you gave Akemi a tongue-lashing after catching her half-naked at the penthouse a few days ago? Either way, both options were not very you. And he couldn’t understand why you were slowly starting to look less and less like the person he knew, which was confusing on his part because you had been adamant on telling him to forget about you. You were rigid on your decision to not let him enter your life as your husband for the second time around. He told you he still loved you, but you said you loved another. He told you he wanted to work things out and make your family complete again, but you said you were already doing that with someone else. Gojou knew his hands weren’t clean and the reason you may be acting that way was because out of all the women he could have been with, it had to be Akemi Hirai. Your best friend. Your confidante. Your business partner. She was a territory he shouldn’t have crossed, yet he did. 

But, at the same time, she was the only person who had been there for him during his lowest. She was the company he needed when his heart was the loneliest. He couldn’t even remember the amount of times she came to his aid when he was crying over his memories of you, memories that he could no longer hold onto. Akemi brought peace to his heart, and if there was anyone else he could be with, it would be her. 

It was becoming more and more clear to him how he felt about her. 

Although, voicing that out loud was a different story. Keeping it in his thoughts was for the best because he didn’t want to lead Akemi on. She didn’t deserve that nor did she deserve to feel like a substitute for someone else. He wanted to be a hundred percent sure about being with her before he could fully confess his real feelings for her. It could still develop through time, perhaps far better and more passionate than what he was sharing with her right now, but until then, settling for what they had at this moment in time was for the better. What was important was that both parties were clear about diving into this relationship. 

He wasn’t ready for commitment and she understood that. She was willing to wait for him. She was helping him move on in the least painful way. Where else could he meet such a person like her? 

She was gentle, motherly, sensitive, and intuitive. She was classy and sophisticated. She knew how to dress nicely. Her nails were always clean and pretty. Her smile was very charming. Her laugh, endearing. She was the perfect woman anyone could have. 

“Why’d you suddenly want to go to the mall?” she asked, intertwining their hands together as she looked up at him with her beautiful doe eyes. Her question made him cut out of his trance, remembering that they were strolling around the galleria. 

He touched the small wound on her cheek as if stroking it could make it heal faster. “Nothing,” he said. “Just a last minute idea.”

Truthfully, Gojou wasn’t sure why he had brought her there. All he knew was that he had a lot going on in his mind while he was driving through the city and the next thing he knew, he was already pulling up at the galleria out of his natural instinct. But since they were already there, he might as well buy her a little something. Anything. And then his eyes caught sight of Chanel as if the high-end boutique was pulling his feet with such gravity that it led him to go inside the store while hand-in-hand with the woman next to him. 

“Mr. Gojou, how are you?” 

Right. The staff knew him so well, especially for the amount of times he had been there with his ex-wife when you two were still married. 

“Are you looking for anything specific?” One of the familiar ladies that used to assist you approached him with a lingering stare towards Akemi. “Perhaps for your…?”

He cleared his throat. “Yeah, can you… uh,” he turned towards the rack of tweed sets, “Do you have any new collections?” 

“Yes, absolutely,” said another lady, “Right this way, sir.” 

It was easy to notice how the staff were exchanging glances at the sight of Satoru and Akemi together, but his mind was far too distracted by the nostalgia of being in that place alone to even care about his surroundings. All he did was look back at Akemi and encourage her to try out the newest collections that they had, thinking that she was oblivious about what was going through his head. “You go and pick whatever you like.” 

Although she was clearly not used to it, Akemi did eventually try on some of the outfits he specifically had chosen for her. They were Chanel’s signature tweed sets that he always found to be very elegant, and he definitely wasn’t wrong that they would suit her when she came out of the dressing room to show him how the clothes wrapped her small frame perfectly. 

He could see your smile through her face, your excitement when you tried the outfits on, and the shine in your eyes when you looked at yourself in the mirror. Except, Gojou had to remind himself that you weren’t her. That his mind was just messing with him. 

No, this was wrong. Why was he thinking about you while he was with her? 

He had to have some sort of distraction. Something so tangible that all of his senses would go numb. 

The one way he was able to overcome that dilemma was by sharing yet another steamy exchange with Akemi later that night. He couldn’t remember who initiated first, but it must have been the equal desire that they had for each other when they dove straight into a heated makeout session the moment they stepped inside his bedroom. One thing led to another. First he was kissing her lips, then her collarbones, then her inner thighs—devouring her completely with his lust-driven actions, doing the most by pleasuring her body using his own. 

She was a giver just as she was a receiver. Not that he didn’t expect her to be so experienced when it came to sex, but she definitely knew what she was doing without any guidance from him. Perhaps he just wasn’t used to it anymore. Perhaps he had just forgotten how it felt to have sex with someone who didn’t rely on him to initiate the next steps they should do. Fuck, he couldn’t even remember the last time someone stared at his eyes while putting his hardened member inside her mouth the way she did. She knew her power over him while at his most vulnerable state, ruining his masculine ego and destroying it with her own feminine pride. 

And in the midst of their intimate session, Gojou was zoning out while he was sliding a condom across his shaft, ready to enter her from the back. His mind was giving him a flash of memory, not a distant but recent one from two days ago.

“I still can’t believe you did that, Mom. You’re being ridiculous.” 

His mother wasn’t exactly showing the slightest hint of regret on her face despite knowing full well that sending the custody claim almost made you lose your mind. She was keeping a straight face as she sat on the barstool next to him, taking a sip of wine from her glass while he, on his own, was downing a glass of scotch. “She had it coming.”

Satoru sighed his frustration away. “Don’t do that again or today’s the last time you’ll ever see me.” 

“What are you talking about?” His mother frowned. “Who was there for you when you were trying to end your own life because of the lies she told you, huh? You’re feeling bad for her now, but did she feel bad for you back then? You missed three years of your son’s life because she was being too spiteful towards you.” 

He had never met someone more stubborn than his own mother, but maybe this was a clear sign for Satoru to realize where he must have acquired that one similar trait of his. After all, people always made it seem that he was more like his dad even though he despised being compared to his father. To say that his mother was a complete angel was a lie. But neither was he. “Whatever, just don’t… Just leave Y/N alone. She’s still the mother of my child and I don’t want us to keep fighting. At least, for Sachi’s sake.” 

His mother finished her glass of wine before turning the stool towards his direction. There was a minute of silence that passed between them before she spoke again. “I just don’t want you to get back with her, darling. You two are toxic together.” 

Funny, because he could say the same thing for her and his father. “Well, it’s not gonna happen now. Y/N’s gonna hate me forever.” 

“What, ‘cause she rejected you again?” 

“No,” he countered, shaking his head and chugging all the remaining liquor on his glass. “She knows about the thing I have with Akemi now.” 

Her mouth fell open, gasping as she did so. “Y-You… and Akemi? Are you together?” 

Satoru expected this reaction from her, but didn’t think she would actually be more fixated on his new relationship than the effect it would bring on her ex-daughter-in-law. “It’s not something to be proud of, Mom.” 

“Well, I’m proud of you,” she still stressed that fact, “It’s nice to hear that you’re finally moving on, Satoru. Y/N is not good for you, but I know Akemi will be. I like her and I know she’ll make you a lot happier than Y/N ever did.” 

“You’re still awake?” Gojou let out a yawn as he felt the heaviness of his eyelids telling him that it was time to sleep. He tried checking the time on his phone, but realized that he still had the photo of you and Sachiro as his lockscreen. He wasn’t planning on changing it anytime soon, but considering that Akemi saw it, he was expecting that she would have something to say, yet nothing came out of her mouth. She simply stayed silent while laying on his chest, letting him touch the slope of her naked back as she slightly raised her head to meet his eyes. He had already closed his phone and placed it back on the nightstand. “What, did I not tire you enough?” 

“Shut up.” She hid her reddened cheeks and smiled on the crook of his neck. Her hand was placed on his chest, fingers tracing his collarbones. “No, I’m just thinking about how you’re gonna manage New York and all.” 

Satoru’s breathing was still for a few seconds, keeping his eyes glued on the ceiling as he held her on your marital bed. “You’re scared that the infamous cheater is gonna cheat on you or something?” he joked, a distasteful one, but still meant to ease whatever was burdening her mind. “Not gonna happen even if we’re in an open relationship.” 

“That’s not it,” Akemi quickly replied, denying his claims, “I’m more like hoping that you’ll be patient with her. She gets angry a lot these days and we know we’re the main cause of it, so please. Please don’t try to argue with her, okay? If she says hurtful things, learn to understand her.” 

He wrapped his arms tighter around her smaller frame. Gojou was certain that he was about to doze off soon now that he had closed his eyes and let the exhaustion pull him into a good night’s sleep. “I won’t,” he spoke his words slowly, drifting off to dreamland, “I won’t make her angry.” 

“Okay.” He felt her lips kissing his jaw just before the both of them gradually matched the calmness of each other’s chest. One heart, one soul, two bodies.  “Good night, ‘Toru.” 

…

…

…

In the middle of his sleep, he mumbled, “Good night, Y/N.”

