SmallBusinessNewz

The National Retail Federation shared some findings from Shop.org's eHoliday study, which was conducted by BIGresearch.  The results show that shoppers will see changes in retail marketing and promotions this holiday season as a response to economic uncertainty.

This means a lot of Facebook and Twitter marketing. The report notes that these networks are quite popular and cost-effective. The fact that Google and Bing are getting involved in indexing updates from them could have a big impact on their usefulness as well. This means social media marketing is getting directly related to search engine marketing.

"Retailers know that times are tough so they have created promotions and incentives to help Americans save money this holiday season," said Scott Silverman, Executive Director of Shop.org. "From free shipping to Facebook, online retailers are combining new initiatives with tried-and-true tactics to make their companies stand out."

Here are some stats from the study:

- 47.1 percent of retailers surveyed will be increasing their use of social media this holiday season

- More than half of retailers said they have added or improved their Facebook page (60.3%) and Twitter pages (58.7%) this year

- two-thirds (65.6%) have added or enhanced blogs and RSS feeds

- Four out of five online retailers (79.4%) will offer free shipping with conditions at some point during the holiday season

- over half (57.4%) also plan to offer free shipping without conditions

- More than one-third (35.7%) said their budgets for free shipping are higher than last year

- nearly as many (30.0%) said free shipping offers will start earlier than a year ago

"In a year where every penny counts, many people will start their holiday shopping online to find deals, search customer reviews to select products, and get gift ideas," said Phil Rist, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch. "The benefits of online shopping far outweigh the drawbacks, as far as most shoppers are concerned."

What is your online retail strategy looking like for the holidays this year? Are you using Facebook and Twitter? Are you offering free shipping? Discuss here.