News Release
Number: NL1088J
Date: Friday 6th July 2012
For immediate release
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing sees big
benefits since upgrade to online shop by netXtra
Following the 2011 redesign of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing’s website, the ISTD is once again working closely with netXtra to initiate the second phase of website development; in particular, the upgrade of their online shop - shop.istd.org.
Launched on 1 May 2012, the re-designed ISTD online shop now accepts all major credit and debit cards, allowing for quicker and more efficient transactions. Offering customers a wide range of ISTD items, from music CDs and examination specifications to gifts and accessories, the whole ISTD catalogue is now available online. Featuring an easy-to-use search function, customers can now look for products according to dance faculty or product type. The functionality also includes an ‘Amazon-style’ shopping experience, where suggestions are made to customers, based on other previous purchases or interests.
Based upon comparisons from the same time last year, the online shop has seen an increase of 3% in May’s monthly sales, with over 200 more sales transactions.
The ISTD feels that the redesign is integral to maintaining its position as one of the world’s leading dance examination board by offering members and customers globally an improved service.
Sarah Clarke, ISTD’s Head of Membership & Marketing Support Services said, “We are delighted with the results of the online shop upgrade and have received many positive and encouraging comments from our members. In today’s world it is essential that we keep up-to-date with online developments and match them to the needs of our members. With netXtra’s vast experience of working with other similar membership organisations, they provided excellent advice on the shop’s design, functionality and build as well as guidance on how best to provide suitable online payment gateways and portals.”
As part of further planned digital developments, the ISTD hopes to include the online sale of certain courses and training events later this year, which will be open to students and teachers, as well as offering online membership renewals.
ENDS
For further information:
netXtra Limited, The Old Foundry, Hall Street, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9JG
Editorial Contact: Sean Greentree – Email: , Tel: 01787 319393
Web: www.netxtra.net
About netXtra Limited
With over 200 clients, netXtra specialises in providing membership, not-for-profit and commercial organisations with comprehensive design, development, hosting and Internet strategy services – enabling them to raise market awareness and membership and support, whilst significantly reducing their administration costs.
For more information visit www.netxtra.net.
About the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
The ISTD isone of theworld’sleading dance examinations board. From Ballet to Ballroom, the ISTD covers the full spectrum of genres and for more than 100 years have provided training for dance teachers and examiners, enabling them to enter their students for examinations, develop new techniques and spread the joy of dance.
As a registered educational charity, the ISTD’s mission is to educate the public in the art of dancing in all its forms, to promote knowledge of dance, to provide up-to-date techniques for members, and to maintain and improve teaching standards. The ISTD supports and trains members through a wide variety of courses, summer schools and congresses, updated teaching syllabi and techniques upon which to train dancers for the profession. For more information visit www.istd.org.
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing sees big benefits since upgrade to online shop by netXtra
16/07/2012 Page 2