On the other side of the city, you woke up in the middle of your slumber, facing the handsome face of your fiancé, Toji Zen’in, who had already drifted off to dreamland while holding you in his muscular arms. No wonder people were jealous of you for having such a refined man like him in your bed every night you go to sleep. The thing was, you had no reason to feel discontented with your life since you already had everything. You were wealthier than the average person, you ran a business that you were passionate about, you had an adorable son who meant the world to you, and you had Toji. There was nothing else you could ask for. And if by remembering Sera’s words back then, you would be selfish to ask for anything more because others didn’t even have half the fortune you had. 

So, in that sense, you should be happy. 

You had to be happy. 

You were happy, right? 

“Go to sleep,” whispered a half-awake Toji, stirring from his sleep as he held your waist tighter like you were his comfort pillow. “You alright?” 

Sighing inwardly, you traced the scar on his lips. “You’re so gorgeous.”

His lazy, boyish smile came into view. “I know that,” he joked, closing his eyes as if succumbing into a few more minutes of sleep. “Don’t tell me you’re turned on right now ‘cause I can go all night. Doggy. Missionary. Cowboy. Reverse cowboy.” 

Were you? Maybe a little. And maybe you had to have a distraction from your ‘source of happiness’. 

“That’s very naughty of you, Mr. Zen’in,” you replied, cheeks heating up from his vulgar words. Your hand was finding its way to his toned chest, while his were traveling to the curves of your waist and hips. You could feel him angling his body to make sure he had access to slide your underwear just a little above your knee, gliding his hand along your thigh before letting his fingers touch your sensitive bud. “T-Toji—”

A smirk appeared on his lips. “Hm? I thought you wanted this?” 

You nodded, taking a deep breath. “Y-Yeah, I…” There was no use holding back from moaning because his fingers knew how to move perfectly well, playing with your clit in circular motions before sliding two of them into your entrance. “...Fuck.”

“Feel good?” His hot breath tickled your neck, moving his mouth from your collarbones down to the valley between your breasts. “Wish you knew how delicious you are.” 

Another moan, much louder this time around, escaped your lips when he attached his mouth onto your breast, sucking the round mass with his tongue doing God’s work. You were so high into sexual desire that your back arched on its own, dominated by the pleasing sensation all over your body. You could barely even respond to him when he started asking why your mood had been so down when he picked you up after work or why you still wouldn’t tell him whatever happened back there. 

“It’s nothing,” you replied, disregarding the painful encounter you’ve had with your ex-husband and your best friend. “...Just work stuff.” 

As you closed your eyes, you could feel Satoru’s fingers entering deep inside of you, deep enough to have reached your g-spot and have you moaning wildly. It felt unreal. It felt goddamn out of this world. But since Satoru was familiar with every inch of your body, his touch alone could easily send you to seventh heaven. He was heavenly. He was saintly. That mesmerizing gaze of his paired with his sky blue eyes and messy white hair. His beautiful, beautiful face, watching you beg for him to do more. More. More…

“Satoru…”

The intense feeling suddenly stopped, awakening you back to your senses as you opened your eyes and saw the dark, animalistic gaze of Toji Zen’in. “What’d you say?” he asked in a deep voice. 

Out of panic, you slightly pulled away and shook your head. “N-Nothing. What did I say?”

“I thought I heard you say his…” he trailed off, pulling his fingers out of you and instead, placing a tight grip on your hip. “Did you?” 

“No, no. Not at all.” Your voice came in a hushed tone, looking at his eyes intently. “Why would I do that?” 

He let out an exasperated sigh, falling back into the bed with one arm under his head. “Don’t play games with me, Y/N.”

Desperation led you to climb on top of him, sitting on his crotch before encasing your lips with his soft ones. “I’m not,” you mumbled, kissing him again. “I never did. I promise.” 

Yet, despite your attempts at inviting him for an open-mouthed kiss, he had already lost the interest to engage in sexual activities with you. He didn’t say anything nor tried to argue about the shit that you said, but he did stay silent for a couple of minutes, simply holding you on top of him without another word to utter. It scared you to think what was going through Toji’s mind, but this was also all your fault. Why, in the first place, did you even let your mind imagine that white-haired toxic ex-husband of yours when you had Toji Zen’in in front you? 

Perhaps in this relationship, you were the toxic one. 

You were the poison that could kill the life out of the man who only wanted to love and heal you. 

“Toji, I’m sorry…” 

He held his breath. “Should I be concerned that you’re going on a trip with him?” 

“No, it’s…” Pulling away, you gave him a look of combined sincerity and denial. “We’re just gonna fix Sachiro’s papers, you know that. We won’t even be staying in the same room.” 

Fixing Sachiro’s papers. Dealing with his dual citizenship. Changing his last name to Gojou. Solidifying your son’s identity as the son of Satoru Gojou. That’s all there is to it. All the technical matters. 

“Is he staying at a hotel or are you letting him stay at your apartment in Manhattan?” he asked, although there was no hint of suspicion in his voice. Or at least, he must be good at hiding it. 

You chose to be honest. “I have to let him stay at my apartment,” was your answer, leaning your head on his shoulder. “Only because Sachi wants his dad around all the time. We’re just trying our best to co-parent.” 

Toji’s dry humor took over. “You sure you’re not gonna let him fuck you senseless?” His tone was laced with resentment. “And then you’ll come home to me crying about how he got you pregnant for the second time. You’d better kiss our marriage goodbye if that happens.” 

“What kind of person do you think I am?” you retorted, annoyed by his word of choice as if you were a cheating scumbag. “If he’s gonna get someone pregnant, that won’t be me.” 

His eyes sparked with curiosity. “What do you mean?” 

Deciding between telling and not telling, you figured that the latter would only cause more drama to bounce back at you like a boomerang. “He’s with Akemi.” 

It looked like Toji didn’t hear it right. “Akemi? How’d that happen?” 

“I don’t know what kinda relationship they have, okay?” you snapped, no longer wanting to keep up with this topic further. “I just caught them. They said they’re seeing each other, but it’s complicated or whatever—I don’t really give a damn. But he’s with her is all I know.” 

Toji went silent for a few minutes, unable to determine whether he should find the situation pitiful or humorous. One thing for sure though, was that he found it unbelievable. “That son of a bitch,” he muttered under his breath, smiling in disbelief, “So this is what’s ruining your mood these days, huh?” 

Your eyebrows furrowed in response. “It’s not.” 

“Your ex-husband slept with your best friend. Yeah, I’d be mad, too.” His comment wasn’t really meant to irk you, but he successfully did so. Minus the intention. “Getting mad is understandable, getting jealous is questionable. Which one are you?” 

Fuck it. “I said I’m not jealous. Will you stop now?” You sunk yourself under the covers, turning your back on Toji. “I don’t wanna talk about it.” 

Now that he knew and you saw his reaction, you wondered what it would be like if Gen and Ian knew. Or if your dad knew. What would they think of Satoru? What would they think of Akemi? No, nevermind that. What would they think of you? Another fool in a deck of cards? Another game that was played with? 

You didn’t want to know. 

Ideally, you and Satoru really shouldn’t have gone to this New York trip together as if your family was still intact, because as much as you wished that that was true, you were far from that. You were only playing house for the sake of your son, but that also meant putting you in a painfully awkward situation together as ex-spouses. He had a girlfriend back home and you had a loving and loyal fiancé who proved the whole word that he was loyal to you. And although your respective partners were supporting the whole co-parenting situation, you knew by yourselves that this was nowhere to near to being comfortable for them, too. 

“Everything okay?” You heard the familiar voice of your past, only to see his dull, blue eyes taking a peek at you. 

“Yeah,” you replied, almost inaudibly. You just boarded the plane while Satoru was talking to the pilot, and found your spot on one of the beds in his private jet. It took a few minutes for him to get to where you were now. “Why?” 

He shrugged, eyeing a sleepy Sachiro next to you. “Just wanna make sure you and Sachi are comfortable.” 

You didn’t know what else to say, so you just looked back at your peaceful son who was hugging his elmo plush like the cute angel he was. Even though he was growing so fast, you could still remember how he was just as small as a puppy in your arms when he was first born. The memory of it caused you to press your lips on his forehead, caressing his soft, white hair. At some point while observing the scene, your son’s father thought it would be a good idea to slide the blanket further up your shoulders, acting as though he was only doing it to keep Sachiro warm. And later, he sat on the reclined airplane seat, drinking the coffee that was served to him by the stewardess. 

It was crazy. 

Crazy that Toji could be lying next to you and you would feel nothing. But Gojou was meters away from you and your mind was on a never-ending race. 

Just before noon, the airplane landed safely at JFK airport and Satoru’s driver took you straight to Central Park Towers, treated like a V.I.P. by security just because your ex-husband was Japan’s third richest person and second most influential businessman. At times like these, you would almost forget the power Satoru held even before he was the chairman. You two were almost royalty. Now that he was leading the Gojou Group, his reputation only grew more despite the scandal of your broken marriage. He knew not to share his relationship publicly anymore nor did he expose Sachiro to any of his social media. It was a mutual decision for you to keep your son away from the spotlight knowing the scrutiny and the lack of privacy that would enter your lives once again—all the unnecessary noise, the unwanted comments, the unruly attention. Besides, for safety reasons, Sachiro had to be hidden from the public since he would become the sole heir to his father’s conglomerate, inheriting his parents combined assets that could one day make him the richest and most sought after bachelor in Japan. 

