The eCommerce industry keeps on changing, and this year is no different. Merchants have to keep up with the trends as merchants continuously improve their businesses to meet their demands. While it may seem like everything in eCommerce is evolving, we can zero in on the most significant trends that will affect their businesses in the coming years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for the industry to bloom, and this growth change is not slowing down. Those who did not adjust their sales and marketing platforms will be left behind. Here are the fifteen trends that eCommerce businesses should keep up with to help them deliver the best online experience in 2022.
Chatbots
Chatbots and automation are not new in this business. Now, they are part of machine-learning artificial intelligence or AI technology. These chatbots utilize a string of automated triggers that help customers on their buying journey.
This technology is available 24/7. So, regardless of when the customer is shopping, there is always someone who can assist them. However, never expect these chatbots to be perfect. They may be profound in theory, but some shortcomings may come your way.
Augmented Reality
There is always a need for businesses to invest in new technology to get ahead of the competition. Some examples include 3D mapping, product visualizers, and product builders available to customers.
According to Vasilii Kiselev of Top 3d Shop – Augmented reality, or AR, is the complete game changer in eCommerce. With this technology, shoppers can see the item they are shopping for would help them with their buying decision. It brings a truly different shopping experience to various industries, particularly fashion and interior decorations. With AR, customers can get a better feel of the item without seeing it in person.
Voice Search
Another trend in the industry to watch out for is voice eCommerce. With this latest technology, customers can request and buy products online. It reduces the buyers’ reliance on hardware, by using voice commands. Since this method of shopping is easy, voice eCommerce sales are poised to make $19.4 billion in the US alone.
Conversational shopping is innovative. Here the brand and clients talk through human agents and AI assistants to make transactions, deal with inquiries, or ask for assistance with the purchase.
Different Payment Options
As per Ismail Kuden of Kuden Rugs – The traditional way of payment in retail stores involves using cash, checks, or debit cards. However, with the increased popularity of electronic payments such as credit and debit cards, this is no longer the case.
He adds that More than half (55%)of all transactions conducted in U.S.-based retail outlets are now done through electronic means like phones or computers instead of using physical currency or checks. This has led to a significant shift in how customers pay for goods and services at retailers across different industries worldwide.
In eCommerce, offering different payment methods reduces cart abandonment and can help clients to spend more. An interest-free financing solution option like buy now pay later is attracting customers as it allows them flexibility.
Artificial Intelligence
There is no denying how valuable Artificial Intelligence is. In eCommerce, artificial intelligence and machine learning can help customers have personalized shopping experiences. AI collects data on customers’ shopping habits, what they buy, or what they are looking for in a service or product. This is an innovation that you can replicate in-store and with myriad benefits to both the seller and buyer.
Buyers, whether B2C or B2B, are looking for personalized, custom shopping experiences online. With the data collected from AI, a buyer can get personalized product recommendations and enhance customer experience. Creating personalized shopping experiences has an undeniable impact on revenue.
Video Marketing
The increase in internet speed and better devices allow videos to play an important role in marketing a product. Today, videos are popular, and it is a necessary content marketing tool to reach new clients.
These videos are deployed on various social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and even Linkedin. Company websites hosting videos gain more leads. Videos posted are not necessarily promotional. It can be user-generated content, instructional or videos that influence their buying decision.
Loyalty Programs and Subscriptions
There are all kinds of subscriptions coming up these days, and the convenience it offers is attractive to customers. As the eCommerce industry grows and more players enter the market. The space is becoming too crowded. They need to find ways to retain existing clients, and loyalty programs are a surefire way to do it, says Edward Wright who runs his eCommerce store Cereal Secrets.
With these marketing tools, you can include exclusive deals, subscriptions, and programs. These tools can also help to increase brand loyalty and deepen the relationship between the brand and the customer.
Omnichannel Strategy
Another trend that we see increasing in 2022 is omnichannel customer experience. Shoppers now realized the ease of this strategy above everything else. The omnichannel approach offers the customer convenience through a seamless experience.
Customers can casually shop on their laptops, smartphone, or mobile device. They can also click and select products or services in a physical store. With the omnichannel strategy, businesses are in a better position to increase sales and drive customer loyalty.
Mobile Commerce
Every person you see has a mobile phone in their hands. It gave rise to mobile commerce or m-Commerce, which uses handheld devices like mobile phones or tablets to conduct business transactions online. Aside from buying products or services, it should also include paying bills and online banking.
It is predicted that mobile shopping will sustain its growth and will most likely double by 2025. To get ahead of the competition, companies should create an engaging and easy experience for mobile shoppers. Having a great experience in mobile eCommerce will ensure repeat customers. Add-on features like push notifications, SMS, mobile content, app, and a fully optimized website should also be given priority.
Optimizing Conversion Rate
For any eCommerce business to flourish, it should capture the customer’s attention from start to finish. It is possible by removing a distraction from the conversion path. Optimizing the conversion rate is one of the ways to get evergreen customers to reach both immediate and long-term outcomes.
Social Media
We cannot deny the huge influence of social media. And as marketers, capitalizing on these channels will pay big time. It can reach your target audience and expose your products to these particular audiences. Social commerce will be at the forefront as it is predicted to reach $79.6 billion in sales by 2025. While planning your social media budget, do not forget to include your social media strategy which includes creating compelling content and increasing your followers.
Sustainability
When we talk about sustainability, we are not limiting ourselves to eco-friendly brands and products. Although customers are progressively choosing purpose-driven brands. Companies should also incorporate sustainable practices into their processes. It should include making material changes to products and joining more sustainability-focused groups. To connect with your mindful client, you should ensure that your values line up with your niche market.
Marketing Across Different Marketplaces
More customers are moving from big-box eCommerce sites like Amazon to more niche-specific marketplaces. It indicates a preference for a more convenient and faster way to shop, which they find challenging in large marketplaces. eCommerce companies should not put their eggs in one basket.
Instead, they need to find other channels for wider reach while still taking advantage of what Amazon and the likes offer. Developing your website is even better as it can give you better control of your brand.
Strengthening B2B Sales
B2B is not going anywhere. However, a lot of things have changed. Instead of catalogs and brochures, it is now replaced by a digital self-service process along with streamlined back-end great customer service. Businesses that are into B2B eCommerce have to make the most of the current technology. They need to invest more in online catalogs and offer efficient and faster order fulfillment.
Personalized Products and Services
According to David Morgan from Snorkel-Mart, Clients expect their favorite brands to offer more personalization. It has become more intense as companies on eCommerce can cater more directly to their clients through their customers’ buying journeys. This brings the customer down the marketing funnel which ultimately leads to conversion.
In eCommerce, personalization simply means listing the products clients want to buy. To maximize the effort, they need to invest in a virtual technology assistant to perfect the format.
Final Thoughts
There are a plethora of new things happening in eCommerce, and to be successful in this field, companies need to be on their toes and respond to what their customers need. These needs are simple: a seamless, useful, and unforgettable shopping experience.
Investing in the right eCommerce trend will allow them to become accustomed to these fast-changing needs and wants. Here is a tip: To make your eCommerce business truly unique, focus on which part of eCommerce you want to excel in and know what you can do on these parts to create a memorable online experience.
