Let’s face it – keeping up with technological changes is difficult. It is especially difficult if you constantly re-evaluate your audience’s buying habits and align your marketing strategy to match. Running an eCommerce business is all about finding the right balance and maintaining your momentum.
Change is inevitable in digital marketing; the ability to master the ever-changing field is one of the most sought-after management skills. The tempo of change is constantly quickening in the world of eCommerce – which is why we share the latest trends in this fluid industry below.
1. Buy now, pay later (BNPL)
Many retail websites have adopted what is known as buy now pay later (BNPL) options; ads from payment providers like these show up everywhere.
BNPL options are largely driven by younger shoppers and are a great way to delay payments or schedule them over a longer timeframe (bi-weekly, monthly installments, etc.).
2. Conversion rate optimization (CRO)
The science behind conversion rate optimization (CRO) is definitely not new; however, it’s still a trend worth emphasizing in terms of eCommerce sales and marketing alignment.
CRO is closely tied to UX technology and how to make the most out of every website element to ensure better conversion rates.
Many eCommerce website owners have shifted their focus from getting tons of traffic to making the most out of their existing traffic by placing A/B testing elements, improving page speed, and adding more calls to action (CTAs) in certain areas.
3. Headless content management systems (CMS)
The best way to describe a headless content management system (CMS) is as back-end-only content that mainly acts as a content repository.
Marketers have found that the headless approach eliminates potential barriers that might slow down a website and enhances customer expectations.
Headless CMS solutions prioritize content split between back-end UI and API integrations hosted on web servers that work with custom templates that allow for the production of responsive content.
4. Transparency about charges
Back in the day, the checkout page was where most customers found out about hidden costs and additional charges. Nowadays, eCommerce business owners are more transparent about all fees, charges, and taxes.
A great example is the sales tax for eCommerce, which is a tax that businesses must charge and collect from online customers. The tax law has been updated in many countries to acknowledge digital behavior, especially since doing business no longer means having a physical storefront or warehouse.
5. Retargeting ads
If you are trying to find effective ways to increase your revenue from ads, you should certainly leverage eCommerce retargeting and win back visitors who have already engaged with your website.
Retargeting is far from a new concept or trend. However, you must have good marketing collateral for it to work. Say you have hosted an evergreen webinar but did not get as many conversions as you hoped.
With retargeting ads, you can prepare marketing collateral that sums up the idea behind your webinar along with the offer and call to action (CTA). Use those ads to (re)target all attendees.
6. Personalization
Personalizing your eCommerce products is a great way to increase your revenue; after all, what buyer doesn’t like free stuff?.
Start by personalizing your emails – address the subscriber by their name at least twice (once in the introduction and once in the body of the email). Doing so will certainly boost your open rates.
Next, provide relevant product recommendations and sections like “visitors also viewed.”. Finally, add options to personalize your products as gifts or markets in specific geographic locations or areas.
All of these will boost your CTR and help with your eCommerce sales and marketing alignment.
7. Chatbots
Chatbots are one of the most refined forms of customer support software solutions available out there. For those new to this concept, an eCommerce chatbot is an AI-powered intelligent virtual assistant you can implement in every eCommerce store to engage customers at each stage of their journey,
The growth of chatbots over the past decade revolutionized the retail sector, transforming how people buy and sell online. Their convenience and ability to resolve problems quickly fill many gaps.
Chatbots elevate the shopping experience for customers while also building brand authority and helping brands attract more visitors.
8. Augmented reality (AR)
Another futuristic trend worthy of our attention is augmented reality (AR), which is already having a big year in the eCommerce world. The reason behind this popularity is simple – AR creates interactive and engaging experiences for customers.
Augmented reality also gives consumers an immersive experience and allows them to have real-time interaction with products all while they remain at the comfort of their own home.
For example, some eyewear companies provide features on their websites that show you how certain pairs of sunglasses fit your face through your front camera.
Similarly, there are ways to visualize furniture in your room with your rear camera, and AR experiences where you try on jewelry without having to go in the store. Augmented reality is a trend worth exploring, and one that can set your business apart from your competition.
Final words
Businesses nowadays must dive deeper into the problems that could be stifling sales. Many problems in the eCommerce world can be attributed to outdated technologies and a lack of automation. We hope that the trends above helped you grasp the innovative ways you can elevate your eCommerce brand and increase your revenue. Good luck!