“Mamaaa!” A lively Sachi came running to you as soon as he entered the lobby of the apartment suites, his father following him behind. 

“Careful, baby!” you said, standing at the lobby while talking to your housekeeper, “You might trip.” 

Satoru decided to carry his son after noticing your worried expression and immediately walked towards you. He was all smiles as he looked at Sachiro’s cheerful blue eyes. “He seems a little excited, isn’t he?” 

“He lived here for almost three years,” you answered, signaling a quick ‘thank you’ to your housekeeper before guiding your boys to the elevator. “He must’ve missed the place. Did you, Sachi?”

“Yes, mama~”

It was a little bittersweet for your ex-husband, though. Especially the moment he stepped inside the apartment, looking at every corner and realizing that it was the same place you had lived in back when he was suffering from emotional distress on the other side of the world. This apartment was where his own child grew up in and he had no idea he had even existen then. Not only did that make you a terrible ex-wife, but it also made you a heartless mother. You had separated them and now you were taking him to the place where you had his son hidden from him. 

That wasn’t your intention. That was never your intention. 

“I’m glad you chose a nice place,” he complimented, acting as casual as possible. “Does your father own this place or?”

“Gen loaned it to me,” you said, holding Sachiro’s hand while letting Satoru follow you closely. You stopped at one of the guest rooms and urged the tall man to feel at home. “You can stay here for the meantime.” 

“I don’t wanna make things uncomfortable for Akemi.” He looked away, avoiding your eyes. “I can just stay at a hotel—” 

“Dada!” His mini-me tugged at his hand along with yours. You already knew that those puppy eyes would look back at the both of you. “Sachi wants Dada to stay.”

Frankly, you weren’t upset a while ago, but since he had to bring up Akemi and make it seem like her feelings were his priority, you lost all the will to be kind. Was their relationship that deep for him to act like such a loyal, righteous partner? Where was that same loyalty when he married you? “Do whatever.” 

Noticing the tension between his parents, Sachiro’s eyes started to well up with tears and that was all it took for you two to completely focus your attention back to your 3-year old. 

“Sachi…” Satoru tried to reach for his son, but you (spitefully) beat him to it. 

“It’s okay, my baby. Don’t cry,” you comforted your son, picking him up and carrying him in your arms, “Daddy will still visit you every day even if he's staying at a hotel.” 

Satoru, as guilty as ever, shook his head and wiped his son’s eyes. “No. I’ll stay here for Sachi, okay? Don’t cry anymore.” 

It felt like hours sitting on that enormous sofa, staring at the television screen even though your mind was miles away. You had already texted Toji good night and reassured him that everything was fine, but you still couldn’t stop thinking about what he was doing back home. Sachiro had fallen asleep almost half an hour ago, and how you wished you could also enjoy your slumber while snuggling under those heated blankets, but how could you? How could you be comfortable in the presence of an ex-husband who was coming out of his room, freshly showered in his low-waisted sweatpants and tight-fitting black shirt? Not to mention how he was obviously flexing his arms while drying his mop of messy, white hair with a towel. Ridiculous. A little seductive, but definitely ridiculous. 

“Still up?” His sky blue eyes met yours as soon as he looked up. 

You adjusted your position on the sofa and leaned on the corner, pulling a small cushion to place above your thighs. “Can’t sleep.” 

And the night went on just like that. You, sitting on the couch. Him, sitting on the other end as if going near you might suffocate him. It didn’t help that the silence was beginning to be too uncomfortable. You couldn’t tell what he was thinking of. Perhaps Akemi? Perhaps you? You doubted the latter. 

“I think…” You cleared your throat to escape from the awkward tension. “I think I’m gonna go for a night swim. You can go to sleep next to Sachi tonight, just make sure not to wake him up.” 

Satoru’s curious gaze trailed on you as you got up and tightened your robe. “It’s a little too late at night to go for a swim, no?” 

You couldn’t even face him as you responded. “I need to clear my mind off some things.” And by things, you meant him and this whole mess of a situation that you had put yourselves together. Two divorcees staying in the same living space wasn’t exactly a brilliant idea to begin with.

“Want me to join you?” asked Satoru, and he himself could not believe he asked that question. He may have asked it out of his innate care for you, probably worried for no damn reason. What he didn’t realize was how wrong his suggestion was, especially that you two were dating other people now. 

If only you were such a cruel person, how ironic would it be if you allowed Satoru Gojou to join you for a quick night swim? 

How ironic would it be for you to feel each other’s warmth under the crystal pool, getting carried away by the romantic lights that lit the city? 

How ironic would it be if the intense sexual tension ended with you doing things under the sheets, completely disregarding the fact that the both of you had respective partners who were overthinking this exact NYC trip?

How ironic would it be if, for once in your life, you became the cheater? 

Thankfully, you didn’t have the mindset of a cheating person. 

However, it was Satoru who took back his initial offer. “Never mind. Forget I even asked that,” he muttered, sounding annoyed more so to himself rather than at you. 

You offered a nonchalant shrug. “Okay.” 

And as you were heading to the poolside, you could sense Gojou’s presence behind even though he just very clearly rejected the idea of going on a swim with you. He was still the same confusing man that you married before. Only now, he was ten times worse. “Wait, Y/N.”

“What?” You turned around, annoyed at his push-and-pull behavior. At this point, you didn’t really care what he was thinking of anymore. All you did was to take off your robe, leaving yourself with only your underwear on before you slowly got down on the pool. 

Gojou, on the other hand, was ridding himself of his shirt and sweatpants to join you in the pool with just his boxers on. What even was this situation? You two had that same question in your head despite swimming at the edge of the pool to stare at the cityscape. “I only asked to join you because I wanted to talk. That’s all.” 

You wanted to laugh at how he was clearing his intentions to you. 

“Why do you sound defensive around me?” He couldn’t see it, but you were rolling your eyes as you leaned against the pool coping. “I never knew Akemi would be the jealous type.” 

Satoru looked surprised by your claim, seeming as though he didn’t recognize the kind of person you were anymore. You were never this unreasonably sarcastic nor acidic with your words during your marriage even at the height of his affair with Sera, yet you had just become the worst version of yourself. “She isn’t,” he muttered, finding his spot next to you, “But I don’t wanna give her a reason to be.” 

You huffed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. You make it sound like I’m gonna make a move on you or something.” 

“I never said that.” 

“You were thinking about it.” 

“Says who?” 

What is it about Satoru Gojou that makes him so irritating? Was it the way he talks? The way he thinks he’s always right? The way he acts like he’s such a clean person? 

“Please,” you retorted, bitterly. “Toji isn’t comfortable having you around me, either. Just so you know.” 

“Can we just—” There. His last string of patience finally snapped and his true colors came to show when he grabbed your wrist and made you face him. The spiteful Satoru. He was back, even just for a second. “Y/N, I’m not trying to argue with you here. I’m trying to talk to you like a civilized person. You’re the mother of my child and I respect you. I’d still care for you and will always protect you, but I want you to at least act like a fucking person around me. You’re a grown woman.” 

Wasn’t it bad that he, of all people, was basically telling you to grow up? Memories of your marriage and all the back-and-forth arguments that you had with him flashed before your eyes. He should be the last one to say such a thing. “You’re the one who’s been crossing the fucking line with me since day one, Gojou. Don’t tell me to—”

“And do you wish I had just killed myself for you to forgive me?!” The ridges of his neck became prominent, making his anger much visible now. He was staring down at you intensely, backing you against the edge of the pool, trapping you in between his arms. “I’d have probably done that. But you…You did unforgivable things to me and look how easy it was for me to forgive you.” 

You looked away, not trying to have this conversation again. Not trying to have your guilt eat your heart out. Maybe your behavior really had become too much and it was about time you take a step back and realize how ridiculous you had been acting because no way was this man trying to make a better point than you. 

“I slept with Akemi, I know. She’s your best friend, I fucking know. But I never did that to get back at you,” his voice bore so much authority in them. “I begged on my knees just to be with you again. Swallowed my pride just for you to be my wife again!” His breathing became ragged. “But you chose to move on. You said you love Toji. You said you’d be happier without me, so why don’t I deserve to be happy without you?” 

The inability to speak wasn’t because you were at a loss of words. The problem was choosing the right ones. Words that wouldn’t put you in a disadvantageous position. Words that wouldn’t make you look like an unreasonable person. 

“You wished me well when you first found out about Akemi and I. You said you don’t care who I choose to date even if that choice is her,” he said, much calmer this time. He was placing his forehead against yours, body pressed against each other. “If that was true, then why are you still so angry with me?” 

Your heart raced as you locked eyes with him. His eyes were the same kind of blue that reflected off of the surface of the pool. Anyone could easily get lost in it, but you knew where to place yourself in order not to. “I’m… not angry…” 

“Baby, you and I both know that’s not true,” he said with a serious gaze, lifting your chin with his hand. 

But you swatted it away, averting your eyes. “Don’t call me baby. You’re being ridiculous.” 

With a loud sigh, Gojou gave up and simply placed his forehead on your shoulder, letting you feel the weight of his head and the warmth of his breath. “If you were still my wife, I’d have kissed you right now,” he declared, breathing heavily as if stopping with all of his will to do what he just said. “I’d touch every inch of you, tell you how much I love you, carry you back into that room, and make more beautiful babies with you…” 

“Satoru,” you warned just as he pulled away, smiling despite the sorrow in his eyes. 

