ECommerce is going to keep growing. We all know this. The question is how it will grow from here. After all, success in eCommerce requires more than putting a website up; it demands you approach your online sales in the most effective way. Understanding these trends will help you take the next step in your eCommerce journey.
1. AR and AI Growth
The technology available today gives online shoppers two key elements of the in-person experience. AI provides a customer service role, helping shoppers with questions and stored responses. AR gives them a chance to examine or try out a product before they buy it. Both of these technologies can give your eCommerce site a boost.
2. Mobile Takeover
Mobile shoppers hold a bigger piece of the eCommerce pie every year. In 2021, Statista estimates this will reach 53.9%. If you have not optimized your eCommerce site for mobile viewing, the time to do so is now.
3. Voice Assistant Shopping
Beyond mobile, voice assistants have become much more prevalent. Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana continue to grow more powerful. Prepare your site for voice optimization as well as mobile.
4. Environmental Consciousness
Environmental factors matter to more of your customers than ever before. Be prepared to address sustainability and your carbon footprint on your site. If you show that you care, many of your potential customers will be more likely to buy from you.
5. Customized Products
Companies large and small now offer custom prints and other individual-specific products to their customers. The more you can do to allow customization, the better your chance of staying ahead of your competition.
6. Focus on Delivery
Your business faces pressure on price and quality. Beyond the product or service itself, you should be prepared to compete on the cost and quality of your shipping options. Keep a focus on your logistics and inventory levels to prevent unpleasant surprises on timing or cost of delivery.
7. Dynamic Pricing
Your optimal price point does not sit in a fixed space. Dynamic pricing software helps identify the best price for your product or service based on a litany of factors. If you miss the opportunity to lock in, you will cost yourself revenue and profit margin.
8. More Ways to Pay
New payment options emerge all the time. Your most savvy shoppers will look to the best payment methods available for them; your most savvy competitors will keep up and be prepared to process payments through all of them. Make sure you are up to speed on how to take payments from your most likely customers.
Having an eCommerce website isn't enough to compete in 2021. You need an effective design that takes into account what people expect and what gets them excited to shop with you. Following the trends in this article will help you compete at the highest levels.
