I was looking for some good merchandising strategies and was suddenly came to this post http://blogs.perceptionsystem.com/golden-e-commerce-merchandising-strategies-for-merchants/ ) in this blog, its mentioned about cross selling, Category, gift marketing, etc.. are these great strategies?
We have had an e-commerce business selling physical products for 10 years. The following are strategies we have used that have been the most effective (not in any particular order): 1. cross-selling 2. up-selling 3. coupons 4. email marketing & list building through free online club, free gifts, etc. Lately, we have been experimenting with success with the new concept of build-your-own-product/gift and gift wrapping. Did very well for the holidays. Hope some of these ideas help.
Social Commerce utilize AddShoppers plugin if your shopping cart offers it if you haven't already; so your customers can organically promote the items they've purchase on your site to their friends on FB, Pinterest (fav), Tumblr, Twitter, Google Circles and social media sites. Interact with your Facebook or Twitter followers don't try to just sell them on everything. Upload some Youtube videos demonstrating your product or service and ask permission to use if somebody else does a positive review on your product or service to utilize on your website as a customer testimonial.
I wouldn't call them great or golden, they are just very basic strategies that one can use. Depending on the nature of your e-commerce site I would even advise against cross-selling, and focus more on up-selling (its working great for us).