Zlio Shop “For Whom The Bells Toll” (http://anniversary.zlio.net) has been announced the official winner of this year’s Wedding Season Contest, which took place from June 3rd to June 18th, 2008 !

With 140 total votes, Zlionaut Zizzi Le Corre is the lucky winner of a

6 Megapixel HP Photosmart Digital Camera and Printer.

Zlio’s annual Wedding Season Contest called upon Zlio Shop owners to create Shops around a “Wedding Theme”. Zlionauts could have either sold Bridal- and Wedding related products in their Shops, or they could have used their Shop as a Bridal Registry.

Contestants were asked to let their imagination roam and to design beautiful, interesting and attractive Shops.

What did we like about Zizzi Le Corre’s Shop “For Whom The Bell Tolls” ?

• The idea of the Shop is superb! We just loved that she created a store for “the first ten years of marriage” … why just concentrate on the Wedding, when you can celebrate ten whole years of togetherness?
• The Shop Design really spoke to us: we loved the cursive font used in the caption and we adored the interplay of the mellow colors used.
• Zizzi really got into things when she added products to her Shop. Every single category is filled to the brim with products that fit perfectly into the contest’s theme.

Congratulations to the winner … we are sure she will really enjoy her prize!

One of the best things you can do for your Zlioshop, or any online business for that matter, is to stay on top of what’s happening on the web.

New applications, technology, and methods of promotion and communication are developed everyday to give surfers a more complete web experience. We’ve decided to put together a list of the 10 essential websites to know and watch so that you can stay in the now:

1. Technorati: The most comprehensive blog search engine on the web. Also an internet search engine, use Technorati to find out what people are most interested in right now. Check the top 100 list to see whose blogs and websites are succeeding and why.

2. Del.icio.us: Social bookmarking that works primarily on tags. Keep track of subjects that interest you and perfom tag searches for just about anything. For example try “Cheat at CSS” if you’re looking for some new designs for your Zlioshop.

3. Digg: Another social bookmarking site that works primarily on user votes and catgories. Submit stories, news, blog articles and more then vote and leave comments.

4. Mashable: The Social Networking blog. If it’s important and it’s online chances are you’ll find it on Mashable.

5. Facebook: Long having since surpassed its predecessor Myspace, Facebook allows you to use groups and pages to promote anything you like without having to spam your friends.

6. Stumble Upon: “Discover” new websites with this interactive browser. Be sure to submit your Zlioshop so that millions of users can “stumble” across it.

7. Webware: The best of Web 2.0 applications and news.

8. InternetNews: Find out what’s happening on the net, right now, with this traditional newspaper approach to web news.

9. The Consumerist: “Shopper’s Bite Back” at The Consumerist. Find out what consumers really think, what they like, and what they’re angry about on this blog.

10. Lifehacker: “Tips And Downloads For Getting Things Done.” Interested in computers? Why not use the same principles to upgrading and organizing your machines with your life.

The stores have officially been launched in version 3.5!

We strongly recommend you migrate your stores to this new, optimized version for improved rankings and to better turn your visitors into customers!

We’d like to remind you that this is a beta version; please inform us of any possible problems you encounter.

Here’s the five-stop process to switch versions:

1. Sign into your store admin page (i.e. : http://mystore.zlio.com/admin/)
2. Go to the “store display” menu
3. Click on the “Display Options” tab
4. Choose version 3.5 (version 3.0 is the default)
5. Save and voila! Now visit the blog and tell us what you think!

IMPORTANT : When you confirm the switch to version 3.5 your CSS style will be reset, which means that it will have to be re-edited if you’ve added a personal touch. Remember to save it before switching!

A demo store can be viewed here: weddingbells.zlio.net

What’s new in version 3.5?

• 25 new themes
• New, larger format (990 pixels) that can display up to 4 product columns
• New home pages, category pages and product pages for improved ease of use
• New CSS & source code, enabling advanced personalization
• New carrousels
• List of your partner merchants displayed in your store
• Social networking bookmarks (compatible with more than 30 platforms, including facebook, myspace, dig, etc.)
• Filters (by brand, price, tags, etc.)

There seems to always be a new trend on the horizon, whether it be bringing back the tapered jean or sending wheat grass instead of flowers.

2008 is witnessing the greatest and most unexpected comeback for food lovers: the return of the cupcake. Cupcakes you say? Yes, I say cupcakes. All over the country, super posh designer cupcake shops are opening up to fill the growing demand for our lost childhood treat – and these are no ordinary cupcakes. We’re talking red velvet cake and cream cheese icing cupcakes, pumpkin spice cupcakes, mimosa cupcakes, or even the fruit du jour, pomegranate.

Specialty cupcake shops have been reporting lines that extend down the block in cities like New York, Chicago, DC, and LA.  With all of this cupcake buzz, now would be the perfect time to add some confectionary goodness to your Zlioshop. Check out books on baking, decorating, and designing cupcakes with everything from art inspired to vegan.

Our merchants have also got plenty of baking supplies including cupcake trays for the oven and cupcake stands for presenting your beautiful creations when you’ve finished. 

Get in the now and add some cupcake inspired deliciousness to your Zlioshop today!

