Justin Shimoon, president and CEO of Sitebrand. (Photo by Darren Brown, OBJ)

Online marketing firm Sitebrand has been retained by Michigan-based Wholesale Tools to help the American retailer increase its online shopping conversion rates.

The Gatineau-based company will assist Wholesale Tools identify specific customer audiences who can then be targeted with personally relevant offers. For example, first-time visitors could be offered a discount on their first order, or a free tool promotion, if they make a purchase during that initial visit.

"The conversion from that (first-time visitor) campaign is half-a-percent greater when compared to the control banner," said Jason Cherwak, Wholesale Tool's online marketing manager, in a statement.

Earlier this year, capital pool company Pretium Capital bought Sitebrand in a reverse takeover for roughly $5.1 million in shares, plus options to buy 1,493,572 common shares of the corporation.