“…But I won’t do that. I’m not gonna do that,” he claimed and sounded like he was convincing himself rather than clearing it up. “Akemi doesn’t deserve a partner who can’t move on from his ex-wife, so I’m doing my best to forget about you.” 

Your breathing took a halt. You weren’t sure where those tiny pricks in your heart came from. Toji needed the same. He deserved a wife who wasn’t pining for her ex-husband. Satoru was just being true. 

“Then, forget about me,” you gave a barely audible reply. 

Gojou pulled away and kept his distance now, showing that he was indeed trying to stick to his words. “I will.” 

Why did it hurt when it shouldn’t have? 

“Good.” 

He looked at you with eyes that carried a million emotions. But what was most visible was him seeing the light, probably realizing that he truly was doing the right thing and that he was proud of himself for being able to resist you. Because then, that only meant he was only a few steps away from the path of moving on. That if he could let you go, then he could live a better life. 

It only made sense why he pulled that little stunt back there—being close enough to you was probably his way of differentiating how his body reacted to you versus how it reacted to Akemi. And now that he was able to determine whatever difference that might be, it would be easier for him to know what exactly to avoid. 

After all, you two would be spending the rest of your lives as a present mom and dad to Sachiro. Co-parenting was your only connection and the only way to make that work without falling for each other was to rid yourselves of any kind of attraction towards one another. 

Good for him. 

“Let’s be good parents, Y/N.” Satoru looked at you from across the pool. “Let’s set a good example for Sachi and show that divorced parents can still be good parents. Let’s not be toxic to each other, especially not in front of him.” His words were coming from his personal experience and as you knew the whole history behind the mess within his family, you were truthfully considerate of his words. His traumatic experiences were what shaped him to become the problematic man you once married, and he was doing his best not to let his own son be the same. “I’ll provide Sachiro with everything he needs and I’ll always be present in his life, so please let me have as much time with him as possible. I’m making up for the three years I lost with him.” 

You nodded. “I don’t have a problem with that. 

As the established relationship you had with Gojou became more professional and strictly transactional, the distance between you two also grew more and more. There was no longer any space for love and intimacy. There was only familiarity and acquaintanceship. 

“Go to sleep soon,” he said without sending another glance your way, climbing out of the pool and reaching for his clothes, “We have a long day tomorrow.” 

[robfinancialtip]

Discover game-changing Buyist features that most eCommerce entrepreneurs overlook! Buyist CEO Greg Silvano reveals powerful strategies to boost your conversion rates and maximize customer lifetime value.

Key highlights:

Why traditional eCommerce cart systems might be holding you back

How post-transaction upsells can dramatically increase average order value

The right way to implement AB testing for maximum impact

Real-world success stories from top eCommerce brands

Tips for building long-term customer relationships

CHAPTERS 0:00 intro 0:49 Post Transaction Checkout Funnels 3:32 Lifetime Customer Value 5:16 eCommerce A/B Testing

[crossatlanticsoftware-blog]

Expert Picks: The Best Shopify Website Designers for 2025’s Trending Store Features

The world of eCommerce is transforming faster than ever, and Shopify remains at the forefront of that evolution. As brands aim to deliver exceptional user experiences and capitalize on design-led growth, the need for a skilled Shopify designer has never been greater.

Cross Atlantic Software specialize in bringing together cutting-edge creativity and eCommerce functionality. In this article, we’re diving into the top Shopify website designers to watch in 2025 and sharing expert insights on the trending Shopify store design features that are shaping the future of online retail.

Why Shopify Design Matters in 2025

Before we get into the list of designers and specialists, it’s important to understand why Shopify design is more critical than ever. Online shoppers expect more than a functional website—they want intuitive navigation, fast load times, visually engaging layouts, and mobile responsiveness. That’s where the expertise of a Shopify specialist comes into play.

What Makes a Great Shopify Website Designer?

A truly standout Shopify website designer goes beyond aesthetics. They focus on:

Conversion-driven layouts

Brand-centric user experience

Responsive mobile design

SEO-optimized pages

Seamless app integrations

Let’s take a look at what trends are dominating Shopify in 2025 and who is best equipped to execute them flawlessly.

2025’s Top Shopify Store Design Trends

1. Personalized Shopping Experiences

Thanks to AI and data analytics, personalization is no longer a luxury—it's an expectation. Smart Shopify store design integrates AI-driven recommendations, dynamic product displays, and personalized landing pages. This keeps customers engaged and encourages more frequent purchases.

2. Video-First Product Displays

Static images are taking a backseat in 2025. Leading Shopify website designers are building immersive product pages with background videos, 360-degree product views, and storytelling clips. These elements give customers a real feel for what they’re buying, right from the screen.

3. Mobile-First Design

With more than 75% of eCommerce traffic coming from mobile, top Shopify specialists are prioritizing mobile performance. Think smooth scrolling, effortless one-tap checkouts, and pages that load in the blink of an eye—because today’s shoppers won’t wait around.

4. Eco-Conscious Branding

Consumers are more conscious of sustainability. Modern Shopify store designs are incorporating eco-friendly color schemes, carbon tracking widgets, and transparency tabs to showcase ethical sourcing.

5. Modular Design Systems

In 2025, agility is key. Many Shopify designers are adopting modular design systems—reusable UI components that let store owners update their sites quickly without starting from scratch.

Meet the Experts: Top Shopify Website Designers for 2025

Cross Atlantic Software works with some of the most forward-thinking professionals in the Shopify ecosystem. Here are the types of Shopify website design services that are in high demand—and who’s delivering them.

1. The Strategist Shopify Designer

A strategist isn’t just focused on look and feel—they focus on conversion. They use analytics, customer behavior, and A/B testing to inform every design decision. Our own Cross Atlantic Software design team is known for combining user psychology with clean aesthetics to boost ROI.

Best for: DTC brands looking to scale quickly.

2. The Visual Storyteller

These Shopify website designers are all about emotion. They create visual narratives through imagery, layout, typography, and animation. For lifestyle, fashion, and beauty brands, this approach is especially effective.

Best for: High-end or boutique brands seeking emotional engagement.

3. The Technical Shopify Specialist

Some projects require deep technical know-how. Whether it’s integrating custom features, building subscription logic, or streamlining complex product catalogs, these Shopify specialists bridge the gap between design and engineering.

Best for: B2B, SaaS, or stores with unique backend needs.

4. The Speed-First Optimizer

If performance is your priority, look for a Shopify designer focused on speed. These experts optimize image sizes, reduce unused code, and streamline user flows—all to reduce bounce rates and increase sales.

Best for: Mobile-heavy industries or global brands.

5. The Brand Builder

A great store starts with great branding. These Shopify website design services offer end-to-end support—from logo creation and color palette development to building a custom Shopify theme that aligns with your vision.

Best for: New brands or rebrands that need full creative direction.

Why Choose Cross Atlantic Software?

With hundreds of projects completed and clients across North America, Europe, and Asia, Cross Atlantic Software is more than just a design agency—we’re your eCommerce growth partner.

Our Services Include:

Custom Shopify store design

Theme development and optimization

UI/UX design tailored to your industry

Shopify Plus migration and setup

Full-stack Shopify website design services

Cross Atlantic Software believes every brand has its own story to tell. Our Shopify specialists work closely with you to make sure your store doesn’t just look great—it feels like you.

Client Success:

One of our recent clients, a sustainable fashion label based in Los Angeles, came to us for a full redesign. Their outdated store had a high bounce rate and poor mobile usability.

Our team implemented a modern Shopify store design with immersive video elements, quick-load product pages, and mobile-first navigation. Within three months:

Bounce rate decreased by 27%

Mobile conversions increased by 40%

Average order value rose by 15%

This is the power of working with expert Shopify website designers who understand trends and business objectives.

Conclusion:

If you're planning to launch or revamp your Shopify store in 2025, don’t settle for generic templates or cookie-cutter solutions. Partnering with an experienced Shopify designer or Shopify specialist can make the difference between a store that looks good—and one that converts.

Cross Atlantic Software is passionate about building digital experiences that drive growth. Whether you’re a startup looking for full Shopify website design services or an established brand wanting to refresh your Shopify store design, we’re here to help.

Ready to future-proof your eCommerce store? Contact Cross Atlantic Software today for a free consultation and let’s create something extraordinary together.

[digitalworldmaketing]

How Adobe Target Helps You Personalize Experiences That Convert

In today’s fast-paced digital world, customers expect brands to know them. They want content that fits their needs, speaks to their interests, and responds to their actions all in real time. That’s where Adobe Target services come in. This powerful tool helps businesses create meaningful, personalized digital experiences that lead to more clicks, more engagement, and more conversions.

But simply using Adobe Target isn’t enough. To unlock its full value, you need the right strategy and setup. That’s where proper Adobe Target implementation makes the difference.

Why Personalization Matters

When a customer visits your website or app, every second counts. If they don’t see something relevant, they’re gone. Personalized experiences keep users interested. They encourage people to interact, click, and return. Generic messages just don’t work anymore.

