Ecommerce trends dictate how brands approach their marketing strategy. It is no surprise that some businesses fall short because they fail to adapt to the most recent changes in the industry. At the same time, those who are the first to implement new features and emphasize innovation are ahead of the curve and get the lion’s share of the market.
Would you like to know what trends have been influencing the decisions of ecommerce entrepreneurs the most recently? The list below should give you an answer.
Trend #1 – Product Customization
Advanced Product Customization is not something that every brand can offer. However, if you are selling products like clothes or shoes, let your customers decide the color of a product or what they want to see as a caption.
Those who run a print on demand business know the benefits of limitless customization. Giving liberties to customers incentivizes them to return or spend more time on the website, where they tinker with available options. And the more time someone spends on a site, the more they get attached to it.
Finally, offering advanced customization to clients means that you get an advantage over competitors who do not have such a feature. And if someone hears from their friends about your store and what it has to offer, they may want to see it for themselves.
Trend #2 – Virtual Reality
Virtual reality eliminates one of the biggest problems of shopping online – not having an opportunity to see the product in person. While VR technology is still not available for most online stores, it is only a matter of time before that changes.
By putting on virtual reality goggles, shoppers will be able to enter a store and see and even feel the product. This will help decide whether they should spend the money or look elsewhere.
Trend #3 – Voice Commerce
Accommodating people who prefer to shop using their voice or have no other way because of their disabilities would benefit the brand as well.
The popularity of home assistants like Alexa indicates how many people like to manage simple tasks with a voice command. And if there is an opportunity to order products without lifting a finger, it should not come as a surprise that some prefer to do so for the sake of convenience.
Trend #4 –3D visuals
Three-dimensional designs are becoming the new norm in web design. High-resolution screens of today are perfect for exhibiting your products and services through 3D representation. Nobody wants to see bland 2D graphics anymore. For instance, a 3D product configurator allows the user to rotate and analyze your product or inspect a conceptual guide for your services. Also, by implementing drop shadows, gradients, and multiple layers, you can further increase the design quality. Well-built 3D objects have that “wow” factor that can impress viewers to the point of securing new potential clients.
Trend #5 – Machine Learning
Machine learning stands out in two ecommerce fields. One is processing data and receiving conclusions that help plan future business strategy. The other is chatbots that will ultimately replace real humans in the customer support department.
Both improve efficiency by removing manual labor. A business can save money that they would need to pay a customer support rep or someone who has to process data. Moreover, in the case of chatbots, they would be available 24/7 and respond as soon as a customer sends a question.
Trend #6 – Shoppable TV Ads
While the gimmick is still relatively new, you may encounter some TV shows that have pop-ups to promote the products of actors. For example, the clothes they are wearing or shampoo they are using.
Of course, paying for such advertising costs a lot, and some people may find it repulsive when an ad breaks their immersion, but the method is still something to consider, particularly if you have been looking to expand the reach of your business.
Trend #7 – Eco-Friendly Business
Eco-friendly brands stand to win more as their reputation goes up in the eyes of shoppers who care about the well-being of our planet.
You can implement a policy that states how the boxes you use for packaging are not harmful to the environment or how you use eco-friendly transport. Also, if you want, why not support a charity that fights to preserve rainforests or an endangered animal species?
Trend #8 – Customer Experience
Emphasis on customer experience is understandable. Retaining your best shoppers is not easy, but it should be one of the marketing strategy priorities regardless.
Some shops offer free shipping for those who spend a certain amount in a year. Others have a VIP point program that lets customers redeem various perks, such as discounts or raffle entries, for those points.
The bottom line is that the happier your customers are, the more likely they continue to be your customer. And you should do your best to provide the best possible customer experience.
Trend #9 – Mobile Optimization
It is hard to find an ecommerce store that is not optimized for mobile devices. Given how much internet traffic comes from smartphones and tablets, a lack of proper optimization can kill a business.
But what about taking the next step and developing an application for iOS and Android? An app would simplify the shopping experience because it is more convenient than navigating through a website. If you feel like the time is right, hire an app developer and discuss how to launch an application for your brand.
