4 E-commerce Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2021
The future of commerce is online. It is hard to overlook the convenience and increasing relevance of e-commerce in the face of an ever-connected world. But the more people go online to shop for their needs and wants, the more competitive and saturated the e-commerce market becomes. Businesses must constantly keep up with the trends and stand out, whether when choosing the right e-commerce platform or finding novel ways to promote their products.
The highly dynamic e-commerce landscape demands constant vigilance, or they risk getting left behind. Sometimes, even people’s preferences and buying patterns change along with evolving technology. It’s not surprising for online businesses to adapt to the changing e-commerce trends and latest innovations.
For those who want to ensure their businesses are growing and thriving, knowing these e-commerce trends in 2021 is the first step.
The highly dynamic e-commerce landscape demands constant vigilance, or they risk getting left behind. Sometimes, even people’s preferences and buying patterns change along with evolving technology. It’s not surprising for online businesses to adapt to the changing e-commerce trends and latest innovations.
For those who want to ensure their businesses are growing and thriving, knowing these e-commerce trends in 2021 is the first step.
Consider Exploring Social Commerce
Traditionally, businesses make use of e-commerce software solutions like Shopify and BigCommerce. However, the proliferation of social media means that consumers are shifting their focus elsewhere. Their shopping behaviors have forever changed because of social networking sites, like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Not only do these social platforms serve their need for instant communication and building personal connections online. Businesses also increasingly use these social platforms to promote their products and services, which means consumers need not exit the app they are in to complete a purchase. They can buy the latest fashion items on Instagram through the shoppable posts feature! This development is incredible, as it creates a seamless customer experience throughout the buying journey.
The trend is what they call social commerce. The rich visual content of social platforms allows buyers to discover, conduct research, and shop products all in one place. Their experience won’t be disrupted by having to click on an external link to transact. How can one capitalize on social commerce? Here are some tips:
Not only do these social platforms serve their need for instant communication and building personal connections online. Businesses also increasingly use these social platforms to promote their products and services, which means consumers need not exit the app they are in to complete a purchase. They can buy the latest fashion items on Instagram through the shoppable posts feature! This development is incredible, as it creates a seamless customer experience throughout the buying journey.
The trend is what they call social commerce. The rich visual content of social platforms allows buyers to discover, conduct research, and shop products all in one place. Their experience won’t be disrupted by having to click on an external link to transact. How can one capitalize on social commerce? Here are some tips:
- Create a relatable and authentic brand. Gone are the days when consumers want a curated feed that presents products in all their glory. Now, buyers prefer a brand that they can relate to. Humanizing your brand can make it more personable, minimizing the barrier between business and consumers.
- Focus on visual content. Platforms like Instagram require appealing images and videos to hook users and encourage them to scroll through the content. You can produce attractive images that are still authentic and on-brand.
- Make powerful social content that compels potential customers to click more. Using compelling calls to action is one way to do this. Otherwise, you will use a golden opportunity to capitalize on your prospects’ interests.
- Open your communication lines. Social media makes instant messaging so accessible. Customers want to be heard and responded to when needed. Ensure that you offer quick and helpful responses to customers’ inquiries. This allows you to cultivate trust between you and your customers.
Enhance Customer Experience through AR and VR
It might have been too idealistic some years ago, but augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are now more relevant than ever. The pandemic had sent brands scrambling to keep up with the changing times when face-to-face selling became a challenging option.
For example, in the real estate industry, many builders and developers turn to AR and VR to provide a realistic tour around properties they are selling. They offer virtual tours to those who want to explore the interiors of a home.
Other industries are doing the same. Brands like Yamaha have developed an interactive way for its customers to inspect the bike’s mechanics and other components. They can even accessorize the 3D motorcycle models.
AR and VR also present a wealth of opportunities for storytelling. It makes promoting your products all the more exciting. Imagine taking your prospects through your brand narrative in an immersive environment. The possibilities are endless.
For example, in the real estate industry, many builders and developers turn to AR and VR to provide a realistic tour around properties they are selling. They offer virtual tours to those who want to explore the interiors of a home.
Other industries are doing the same. Brands like Yamaha have developed an interactive way for its customers to inspect the bike’s mechanics and other components. They can even accessorize the 3D motorcycle models.
AR and VR also present a wealth of opportunities for storytelling. It makes promoting your products all the more exciting. Imagine taking your prospects through your brand narrative in an immersive environment. The possibilities are endless.
Think Mobile First
|
Whether you’re promoting your products online or selling them through e-commerce and social platforms, you must provide your prospects with a seamless mobile experience. More and more people are using their smartphones and other mobile devices for all sorts of transactions these days. This includes researching a product and shopping for them.
You must set up a mobile payment option for your customers to make it easier to get through the checkout process. |
Photo by PhotoMIX Company from Pexels
|
Another point is that you must ensure to remove distractions in the transaction process, so customers are focused solely on the end goal—to complete the purchase. Your sites must be mobile-friendly, allowing consumers to navigate through your pages with ease.
Intuitive navigation, data-driven recommendations, and one-click payment options will make the whole mobile experience valuable to customers.
Intuitive navigation, data-driven recommendations, and one-click payment options will make the whole mobile experience valuable to customers.
Utilize Conversational Marketing
The obsession for instant messaging has truly penetrated social media. Modern marketing is founded around conversations. You want to cultivate conversations around your brand to raise your brand awareness and improve conversions. With conversational marketing, you facilitate a more intimate and instant connection between your business and your customers.
Have you heard of chatbots? This innovation makes it easier for you to manage customer queries by automating human-like messages to users in real-time. It is also available across multiple channels. Since chatbots can be programmed to be available 24/7, conversations can happen anytime and anywhere.
Instead of shelling out massive amounts for a customer representative, investing in chatbots will mean you can save money while fostering higher engagement and greater loyalty. The chatbot can answer urgent questions, provide instant feedback, and help customers go through the sales funnel by asking the right questions. It is also very responsive, a huge plus to many customers.
Apart from chatbots, you may also consider personalized videos and emails. These methods can create a positive customer experience.
Have you heard of chatbots? This innovation makes it easier for you to manage customer queries by automating human-like messages to users in real-time. It is also available across multiple channels. Since chatbots can be programmed to be available 24/7, conversations can happen anytime and anywhere.
Instead of shelling out massive amounts for a customer representative, investing in chatbots will mean you can save money while fostering higher engagement and greater loyalty. The chatbot can answer urgent questions, provide instant feedback, and help customers go through the sales funnel by asking the right questions. It is also very responsive, a huge plus to many customers.
Apart from chatbots, you may also consider personalized videos and emails. These methods can create a positive customer experience.
Wrapping It Up
E-commerce is constantly evolving. Retailers and business owners must ensure that they are always ready to keep up with and adapt to the changes. The very first step is knowing the latest e-commerce trends, which can guide their next actions. Ignoring these will put them at a disadvantage in the face of growing competition and a saturated market.