With the help of Adobe Target services, businesses can show the right message, product, or offer to the right person at the right time. Whether it’s a custom banner, a product recommendation, or a location-based offer, Adobe Target lets you tailor your digital content to each visitor automatically.

What Adobe Target Does

Adobe Target is part of the Adobe Experience Cloud. It allows brands to:

Test content using A/B and multivariate testing

Deliver personalized messages based on user behavior and data

Use AI (Adobe Sensei) to automate decision-making

Track results and continuously improve based on performance

It works across websites, mobile apps, and even email or in-store screens. Whether you're a retailer, bank, or travel brand, Adobe Target helps make every digital moment more relevant and effective.

How Adobe Target Services Help

While Adobe Target is powerful, it takes time and experience to use it effectively. That’s why many businesses choose to partner with experts who offer Adobe Target services. These specialists help plan, build, and optimize your personalization strategy.

Here’s what’s usually included:

Audience segmentation: Identify and group users by behavior, preferences, or demographics.

Personalization design: Build content and offers tailored to specific audience groups.

Test creation: Design and run A/B or multivariate tests to see what performs best.

Performance monitoring: Track and analyze results, then adjust strategies based on real data.

Optimization support: Continuously improve your campaigns to increase conversion rates.

By using Adobe Target services, you don’t have to guess what your users want you test and learn what actually works.

Adobe Target Implementation: The Right Way to Start

A proper Adobe Target implementation is the foundation of successful personalization. If it’s done right, everything else segmentation, testing, automation runs smoothly.

Here’s what a solid implementation usually includes:

Business goal alignment Identify what success looks like: higher sign-ups, more sales, increased engagement.

Technical setup Make sure Adobe Target is installed correctly and integrated with your website, apps, and other tools (like Adobe Analytics).

Data connections Connect customer data from CRMs, websites, or third-party platforms to power targeting.

Audience creation Build specific user segments to deliver personalized content.

Initial campaign launch Start small with a basic personalization or test campaign, then scale once it’s working.

Ongoing support Keep testing, measuring, and improving. Adobe Target is most powerful when used continuously.

Real-World Examples of Adobe Target in Action

1. Online Retailer A major eCommerce brand used Adobe Target to display product suggestions based on browsing history. Result? A 25% increase in average cart value and more return visits.

2. Financial Services Brand By tailoring homepage banners to different customer segments, a bank increased its loan application starts by 30%. Personalized experiences led directly to business growth.

3. Travel Company Using Adobe Target’s testing tools, a travel site tested different call-to-action buttons across regions. One version led to a 20% boost in bookings. Simple change, big impact.

What You Can Expect from Adobe Target Services

When done right, personalization with Adobe Target can lead to:

Higher engagement: People stay longer and click more when the experience fits their needs.

Better customer satisfaction: Users appreciate content that feels made for them.

Smarter marketing: Real-time tests and personalization reduce guesswork.

Improved results: More conversions, better ROI, and faster business growth.

Businesses that invest in Adobe Target services often report noticeable improvements in performance within weeks of launching personalized experiences.

Final Thoughts

Personalization isn’t just a trend it’s the new standard. And Adobe Target gives you the tools to meet that standard. But to get it right, you need both smart planning and expert help.

That’s why Adobe Target services are so valuable. They turn a great platform into real results. And with a proper Adobe Target implementation, you can start personalizing at scale, improving customer experiences, and driving better outcomes for your business.

If your goal is to connect with your audience more effectively and convert more visitors into loyal customers, Adobe Target is the solution and the right team behind it makes all the difference.

[jasir247]

Top Digital Marketing Strategies for 2025

1. AI-Driven SEO & Content Marketing

Search engines are evolving, with AI-powered algorithms reshaping how content ranks. To maintain a competitive edge: ✅ Prioritise Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) when creating content. ✅ Utilise AI-based tools like Jasper, SurferSEO, and Frase.io for content optimisation. ✅ Focus on long-form, informative content tailored to user intent. ✅ Implement structured data and schema markup to improve search visibility. ✅ Optimise for voice search and AI-generated responses to align with new search behaviours.

2. Hyper-Personalised Marketing

Consumers expect customised experiences across all digital platforms. To meet this demand: ✅ Use AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) tools such as HubSpot, Klaviyo, and ActiveCampaign for audience segmentation. ✅ Personalise email campaigns with dynamic content and behaviour-based automation. ✅ Leverage Google Ads Performance Max and Meta’s AI-driven targeting for precise ad placements. ✅ Incorporate personalised product recommendations for eCommerce and digital shopfronts.

3. Short-Form & Interactive Video Content

Video remains a dominant force in digital marketing, particularly short, engaging formats: ✅ Create content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts to capture audience attention quickly. ✅ Utilise AI-powered video creation platforms like Synthesia, RunwayML, and Pictory. ✅ Integrate interactive elements such as polls, quizzes, and live Q&A sessions to drive engagement. ✅ Experiment with immersive experiences like 360-degree videos and augmented reality (AR).

4. Performance-Driven Paid Advertising

Data-driven advertising is becoming smarter and more efficient: ✅ Use AI-powered Google and Meta Ads for automated bidding and precise targeting. ✅ Implement retargeting strategies to reconnect with past visitors. ✅ Leverage AI analytics to anticipate user behaviour and optimise conversion rates. ✅ Adopt programmatic advertising for automated, real-time ad placements.

5. Influencer & User-Generated Content (UGC) Marketing

Influencer marketing is shifting towards authenticity and community engagement: ✅ Partner with micro and nano influencers to achieve higher engagement at lower costs. ✅ Encourage UGC through branded challenges, reviews, and community hashtags. ✅ Use AI tools to evaluate influencer reach and engagement rates. ✅ Feature UGC across websites, social platforms, and email marketing for credibility.

6. Community & Conversational Marketing

Building digital communities fosters brand loyalty and customer retention: ✅ Engage with audiences on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord. ✅ Deploy AI chatbots for real-time customer interactions and automated lead nurturing. ✅ Host live events, such as webinars and Q&A sessions, to strengthen brand relationships. ✅ Implement SMS marketing and AI-driven chat to provide personalised communication.

7. Ethical & Sustainable Marketing

Consumers increasingly value sustainability and ethical business practices: ✅ Promote eco-friendly products and sustainable packaging in digital campaigns. ✅ Share corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives through storytelling. ✅ Adopt privacy-focused marketing strategies, including ethical data collection and zero-party data. ✅ Be transparent about sourcing, brand values, and business ethics.

8. Web3 & Blockchain in Marketing

Decentralised technologies are reshaping digital marketing strategies: ✅ Explore NFT-based loyalty programs to drive engagement. ✅ Utilise decentralised social media for better audience ownership. ✅ Implement blockchain for transparency in advertising and fraud prevention. ✅ Accept cryptocurrency payments for online services and eCommerce transactions.

9. AI-Powered Data Analytics & CRO

Data-driven decision-making enhances marketing performance: ✅ Use Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Hotjar, and Crazy Egg to analyse user behaviour. ✅ Conduct A/B testing on landing pages, emails, and ads for optimisation. ✅ Leverage predictive analytics to identify trends and customer preferences. ✅ Improve website UX and sales funnels to increase conversions.

10. Voice & Visual Search Optimisation

As voice and visual search continue to grow, businesses must adapt: ✅ Optimise content for natural language and voice search queries. ✅ Implement image and video search SEO using Google Lens and Pinterest Visual Search. ✅ Enhance accessibility with alt text, metadata, and structured product descriptions. ✅ Focus on multimedia-rich content to align with AI-driven search results.

🔥 Final Thoughts

To stay competitive in 2025, brands must embrace AI, automation, and data-driven strategies while maintaining an authentic connection with their audience. Businesses that leverage new technologies while prioritising customer experience will stand out in the evolving digital space.

📌 Read more insights at: 👉 check out

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT SEO & MARKETING NEWS FOR ECOMMERCE, JULY 2024

If you are new to my Tumblr, I usually do these summaries of SEO and marketing news once a month, picking out the pieces that are most likely to be useful to small and micro-businesses.

You can get notified of these updates plus my website blog posts via email: http://bit.ly/CindyLouWho2Blog or get all of the most timely updates plus exclusive content by supporting my Patreon: patreon.com/CindyLouWho2

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES 

There is a relatively new way to file copyright claims against US residents, called The Copyright Claims Board (CCB). I wrote more here [post by me on Patreon]

After a few years of handwringing and false starts, Google is abandoning plans to block third-party cookies in Chrome. Both Safari and Firefox already block them. 

When composing titles and text where other keywords are found, it can be useful to have a short checklist of the types of keywords you need, as this screenshot demonstrates. While that title is too long for most platforms and search engines, it covers really critical points that should get mentioned in the product description and keyword fields/tags as well:

The core keywords that describe the item

What the customer is looking to do - solve a problem? Find a gift? Feel better? 

What makes the product stand out in its field - why buy this instead of something else? Differentiating your items is something that should come before you get to the listing stage, so the keywords should already be in your head. 

Relevant keywords that will be used in long tail searches are always great add-ons.

What if anything about your item is trendy now? E.g., sustainability? Particular colours, styles or materials/ingredients are always important.  

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES 

Google’s June spam update has finished rolling out. And here is the full list of Google news from June. 

