Electronic commerce has become a truly massive industry. As a growing number of consumers are now employing the Internet to purchase goods and services, companies have taken to the virtual world in order to leverage the power of this global marketplace. What can we expect to witness during the remainder of 2018 and beyond? This is an important question to ask, as its answers will help to shape the future of countless budding businesses.
1. No Signs of Slowing Down
The rise of user-friendly ecommerce platforms is an undeniable fact. This directly correlates with the growth that experts predict will take place. Some believe that the market share of this industry will increase by more than 246 per cent between 2018 and 2021. Stores which are unable to connect with their online demographic stand do lose a significant amount of revenue. So, there is no better time than the present to establish a firm digital footprint within this promising domain.
2. The Native Shopping Experience
Many consumers are becoming increasingly fickle in terms of which platforms they utilise to perform online shopping. They are slowly moving away from third-party point of sale systems. In other words, consumers prefer to purchase a product without navigating to a separate checkout centre. This is why online e-commerce providers such as Shopify have included on-site purchasing applications; saving time and providing a superior sense of convenience.
3. Automated Ordering
Time is money and this statement is just as valid in reference to online shopping. Clients are now leaning towards automated systems when browsing for products and completing a purchase. The benefits of fast and simple platforms far outweigh outdated architecture that is unable to quickly meet the needs of the end user. Auto-complete forms, “smart” search fields and the ability to immediately recall the past interests of a customer are three notable examples of how automation can improve the overall shopping experience.
4. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence?
In truth, the organic appeal of a human at the other end of a customer service desk will always be present. It is still a fact that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly pivotal role. This is especially notable when examining modern chat widgets. Advanced algorithms are better able to understand human queries and input. In turn, the customer will be directed to the appropriate representative as opposed to being shuffled around within a generic help engine.
5. Voice Searches
40 per cent of the millennial generation is now utilising voice technologies when searching for a product. This hands-off method is perfect for those who lead otherwise extremely busy lives. Online businesses that are unable to incorporate this technology into their current e-commerce solutions could be jeopardising long-term (and profitable) customer relationships.
These five online shopping trends will certainly make waves within the 2018 digital community. Appreciating their importance today will enable you to enact the appropriate changes tomorrow.