eCommerce Trends You Need to Know To Stay Ahead Of The Game

Any marketer will tell you that the online retail space is incredibly dynamic, with new trends emerging seemingly overnight. Keeping up with these trends can feel like a full-time job in and of itself. But don’t worry: we’re here to help! Ecommerce has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a limited set of virtual storefronts. As the digital space continues to expand at an alarming rate, marketers must now be knowledgeable about eCommerce trends in order to stay ahead of the game and remain competitive in their field. If you think all this sounds a bit familiar, it’s because we wrote a very similar article last year (and the year before that!). That’s because eCommerce trends don’t change very fast; they tend to ebb and flow over time, coming back stronger than ever every once in a while. And given how much attention eCommerce gets as an industry, it makes sense that we see these same trends pop up again and again.

Ecommerce is Shifting From Digital to Omnichannel

For years, eCommerce marketers have focused exclusively on the digital aspect of the business, optimizing websites and ensuring that every pixel is in its proper place. But now, brands that only offer an online shopping experience are missing out on a large portion of the market. In 2018 and beyond, eCommerce will be about more than just digital storefronts: it will encompass an entire ecosystem of interactions with customers. This omnichannel approach is taking shape in several ways: - - - New technologies are making it easier than ever to integrate multiple channels and create a seamless experience across all platforms. Customers can now conveniently buy products on social media, use chatbots to complete purchases, and have their orders delivered to the exact location they need them to be (whether that’s the couch or their bed).

User Experience Is Becoming Even More Important

When it comes to eCommerce, companies have been focusing on their unique selling propositions (USPs) for decades. With these competitive advantages, brands have been able to stand out from the crowd and win over customers by highlighting unique features and value propositions. But now, as eCommerce has become more commoditized, brands are realizing that their USPs aren’t enough to set them apart from the competition. This is especially true when you consider how many customers are shopping online while they’re also on their smartphones. Now, companies are focusing on the user experience (UX) of their websites and apps. This means making the shopping journey as seamless as possible, providing customers with helpful tools, and making sure that the website doesn’t have any slow loading times or janky page transitions.

The Rise of Smart Assistants

It’s no secret that smart speakers have been dominating the tech scene over the past year or so. Amazon’s Echo, Google Home, and the Apple HomePod have been making headlines and becoming increasingly common household items. And eCommerce brands have taken notice: But what does this mean for eCommerce trends? Well, Amazon’s Alexa in particular has been gaining popularity amongst online shoppers. In fact, Amazon reported that customers who use the Alexa-powered device spend 20% more on average than those who don’t use it. This is because smart assistants make it easier than ever to start online shopping: you can just ask Alexa to order you some new leggings, and she’ll take care of the rest!

Machine Learning and AI Will Lead to Better Recommendations

One of the most common eCommerce trends is the focus on better recommendations. Brands are looking at ways to improve their recommendations and make their shopping experiences more intuitive and personalized. To do this, they’re incorporating machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. AI is allowing brands to process historical data and make predictions about customers’ future shopping behavior. It’s also making it easier to customize products and make them more specific to the needs of a particular shopper. And this isn’t just limited to eCommerce websites either: retailers are also launching voice assistants that let you shop with your voice!

VR and AR Are Here, And They’re Only Getting Bigger!

VR and AR have been a part of the eCommerce landscape for years, but these technologies are only now reaching critical mass. VR and AR are two very different technologies, but they’re both used to engage customers in new ways. VR is an immersive, completely visual experience that allows customers to try products on virtually before they buy them. AR, on the other hand, allows customers to view products in their real-world surroundings, getting a 360-degree view of how an item would look in their home or office. Regardless of the technology you choose, VR and AR can help brands connect with their customers on a deeper level and make the shopping experience even more engaging.

Collaborative Commerce Will Become the Norm

We’ve already established that eCommerce is becoming more and more collaborative. But the rise in collaborative commerce is more than just an increased focus on customer engagement: it’s a fundamental change in the way brands do business. Now that eCommerce is less about having an advantage over competitors and more about providing the best customer experience possible, brands are seeking to partner with other companies. Collaborations can help brands expand their reach and provide their customers with a more extensive selection of products. These partnerships can take many forms: some brands might choose to integrate their technology with another brand’s (like Amazon’s Alexa or Google’s Home), or they might want to sell products made by other businesses. Whatever the case may be, collaborative commerce is here, and it’s only going to become more and more prevalent as the years go on.

Summing up

And with that, we come to the end of our article on the eCommerce trends that you need to know. Now, we’d like to hear from you: which trends resonated with you the most? Do you think any of these will become the next big thing in eCommerce? Whatever your thoughts, we’d love to hear them! You can share your eCommerce insights by leaving a comment below. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends and colleagues who are also working in eCommerce. With these trends in mind, you can ensure that your next campaign is the best it can be!