Expect a new Google core update “in the coming weeks” (as if we needed more Google excitement).

Google’s AI overviews continue to dwindle at the top of search results, now only appearing in 7% of searches.

Despite Google trying to target AI spam, many poorly-copied articles still outrank the originals in Google search results. 

Internal links are important for Google SEO. While this article covers blogging in particular, most of the tips apply to any standalone website. Google also recently did a video [YouTube] on the same topic. 

Google had a really excellent second quarter, mostly due to the cloud and AI. 

Not Google

OpenAI is testing SearchGPT with a small number of subscribers. Alphabet shares dropped 3% after the announcement. 

SOCIAL MEDIA - All Aspects, By Site

General

New social media alert: noplace is a new app billed as MySpace for Gen Z that also has some similarities with Twitter (e.g., text-based chats, with no photos or videos at this time). iOS only at the moment; no Android app or web page. 

Thinking of trying out Bluesky? Here are some tips to get the most out of it. 

Facebook (includes relevant general news from Meta)

Meta’s attempt at circumventing EU privacy regulations through paid subscriptions is illegal under the Digital Markets Act, according to the European Commission. “if the company cannot reach an agreement with regulators before March 2025, the Commission has the power to levy fines of up to 10 percent of the company’s global turnover.”

If you post Reels from a business page, you may be able to let Meta use AI to do A/B testing on the captions and other portions shown. I personally would not do this unless I could see what options they were choosing, since AI is often not as good as it thinks it is. 

Apple’s 30% fee on in-app ad purchases for Facebook and Instagram has kicked in worldwide as of July 1. 

Facebook is testing ads in the Notifications list on the app. 

Meta is encouraging advertisers to connect their Google Analytics accounts to Meta Ads, claiming “integration could improve campaign performance, citing a 22% conversion increase.”

Instagram

The head of Instagram is still emphasizing that the number of DM shares per post is a huge ranking factor. 

LinkedIn

Another article on the basics of setting up LinkedIn and getting found through it. 

You can now advertise your LinkedIn newsletters on the platform. 

Pinterest

Pinterest is slowly testing an AI program that edits the background of product photography without changing the product. 

Is Pinterest dying? An investment research firm thinks so. 

Reddit

If you want to see results from Reddit in your search engine results, Google is the only place that can happen now. 

More than ever, Reddit is being touted as a way to be found (especially in Google search), but you do have to understand how the site works to be successful at it. 

Snapchat

Snapchat+ now has 9 million paying users, and they are getting quite a few new personalization updates, and Snaps that last 50 seconds or less. 

Threads

Threads has hit 175 million active users each month, up from 130 million in February. 

TikTok

TikTok has made it easier to reuse your videos outside of the site without a watermark. 

TikTok users can now select a custom thumbnail image for videos, either a frame from the clip itself, or a still image from elsewhere.  

Twitter

You can opt out of Twitter using your posts as data for its AI, Grok. 

YouTube

YouTube has new tools for Shorts, including one that makes your longer videos into Shorts. 

Community Spaces are the latest YouTube test to try to get more fan involvement, while moving users away from video comments.

(CONTENT) MARKETING (includes blogging, emails, and strategies) 

Start your content marketing plans for August now, including back-to-school themes and Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday on August 13. 

ONLINE ADVERTISING (EXCEPT INDIVIDUAL SOCIAL MEDIA AND ECOMMERCE SITES) 

Google Ads now have several new updates, including blocking misspellings. 

Google’s new Merchant Center Next will soon be available for all users, if they haven’t already been invited. Supplemental feeds are now (or soon will be) allowed there. 

STATS, DATA, TRACKING 

Google Search Console users can now add their shipping and return info to Google search through the Console itself. This is useful for sites that do not pay for Google Ads or use Google’s free shopping ads. 

BUSINESS & CONSUMER TRENDS, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE 

The second part of this Whiteboard Friday [video with transcript] discusses how consumer behaviour is changing during tight economic times. “People are still spending. They just want the most for their money. Also, the consideration phase is much more complex and longer.” The remainder of the piece discusses how to approach your target market during these times. 

Prime Day was supposedly the best ever for Amazon, but they didn’t release any numbers. Adobe Analytics tracked US ecommerce sales on those days and provides some insight. “Buy-now, pay-later accounted for 7.6% of all orders, a 16.4% year-over-year increase.”

MISCELLANEOUS

You know how I always tell small business owners to have multiple revenue streams? Tech needs to have multiple providers and backups as well, as the recent CrowdStrike and Microsoft issues demonstrate. 

If you used Google’s old URL shortener anywhere, those links will no longer redirect as of August 25 2024. 

[debdutm-blog]

How to Increase AOV & How Blync AI Helps

Average Order Value (AOV) is a key revenue driver for ecommerce brands.

With rising customer acquisition costs, increasing AOV is the smartest way to grow revenue without spending more on ads.

Here’s how you can optimize AOV—and how Blync AI’s agentic AI makes it effortless.

1. Smart Product Recommendations

Customers are more likely to buy when they see relevant, high-value items. You can increase AOV by:

Showing frequently purchased together items.

Suggesting premium or complementary products.

How Blync AI Helps:

Blync’s AI-driven agents analyze real-time customer behavior and surface high-converting recommendations across PDPs, cart, checkout, and post-purchase.

2. Personalized Offers at Checkout

Customers are most engaged at checkout, making it a prime opportunity to increase order value. Strategies include:

Threshold-based incentives: “Spend $50 more to unlock free shipping.”

Personalized pricing: Adjusting offers dynamically based on cart value or purchase history.

How Blync AI Helps:

Blync’s agentic AI personalizes checkout incentives dynamically, ensuring every shopper gets the most relevant offer to increase AOV.

3. Optimize Post-Purchase Engagement

The post-purchase experience is an untapped AOV opportunity. Brands can increase lifetime value by:

Offering exclusive post-purchase add-ons.

Providing instant discounts for the next order.

How Blync AI Helps:

Blync automates post-purchase strategies, presenting AI-optimized offers that drive repeat purchases—without disrupting the buying experience.

4. Continuous AI-Driven Optimization

Manual A/B testing takes too long and lacks real-time insights. AI-driven optimization solves this by:

Running continuous, automated A/B tests.

Adapting in real time based on performance data.

How Blync AI Helps:

Blync’s AI autonomously tests and optimizes different strategies to ensure maximum revenue impact with minimal effort.

Unlock Higher AOV Effortlessly with Blync AI

Instead of manually setting up complex rules, Blync AI:

✅ Optimizes every buyer journey stage—from product discovery to checkout and beyond.

✅ Uses continuous AI-driven testing to refine what works best.

✅ Replaces fragmented tools with one seamless, autonomous revenue acceleration platform.

Want to see how Blync AI can increase your AOV by 20-40%? Get in touch today!

[learntodigital11]

PPC Training Course: Become a Certified Pay-Per-Click Advertising Expert

Course Overview

In today’s competitive digital marketplace, Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising has emerged as one of the most powerful ways to attract highly targeted traffic, generate quality leads, and drive conversions. Whether you are managing a small business campaign or running large-scale enterprise ads, mastering PPC can significantly improve your marketing ROI.

Our Comprehensive PPC Training Course is designed to equip marketers, entrepreneurs, students, and professionals with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in paid advertising across leading platforms like Google Ads, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads, and more. This course will help you learn how to craft effective ad campaigns, optimize performance, manage budgets, analyze results, and scale your advertising for maximum profitability.

From keyword selection and bidding strategies to ad copywriting, A/B testing, and conversion tracking, this course covers every essential aspect of PPC advertising in a practical, easy-to-understand format.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand PPC fundamentals, auction systems, and ad networks.

Create, manage, and optimize campaigns on platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads.

Conduct in-depth keyword research and match types selection.

Write compelling ad copy that converts.

Set budgets and bidding strategies effectively.

Track conversions and measure campaign ROI.

Perform A/B testing to optimize ads and landing pages.

Understand Google Ads policies and avoid common mistakes.

Use advanced tools and analytics to make data-driven decisions.

Who Should Take This Course?

This PPC course is ideal for:

Digital marketers looking to master paid advertising

Business owners and entrepreneurs who want to drive more leads and sales

Marketing students and job seekers aiming to build strong PPC expertise

Freelancers and consultants offering PPC services

Content creators, affiliate marketers, and eCommerce sellers

Anyone looking to pass Google Ads certifications or boost their resume

Whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience in online advertising, this course is structured to take you from foundational concepts to advanced techniques.

