The growth of eCommerce should not come as a surprise. It is more convenient to shop on the internet, and this became even more apparent during the pandemic.
Because eCommerce is considered to be the present and the future of shopping, it attracts new aspiring entrepreneurs who would like to start their own venture.
Having said that, while the idea of running an online shop is appealing, it comes with multiple challenges, particularly when one has no prior experience.
The competition, the intricate processes, and other obstacles are not easy to overcome. On the other hand, there are plenty of examples of how someone started from scratch and built a profitable eCommerce business, meaning that challenges should not be enough to discourage you.
One of the ways to give yourself an edge is to become familiar with the trends affecting eCommerce. Adapting to a new technique or technology gives an advantage, particularly if other stores fail to identify it. Below, you will find 7 trends that are quite prominent and will remain relevant in the future.
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Emphasis on customer reviews
Let’s start with customer reviews. It is hard to justify one’s purchase when you stumble upon a random online store you found via a search engine. It is one thing if someone you know and trust recommends it, but it is another when you have no prior experience with a site.
Shoppers who discover stores themselves seek feedback from prior customers. Reviews give an idea of both the overall services and products.
As an online store owner, you want to make sure that there is enough feedback for new visitors. If necessary, use Opinew.com, which is a Shopify reviews app used to import reviews.
In addition to importing reviews, you should also look to encourage shoppers to submit them more frequently. Offer perks, such as free shipping or small discounts if they submit a review as an incentive.
Voice shopping
Voice shopping is a good example of how a relatively new gimmick can transform something so many people use.
Ever since the introduction of smart home assistants that react to voice commands, businesses have been investing in voice recognition algorithms extensively.
It is a fact that shopping with voice is more convenient. You do not have to lift a finger, so it makes sense to see voice shopping become more prominent.
As a side note, it is also important to discuss that voice shopping is an option for people with disabilities. Those who can use only their voice are bound to appreciate the voice shopping feature.
You might also want to check out my article on how to optimize your website for voice search.
Chatbots and data processing
Machine learning and AI play prominent roles in eCommerce as well. Chatbots are a great way to replace real people in customer support because of 24/7 availability and real-time learning.
Data processing is worth a shout as well. It is inefficient to make adjustments without the necessary information for a business, and processing vast amounts of data manually are not recommended. Instead, it is better to automate the process.
Advanced customization and personalization
Customization and personalization are some of the most recent eCommerce trends. The former is relevant in particular niches, such as custom merchandise. Giving shoppers the freedom to choose what colors, fonts, and other customization options to add instead of restricting them is the correct approach.
Now, for personalization, marketing specialists are trying their best to appeal to both potential leads and established customers with personalization. From using first names in emails to customized video messages, personalization makes it easier for brands to connect with customers.
Mobile device optimization
Desktop computers are not as popular as smartphones and tablets when it comes to shopping on the internet. This particular trend will continue to move in favor of mobile devices, meaning that it is necessary to optimize the store’s website for different mobile devices.
In addition, you might also want to consider investing in an iOS and Android app later down the line.
Video content
Like already mentioned, video messages are one of the tactics businesses use for personalization. But that is not the only area where videos excel.
An average person finds it easier to process visual information rather than a wall of text. As such, it is to be expected that various businesses are investing in video content instead. Short ads, promotional videos on YouTube, social media content, and other types of video are effective.
Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing has been around for a while, and it is not going to be disappearing. People trust personalities they follow on social media, and it is one of the reasons why brands are collaborating with influencers.
If you do not have the capital or the pull to strike a partnership with A-tier celebrities, look for micro-influencers. They might not have that many followers, but they still offer a lot of value thanks to the engagement micro-influencer content receives.
I think these are the eCommerce trends that you can expect to see more of this year. Do let me know in the comments section below if you expect any other eCommerce trends that we can expect to see more of during this year!