If you’re a player in the retail industry, 2022 is the time to contemplate eCommerce trends that will shape the business world in the coming months.
In recent years, customers have become accustomed to the ease, convenience, and overall online shopping experience. In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of eCommerce by up to six years in just a few short months. This digital era has brought new shopping trends expected to be mainstays in the eCommerce world.
If you’re employed in the retail industry, eCommerce trends should be among your chief concerns in 2022. We’ve compiled the top developments you should consider to stay ahead of the game and grow your brand.
Virtual Assistants
Smart speakers have heavily influenced the online shopping universe with their product search and purchase features. Consequently, voice shopping is among the most dominant rising eCommerce trends in 2022. According to Statista, it’s expected that online voice shopping will measure up to approximately 40 billion dollars by the end of this year.
As voice-assisted technologies become more sophisticated and efficient, voice search is expected to explode in the eCommerce world. If you’re an eCommerce business owner, look at integrating this technology into your CRM. As you do so, bear in mind the following tips:
- Optimize your content to ensure that your products and services rank for keywords and phrases suited to voice search queries.
- Develop both a website and a smartphone version.
- Ensure the voice command functions properly so your shoppers will have no hiccups purchasing through a voice-activated device.
Personalization
With so many retailers switching their eCommerce offerings with the pandemic surge, the online marketplace has become more competitive than ever. Personalization is vital in combating marketplace competition. Forward-thinking retailers who analyze their data and hyper-personalize their products will stand out in this crowded online space. Focus on gathering as much data as possible and segmenting that data in great detail.
On the consumers’ side, people are willing to pay more for a company that provides custom products and promotions. According to a study by McKinsey, over 80% of today’s consumers stay that personalization makes them more likely to commit to a purchase. Consumers exceedingly value tailored pop-ups, follow-up emails, and personalized recommendations.
Omnichannel Retailing
As you look to improve your eCommerce strategy, omnichannel retailing is one of the best ways to entice more customers. Omnichannel retailing refers to selling wherever your customers are willing to buy, including offline stores, online stores, social platforms, and mobile apps. All of these operations are managed through a centralized hub. By reaching more touchpoints, you can create a streamlined shopping experience that will make your customers want to return.
Mobile Shopping
There’s a growing trend towards mobile shopping as mobile users continue to rise. Today, nearly three out of every four dollars spent on online purchases is done through a mobile device. This shopping method is highly convenient for consumers. Without a functioning mobile platform, you could lose a large portion of your target audience.
Social Commerce
Social media is an indispensable part of many people’s daily lives. Capitalizing on social media as a sales tool is sensible for your business. As social media platforms continue to build more features that allow consumers to make purchases, here are a few key ways you can take advantage:
- Choose social platforms based on your target audience and customer behavior analysis.
- Use paid advertising and in-app shopping features to generate sales.
- Personalize your customer interactions by tagging products in posts and linking them in messages.
- Track your success through the social media platform’s analytics and website referral traffic.
Flexible Payment Methods
In today’s online marketplace, consumers depend on multiple payment methods to make a purchase. The more payment methods you offer, the higher your sales will be. Customers have different needs, so they’re likely to cancel a sale if they can’t find a suitable payment method.
To cater to your customers, your merchants should consider the following practices:
- Adopting e-wallet payment.
- Executing interest-free financing solutions.
- Implementing one-click payment options.
Accessibility
Making your app and website more accessible isn’t just an ethical responsibility but a strategy that will enhance your business. At least 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a recognized disability. Whether it’s an auditory, visual, neurological, speech, or cognitive impairment, your eCommerce presence should accommodate each of your unique customers.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines have set technical standards for developers to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. Improving accessibility will simultaneously widen your audience and help you avoid legal repercussions.
Multiple Fulfillment and Shipping Options
Ecommerce fulfillment is often an afterthought for busy merchants, but consumers have come to enjoy the flexibility of having a range of fulfillment and shipping options. As eCommerce demand rises, so do the expectations for speedy delivery. Understanding how these expectations shape customer preferences will help you differentiate yourself among competitors.
Many clients enjoy flat rate shipping, which refers to a fixed price for product delivery. You might also consider offering free shipping as a proven way to increase sales. Today, many stores also have free in-store pickup options that are sometimes faster or more convenient for customers. Having a range of options will help your business remain competitive.
Boost Sales with REVITY Marketing Agency
If you’re looking to adopt eCommerce trends that will take your brand to the next level and boost sales, the experts at REVITY Marketing Agency are here for you. We understand how important it is to have a strategy that aligns your content with your core values and your audiences’ needs. We offer a full-service support system that includes everything from web design and branding to website maintenance and support.
If you’re ready to grow your business, we’re here to help! Contact us today for a free marketing proposal and learn more about our services and pricing. We’re looking forward to speaking with you!