Course Duration & Format

Total Duration: 4 to 6 Weeks

Mode: Live Online Classes | Self-Paced Videos | In-Person (in select cities)

Class Schedule: 2–3 sessions per week (1.5–2 hours per session)

Assignments & Projects: Weekly exercises and a final live campaign project

Certification: Industry-recognized Certificate of Completion

Participants also receive lifetime access to course materials, templates, and recordings.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to PPC Advertising

What is PPC? How it works

PPC vs. SEO: Key differences and benefits

Understanding ad auctions, quality score, and ad rank

Overview of major platforms: Google Ads, Bing Ads, Facebook/Instagram Ads, LinkedIn Ads

Module 2: Google Ads – Search Network

Account structure: Campaigns, ad groups, and ads

Keyword research tools and techniques (Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, SEMrush)

Match types: Broad, Phrase, Exact, and Negative Keywords

Creating text ads and responsive search ads

Setting up campaigns, budgets, and bidding strategies

Understanding Quality Score and Ad Rank

Best practices for search ad optimization

Module 3: Google Ads – Display & Remarketing

Display Network basics and visual ad formats

Targeting options: audience, contextual, placements

Creating banner ads and HTML5 ads

Setting up remarketing audiences

Display campaign creation and optimization

Retargeting strategies to bring back lost visitors

Module 4: Google Ads – Shopping & YouTube Ads

Google Merchant Center and product feeds

Setting up Smart Shopping and Performance Max campaigns

Introduction to YouTube Ads (TrueView, bumper ads)

Video ad creation and targeting

Budgeting and video ad performance tracking

Module 5: Facebook and Instagram Ads

Setting up a Business Manager and Ad Account

Creating audiences: custom, lookalike, saved audiences

Ad formats: image, carousel, video, story, collection

Campaign objectives: awareness, consideration, conversion

Pixel installation and event tracking

A/B testing and campaign optimization

Budgeting, bidding, and scaling strategies

Module 6: Landing Pages and Conversion Optimization

Importance of a high-converting landing page

Key elements: headline, CTA, visuals, trust signals

Tools for building and testing landing pages (e.g., Unbounce, Leadpages)

A/B testing for ads and landing pages

Reducing bounce rate and improving user experience

Module 7: Analytics, Tracking & Reporting

Conversion tracking setup (Google Ads, GA4, Meta Pixel)

UTM parameters and campaign tagging

Google Analytics integration and goal tracking

Reading reports: impressions, CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS

Creating custom dashboards and performance reports

Identifying underperforming ads and campaigns

Module 8: Budgeting, Bidding, and Scaling

Manual vs. automated bidding strategies

CPC, CPM, CPA, and ROAS models

Campaign budgeting and forecasting

Scaling campaigns profitably

Avoiding overspending and improving ad efficiency

Module 9: Advanced Strategies and Common Pitfalls

Smart bidding and machine learning in PPC

Audience layering and segmentation

Seasonality and campaign planning

Common mistakes in PPC and how to avoid them

Google Ads policies, ad disapprovals, and account suspensions

Module 10: Capstone Project & Certification

Create a live campaign for a real or mock business

Set up and optimize ads across at least two platforms

Present strategy, results, and learnings

Receive instructor feedback and final assessment

Certificate of Completion + Google Ads exam preparation (optional)

Course Features

Hands-on Practice: Live campaign setup and real-time platform navigation

Industry Tools Covered: Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Canva, Google Analytics 4 (GA4), and more

Templates & Resources: Ad copy templates, budget calculators, performance trackers

Access to PPC Experts: Live Q&A sessions and mentor feedback

Career Guidance: Resume building tips, portfolio development, and job assistance

Certification

All participants who complete the course and pass the final project will receive an Industry-Recognized Certificate. You will also be guided on how to clear the Google Ads Certifications, such as:

Google Ads Search Certification

Google Ads Display Certification

Google Ads Video Certification

Shopping Ads Certification

These certifications are valuable for building credibility as a digital marketing professional or freelancer.

Why Choose Our PPC Training Course?

✅ Up-to-date Curriculum aligned with current ad platform features ✅ Practical & Real-World Focus with live account walkthroughs ✅ Expert Faculty with years of campaign management experience ✅ Free Access to Tools & Templates used by top advertisers ✅ Supportive Community of learners, marketers, and business owners ✅ Flexibility to learn at your own pace or through live instruction

Benefits of PPC Skills in 2025 and Beyond

High demand for PPC specialists across industries

Essential for digital marketing agencies, eCommerce, SaaS, local businesses, and consultants

Control over marketing costs with measurable ROI

Quick visibility and traffic generation compared to organic methods

Adds a high-paying skill to your resume or freelance profile

[googleadsindigitalmarketing]

Best Google Ads Strategies for Lucknow Businesses Online

In today's digitally driven world, online visibility is crucial for local businesses. For enterprises in Lucknow, harnessing the power of Google Ads in digital marketing is not just a luxury it's a necessity. With a well-strategized Google Ads campaign, even a local startup can compete with national giants. This blog outlines the best Google Ads strategies tailored for Lucknow-based businesses to maximize their reach, sales, and brand visibility.

Why Google Ads Matter for Lucknow Businesses

Increasing Local Online Visibility

Lucknow is a bustling city with a growing population that's becoming more tech-savvy. Customers today search online before making purchasing decisions. Google Ads ensures your business appears at the top of search engine results when people look for products or services you offer.

Targeted Advertising

With tools like geotargeting, businesses in Lucknow can ensure their ads are displayed to users in specific neighborhoods, pin codes, or even near landmarks. This precise targeting reduces wastage and improves conversion rates.

Cost-Effective Marketing

PPC advertising with Google Ads ensures you only pay when someone clicks your ad. Small businesses with tight budgets can benefit greatly from this controlled spend.

Top Google Ads Strategies for Lucknow-Based Businesses

Geo-Targeting & Location Extensions

Target keywords with local intent: e.g., “best bakery in Hazratganj,” “laptop repair Alambagh.”

Use location extensions to display your address, map, and directions.

Run radius-based ads for walk-in businesses like salons or gyms.

Smart Campaigns for Local Services

Google Smart Campaigns automate bidding, targeting, and placement. Ideal for:

Retail stores

Local restaurants

Service-based businesses (plumbers, electricians)

Call-Only Ads for Service Providers

Many people prefer calling over filling forms. If you're a:

Medical clinic

Legal advisor

Real estate agent

Use call-only ads that display your phone number prominently.

Local Keywords with High Intent

Do in-depth keyword research for Lucknow-specific search terms. Use Google Keyword Planner and tools like Ubersuggest. Focus on:

"near me" searches

Local slang or dialect variations

High conversion keywords like “buy,” “consult,” “cheap,” etc.

Leverage Google Display Network

Use GDN for brand visibility:

Create banner ads with Lucknow-centric visuals

Target regional websites, blogs, and YouTube channels

Google Ads Optimization Tips for Lucknow Campaigns

Use Ad Scheduling Wisely

Know when your audience is most active. For example:

Restaurants: Peak 12–3 PM, 7–11 PM

Gyms: Early mornings & late evenings

Mobile Optimization is a Must

Most users in Lucknow access Google via mobile. Make sure:

Your ads are mobile responsive

Landing pages load fast

A/B Test Everything

Test different versions of:

Headlines

Descriptions

Landing pages

CTAs

Use Conversion Tracking

Set up Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Define conversion events (calls, form fills, purchases)

Monitor ROI from each ad group

Benefits of Google Ads for Businesses in Lucknow

Instant online visibility for new businesses

Localized reach with high click-through rates

Flexible budgeting – scale up or down

Performance transparency with real-time analytics

Better ROI compared to traditional ads (radio, newspapers)

Case Study: Logelite Pvt. Ltd. – Driving ROI with Google Ads

Client: A local Lucknow-based eCommerce startup

Challenge: Low website traffic and poor conversion

Solution by Logelite Pvt. Ltd.:

Launched Google Search and Display ads with product-specific targeting

Focused on Lucknow-based audiences using geotargeting

Created optimized landing pages and set up conversion tracking

Results:

350% increase in website traffic

220% boost in online sales in just 90 days

Cost per acquisition (CPA) dropped by 45%

Why Choose Logelite Pvt. Ltd.

Decade-long expertise in Google Ads campaign management

Customized ad strategies tailored for local markets like Lucknow

Dedicated PPC team and transparent reporting system

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does Google Ads cost for Lucknow businesses?

Ans. Costs vary based on competition and keywords, but even a budget as low as ₹300/day can yield results when properly optimized.

What are the benefits of using Google Ads for Lucknow-based local shops?

Ans. It ensures visibility to potential customers in your area, drives more calls, visits, and online sales, and offers real-time analytics to measure performance.

How can I target Lucknow customers specifically with my ads?

Ans. Use location settings in Google Ads to target people in specific zip codes, neighborhoods, or a radius around your store.

What is the role of Logelite Pvt. Ltd. in managing Google Ads campaigns?

Ans. Logelite Pvt. Ltd. offers end-to-end Google Ads campaign management from strategy to optimization specifically tailored for Lucknow markets.

How do I track ROI from Google Ads campaigns in Lucknow?

Ans. Use Google Analytics 4, conversion tracking, and tools like Google Tag Manager to measure conversions, calls, leads, and overall ROI.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Google Ads offer unmatched opportunities for local businesses in Lucknow to grow online. From search intent to immediate visibility, this digital marketing tool can drive tangible growth when used strategically. But mastering it requires expertise, time, and ongoing optimization.

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Optimize Your Website With A/B Testing | TridentAB

Shopify AB testing is a powerful tool that lets you analyze the performance of variants by randomly assigning people to each version and comparing the outcomes. With Trident AB, you can utilize A/B testing to efficiently determine the ideal arrangement of your website's components to encourage visitors to convert.