Uh oh! Due to some technical difficulties, voting for the Wedding Season Contest opened up only yesterday.

For those of you who were wondering what the problem was, don’t worry!

To give everyone a fair chance at winning that digital camera and printer, the contest dates will be extended:

• Voting is now open until June 23
• The winner will now be announced on June 24

Now get out there and vote!

Aries: You are dynamic and a fighter – you always take initiative, which can turn out to have very positive, or very negative results. Try to avoid being all over the place: Once the theme for your Zlioshop is chosen, keep it. Niche shops are always more attractive.

Taurus: You are always occupied with a thousand things at once – try to regroup and merge your ideas into one common theme. Think about creating a hierarchy for your categories and subcategories and put your customers’ needs first.

Gemini: You love to play with the twin personality aspect of your sign. Your openness gives you the creativity that is needed to create elaborate and beautiful customizations. Be careful not to overdo it in terms of design.

Cancer : An optimist and a realist, you don’t wait for things to come to you. It’s barely 10:00 am and you have already checked the task list to finish your Zlioshops. Continue down this road- it’s the right one.

Leo: You love to communicate and are a wonder with words. Take advantage of the blessings from the stars to refine the text in your shops, making them more dynamic!

Virgo: Shopping is fun, but smart shopping is better! Utilize the cashback feature: make purchases through your own Zlioshop and get great savings.

Libra: Today will turn out to be a truly fantastic bargain if you decide to update and replace your expired products with new ones!

Scorpio: You are patient and you know that good things come to those who wait… but a little communication and effort with your Zlioshops could be just what you need to get the ball rolling. Think about using email signatures, inviting your friends to visit your Zlioshop, and talking it up whenever the opportunity arises!

Sagittarius : Your prefer to wait for things to happen, which is understandable, but did you really tag your products? Save time when stocking your Zlioshops in the future by using tags and seeing what resulting products we suggest.

Capricorn: You love the latest web technology and being on top of things – have you thought about writing your own blog? Promote your Zlioshop by installing the ZlioZone widget and putting your products front and center.

Aquarius : You are intuitive and ahead of the game. Take advantage of your natural abilities by staying on top of trends and getting a leg up on competitor with the ultra trendy summer shop for 2009.

Pisces : Obviously your Zlioshops are creative and well put together, but you’re not sure how to up their rankings. Follow the blog: advice, tips and tricks, and ideas for new products will help you out.

Between Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, birthdays, and weddings, it’s hard to remember what’s happening when. Even though we all might get a little overwhelmed between holidays and appropriate gift-giving moments, that’s no excuse to forget to pay tribute to our dads. Father’s don’t get enough credit, so we should do our very best to show them how much we appreciate everything they do on Father’s Day this year. 

It’s easy to send flowers and chocolates to Mom, but Dads require a little more planning and thought. Is your Dad a do-it-yourselfer? A food lover? Try thinking out side the box with cool presents that Dad would love:

• Tools
• Gadgets
• BBQ and grill sets
• Sporting Equipment
• Books and music
• Gardening and yard tools

If you’re really stuck and can’t think of anything, send a plant instead of flowers!

A lot of trends are hot this summer but the one that’s coming back with a vengence is anything and  everything retro. 

Look for bright colors and patterns from your childhood and before you were born to be popping up just about everywhere from women’s fashion to furniture to technology accessories and kitchen appliances. 

You may want to check out some of the super cool retro themed products that our merchants have already stocked and add them to your Zlioshop:

(From left to right)

Clava 9001 Racing Bowler in green/pink

Puma Tempo L: “Relive the 80’s with this retro style”

Chloe Dao mobile technology handbag in retro print

Dualit 4 slice classic toaster in purple

Take a look at some of the retro Zlioshops already in the directory like Retro Blast and RetroPhile for extra inspiration!

The days are getting hotter and longer, school is out for summer, and it’s finally time to head to the beach. 

Get ready for fun in the sun by packing a virtual beach bag for your Zlioshop. Be sure to stock all of those beach essentials that keep yourself and your family safe and comfortable in the heat! 

Virtual Beach Bag Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• Swimsuits and bikinis
• Big beach towel
• Umbrella
• Books
• Mp3 player and portable speakers
• Volleyball net, bad minton, or other beach games
• Cooler 
• Flip flops and sandals
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Beach bags
• Beach tents and shelters for families with kids

Create a beach themed Zlioshop for summer or even a “Virtual Beach Bag” category within your preexisting shop to sell those beach essentials all sumer long!

What is a social network service? “A social network service uses software to build online social networks for communities of people who share interests and activities or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others.” *

Did you know that the growth of social networking has caused even the Presidential candidates to move their campaigns onto sites like Myspace and Facebook? You too can maximize use of free social networking sites to promote your Zlioshop.

Add a link to your Zlioshop on Myspace and Facebook and be sure to invite your friends to come take a look.

Groups are a great way to get people involved – like this Zlionaut who started a Facebook group for their Zlioshop and already has over 40 members!

Follow the lead and use the “Recent News” section to let people know when you’ve updated your Zlioshop by adding products or items on sale.

While you’re at it, be sure to become a fan of Zlio on Facebook here or join the Zlio members group here!

*Definition from Wikipedia.com