E-commerce provider MarketLive has released a report that examines the third-quarter performance data from more than 100 retail sites, as well as provides tips for the upcoming holiday season.

The MarketLive Performance Index Volume 16, Q3 2011 Update: Anticipating the Holiday Rush, reveals that online retailers have seen increases in traffic and revenue during the third quarter. The findings include a 16-percent increase in visitors, 18-percent increase in revenue, 5-percent increase in conversions and 15-percent increase in the “1-and-out” rate (the percentage of visits ending after one page).

"It will be critical for merchants to find ways – beyond just slashing prices – to engage holiday shoppers who are likely to research and shop heavily online,” says Mark Pierce, MarketLive CEO. “Those who succeed in doing that will see larger gains in conversion and sales."

The report also includes some 2011 holiday strategy tips, including:

• Promote preseason bargains to encourage immediate and early bird shoppers, also emphasize the scarcity of popular items.

• Highlight customer service initiatives by promoting site-to-store purchasing and providing detailed information about delivery cutoff dates.

• Use social media to connect with shoppers on-the-go and tell them about is store offerings.