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Advanced eCommerce Website Management: Unlocking Growth and Efficiency

Managing an eCommerce website goes far beyond simply launching an online store. To stay competitive in the digital marketplace, businesses need advanced eCommerce website management strategies that ensure seamless operations, security, and user engagement. As online shopping trends evolve, so do the demands on eCommerce platforms. Effective management can lead to increased conversions, improved customer experience, and sustained growth.

For businesses seeking professional management services, Sher Dore offers comprehensive solutions designed to streamline your eCommerce operations.

Why Advanced eCommerce Website Management is Essential

Running an eCommerce site involves more than uploading products and processing orders. From performance optimization to inventory synchronization and security updates, advanced eCommerce website management ensures every aspect of the online store functions at peak efficiency.

Without proper management, websites risk slow load times, security vulnerabilities, and poor user experiences, all of which can deter customers and reduce sales. By investing in advanced solutions, businesses can mitigate these risks and foster long-term success.

Key Components of Advanced eCommerce Website Management

1. Performance Optimization

A fast-loading website is critical for retaining visitors. Research shows that even a one-second delay in load time can reduce conversions by up to 7%. Advanced management focuses on:

Speed optimization – Compressing images, leveraging caching, and minimizing code.

Server management – Ensuring servers are equipped to handle traffic spikes during peak seasons.

Mobile responsiveness – Enhancing the user experience across all devices.

2. Security Enhancements

Security breaches can severely damage a brand’s reputation and lead to financial losses. Advanced eCommerce website management prioritizes:

Regular security audits – Identifying and patching vulnerabilities before they become threats.

SSL certification – Encrypting sensitive data to protect customers' information.

Firewall and DDoS protection – Safeguarding the site from malicious attacks.

3. Inventory and Order Management

Keeping track of inventory across multiple sales channels is a challenging yet crucial task. Advanced systems ensure:

Real-time inventory updates – Preventing overselling and stock discrepancies.

Automated order processing – Reducing human error and speeding up fulfillment.

Seamless integration – Connecting with third-party logistics providers and warehouse systems.

User Experience and Design Improvements

A well-designed website doesn’t just look good – it converts visitors into loyal customers. Advanced management involves continuous design enhancements, A/B testing, and user behavior analysis to refine the website's layout and improve navigability. This leads to:

Higher engagement – A visually appealing and intuitive site keeps users coming back.

Reduced bounce rates – Smooth user journeys encourage customers to complete purchases.

Custom UX/UI enhancements – Tailoring the shopping experience to target audience preferences.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Advanced eCommerce website management integrates analytics and reporting tools to track performance metrics. This data guides strategic decisions, such as:

Optimizing product listings – Using heatmaps and click-tracking to improve product pages.

Targeted marketing campaigns – Leveraging customer data to create personalized promotions.

Revenue forecasting – Analyzing trends to predict future sales and adjust inventory accordingly.

Ongoing Content Updates and SEO Optimization

Fresh, relevant content is key to driving organic traffic and improving search engine rankings. Advanced management includes:

Regular content updates – Keeping product descriptions, blogs, and landing pages current.

SEO enhancements – Incorporating relevant keywords and optimizing metadata.

Internal linking – Enhancing site structure to improve crawlability by search engines.

Scalability and Growth Support

As businesses grow, their eCommerce websites must scale accordingly. Advanced eCommerce website management supports scalability by:

Upgrading hosting plans – Ensuring the website can handle increased traffic.

Adding new features – Implementing new payment gateways, multi-language support, and customer loyalty programs.

Global expansion support – Facilitating cross-border eCommerce through localized content and international shipping options.

Partnering with Professionals for Seamless Management

Many businesses lack the in-house expertise needed to manage their eCommerce sites effectively. Partnering with a professional service like Managed Servers ensures:

Continuous monitoring – Proactive identification and resolution of issues.

Expert support – Access to experienced developers, designers, and marketers.

Tailored solutions – Custom management plans that align with specific business goals.

Conclusion

Advanced eCommerce website management is essential for any online retailer aiming to thrive in a competitive market. From performance optimization and security to seamless inventory management and user experience design, comprehensive management enhances every aspect of the online shopping experience.

By working with trusted partners like Managed Servers, businesses can unlock new growth opportunities, ensure operational efficiency, and provide exceptional customer experiences.

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How to Structure Your Google Ads Campaign for Better ROI

If you’re looking to maximize the return on investment (ROI) from your Google Ads campaigns, structuring your campaigns effectively is crucial. A well-organized campaign ensures that your ads reach the right audience, minimize wasteful spending, and deliver measurable results. In this guide, we’ll outline the key steps to structure your Google Ads campaign for better ROI.

Also, for a deep understanding, consider reading the blog: The definitive guide on maximizing ROI with Google ads.

1. Define Clear Goals and Objectives

Before diving into campaign setup, establish clear goals for what you want to achieve. Are you focusing on brand awareness, lead generation, or eCommerce sales? Defining your objectives helps you:

Choose the right campaign type (e.g., Search, Display, Shopping, or Video).

Set measurable KPIs like cost-per-click (CPC), conversion rate, or return on ad spend (ROAS).

2. Conduct Comprehensive Keyword Research

Keywords form the foundation of any Google Ads campaign. Use tools like Google’s Keyword Planner or SEMrush to identify relevant keywords that align with your goals. Segment these keywords into:

High-intent keywords (e.g., “buy running shoes” for sales campaigns).

Informational keywords for awareness campaigns.

Group your keywords logically to make ad groups tightly focused, which improves your Quality Score and ad relevance.

3. Create Well-Structured Campaigns and Ad Groups

Organizing your campaigns and ad groups is critical for precise targeting and budget allocation. Follow these principles:

Campaign-Level Structure: Organize campaigns by objectives, product categories, or services.

Ad Group-Level Structure: Group related keywords and tailor your ads for each group.

For example, if you’re advertising running shoes, create separate ad groups for men’s, women’s, and kids’ running shoes.

4. Optimize Your Ad Copy and Assets

Your ads should be compelling, clear, and relevant to the audience’s intent. Incorporate the following best practices:

Use action-oriented language (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Get a Free Quote”).

Highlight your unique selling propositions (USPs).

Include keywords from your ad group in the ad copy.

Leverage ad extensions like sitelinks, callouts, and structured snippets to provide additional information and improve click-through rates (CTR).

5. Leverage Audience Targeting

Audience targeting refines your reach to users most likely to convert. Use Google’s audience options to target:

Affinity Audiences: Broader audiences based on interests and habits.

In-Market Audiences: Users actively searching for products or services.

Remarketing Lists: Re-engage past visitors who showed interest in your offerings.

6. Monitor and Optimize Bidding Strategies

Choosing the right bidding strategy significantly impacts ROI. Popular options include:

Manual CPC for precise control.

Target ROAS for automated ROI-focused bidding.

Maximize Conversions to drive volume while staying within your budget.

Continuously analyze performance and adjust bids based on data.

7. Refine Landing Pages

A high-quality landing page is essential for converting ad clicks into actions. Ensure that your landing pages:

Are highly relevant to the ad copy.

Load quickly and are mobile-friendly.

Feature clear calls-to-action (CTAs) and minimal distractions.

Pro Tip: Conduct A/B testing to find the most effective designs and CTAs.

8. Regularly Analyze and Optimize Campaign Performance

Ongoing optimization is the key to better ROI. Use Google Ads reports to:

Identify high-performing and underperforming keywords.

Adjust budget allocations to prioritize successful campaigns.

Experiment with new ad creatives and targeting options.

Conclusion

Effectively structuring your Google Ads campaign is the foundation for achieving better ROI. By defining clear goals, organizing campaigns logically, refining ad copy, and leveraging audience targeting, you can create campaigns that consistently perform. Don’t forget to regularly analyze and optimize your strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

For expert assistance with Google Ads management, consider reaching out to Forerunner Marketing’s Google Advertising Services. Their team specializes in helping businesses maximize their advertising potential through tailored strategies and continuous optimization.

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Learn why small companies actually have unique advantages over larger competitors, including faster decision-making and adaptability. Greg shares invaluable insights on leveraging A/B testing without technical expertise and reveals how Buyist Pro's AI-powered automation can help one-person companies scale efficiently. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your eCommerce business, this episode offers practical strategies for competing against bigger players in the market.

CHAPTERS: 0:00 intro 0:57 beating competition in ecommerce 2:23 how to test your e-commerce business 3:37 the small business advantage 4:32 solve problems through automation

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Harnessing JavaScript for Advanced Analytics and Enhanced eCommerce Tracking

In today’s digital marketplace, leveraging JavaScript for advanced analytics is crucial for eCommerce success. JavaScript enables businesses to collect real-time data on user interactions, such as clicks and page views, using tools like Google Analytics. This real-time insight helps businesses understand customer behavior and make informed decisions.

With JavaScript, you can implement event tracking to monitor specific actions, allowing you to identify which features engage users the most. Additionally, JavaScript enhances user segmentation by helping businesses categorize users based on their preferences and behaviors, leading to more effective targeted marketing strategies.

A/B testing is another key benefit of using JavaScript. It allows you to compare different versions of your website or app, optimizing user experiences in real-time. Plus, JavaScript integrates smoothly with various third-party analytics tools, ensuring a seamless flow of data across your systems.

By harnessing JavaScript for analytics and eCommerce tracking, businesses can significantly improve their performance and enhance user experiences in a competitive landscape.