7 eCommerce trends for 2019
Quick Summary Many companies have chosen to give up brick-and-mortar stores to pursue an eCommerce-only business model to keep up with how people like to shop. This trend has led to consolidation in industries, where one online shop can now service the customers of many local shops. As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, it can be […]
Many companies have chosen to give up brick-and-mortar stores to pursue an eCommerce-only business model to keep up with how people like to shop. This trend has led to consolidation in industries, where one online shop can now service the customers of many local shops.
As the eCommerce landscape continues to evolve, it can be difficult for business owners, leaders, and marketers to know which strategies to implement next. Here are some eCommerce trends for 2019 to consider:
Chatbots
Customers want instant access to customer support, no matter what time of the day they choose to shop. Unless you need to maintain 24-hour staffing anyway, using a chatbot on your website that can answer common questions is one of the most popular eCommerce trends of 2019. At the very least, a chatbot can capture relevant customer information for your sales team to follow up with the next business day.
A chatbot can capture relevant customer information for your sales team to follow up with the next business day.
Long-Form Content
As Google search engine algorithms have become more sophisticated, shifts in quality and quantity have developed. It is better to have longer, more valuable content on your eCommerce site than short, generic posts. You can improve your website’s search placement and customer experience by increasing the amount of written content on product description pages or creating buying guides for potential customers to use to make buying decisions.
Video on Product Description Pages
Product descriptions are critically important to selling products on your eCommerce website, which is why companies are putting video presentations on product description pages. Video content provides the customer with a better way to experience the product to inform buying decisions. Many customers find video product descriptions and demonstrations more informative than written content.
Video content provides the customer with a better way to experience the product to inform buying decisions.
Augmented Reality
Companies are taking advantage of technology enhancements to offer augmented reality experiences. For example, customers looking for furniture can use an augmented reality app to see how a couch will look in their homes, which makes it easier for customers to find the right product for their needs.
Social Proof and Reviews
Customers love seeing examples of your product in the real world. Social proof and reviews can help them assess products and services. This can be a less biased way of evaluating products, and they seem more reliable to customers. Another benefit of social proof is the ability to improve the conversion rates of those visiting your website. Integrate social proof on product pages, as well as for your company as a whole on your home or about pages. A great service for this is Yotpo, which offers both social feeds and reviews.
Customers love seeing examples of your product in the real world.
Loyalty and Rewards
Loyalty and rewards programs effectively create repeat customers. By offering benefits exclusive to loyal customers, you can create a steady customer base. This gives your company stability by creating consistent income. Two great services for loyalty rewards are Loyalty Lion and Yotpo.
Influencers
Using influencers can give your products credibility and exposure that you can’t get elsewhere. Sending a popular YouTube channel or blogger free products and a small fee for a review can increase sales. For products that need demonstrations, this can be invaluable. But be careful and choose your influencers wisely. Just because they have a lot of followers, doesn’t mean the influencer has good engagement. Do your research and test before you commit to a larger campaign.
Using influencers can give your products credibility and exposure that you can’t get elsewhere.
ECommerce will continue to be a crucial part of most businesses’ sales strategy. It has a low cost and is easy to maintain. Keeping up with the latest trends can yield the best results when it comes to eCommerce.
References
Shopify – Ecommerce Trends 2019
Business.com – Ecommerce Trends 2019
Forbes – 3 Emerging Ecommerce Trends Freelancers Can Take Advantage Of
