The IndieCommunication e-newsletter for March 15 offers reminders about a new pre-order feature, a special offer on IndieLite, securing your website, and going mobile-friendly, as well as a tip of the week.

Advanced Pre-order Feature Goes Live

In the past, the IndieCommerce platform allowed stores to accept pre-orders up to 90 days before a book’s publication date. Stores are now able to set the pre-order threshold at three months, six months, or nine months before the pub date, or set no time limit at all, allowing pre-order purchases for any future publication date. This is a great way for indies to compete with Amazon and other e-tailers. Stores that make this change should be sure to promote it to customers, as pre-orders are a big part of the online business.

To make the change to an IndieCommerce website, go to Store -> Configurations -> Account -> Information and Preferences -> Configure Book Settings. IndieLite users should contact the IndieCommerce team at [email protected] [4].

Special Offer for ABA Members Interested in a New Website

IndieLite [5]™ is ABA’s entry-level, low cost e-commerce solution for bookstores. For the upcoming ABA Spring Forums [6], IndieCommerce has a special offer for bookstores looking for an easy to manage yet affordable website. Stores that sign up for an IndieLite website between March 15 and April 30 will receive the first three months of their subscription for free (a $150 value). The service can be canceled at any time. To participate, stores must be a current ABA member. For more information, e-mail [email protected] [4] or call (800) 637-0037 (option 2).

Don’t Let Your Website Feel the Wrath of Google

The Google Chrome web browser is soon going to start penalizing websites that are not serving secure content. Other web browsers will probably follow. If your site is not secure by July 2018, your customers are going to get a nasty warning on their screen. This is an extremely bad experience for people who shop online. If the web addresses (URLs) for ALL of the pages on your website are not displaying “https,” we can help you convert your site to “https everywhere.”

The IndieCommerce team is experiencing a huge demand from stores to get this feature enabled on their website. Sign up now to make the switch on your store’s website [7]. IndieLite users do not need to contact the IndieCommerce team.

Are You Mobile Friendly?

Believe it or not, spring is here! People are going to abandon their laptops and desktops and roam free in the outside world with their cell phones. Is your website ready? Make sure your IndieCommerce site is using a mobile-friendly, responsive theme.

Not sure if your site is responsive? Check it out on your cell phone or drop the IndieCommerce team an e-mail at [email protected] [4].

Tip of the Week

Opportunities are available every Saturday from September 15 to December 29 for booksellers that are interested in creating a HarperCollins Facebook Live video [8].

Booksellers are encouraged to send their thoughts, questions, or suggestions via e-mail to IndieCommerce staff [9] at any time.

Past editions of IndieCommunication are available on the IndieCommerce Updates page on BookWeb.org [10].