The years 2020 and 2021 derailed the progress of the eCommerce sector from the total halt in supply chain operations to difficulties in global shipping. It was an unfavourable period for eCommerce business owners.
However, this barrier did not stop retailers as they found a way to sprout amid the thorns to meet up to the ever-rising expectations of consumers.
Businesses moved rapidly from their normal operation mode to focus on methods that will promote online retail sales, and the driving factor to this change was the use of technology.
To ensure consumer’s get an amazing shopping experience amidst the lockdown, several changes, updates, and developments took place, giving rise to a new trend of eCommerce shopping experience.
Here are some of the eCommerce trends in 2022:
The Use of Chatbots
Two-thirds of the average shopper has contacted a chatbot, and one-third have solved their troubles immediately.
Chatbots were incorporated into shopping websites to ensure consumers get immediate answers to any of their questions. They were developed and encoded with helpful links and information to allow users to get an immediate response in the absence of a human assistant.
Chatbots are predictable as they only respond with answers provided by the software developers. The use of chatbots has helped solve 33% of customers’ needs and is predicted to replace human assistance in years to come.
Live and controversial shopping
The use of technology is limitless as it has occupied a considerable part of our daily activities. Due to its consistent availability and the ability to affect human cognition, the eCommerce sector has utilised this by creating live shopping.
Live shopping is similar to a normal shopping experience; however, it takes place virtually, and users get to pick whatever catches their eye.
Recent statistics showed more than 100 Instagram users visit their favourite brand pages daily, and over 50% pick an interest in at least one product.
Social Media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram have now created shopping sites in their platforms to allow users to connect with their friends and families and shop simultaneously.
Personalised Products Marketing
Have you noticed when you add a product to your cart, you get to see similar products or manufacturers almost immediately—if so, that is the power of personalised product marketing.
It allows users to choose from many to satiate their insatiable needs. You get to see millions of your favourite products, allowing you to make better choices or spend ostentatiously.
A survey by Invesp showed over 40% of online shoppers purchased a product with no intention of buying. This proves personalised recommendation has allowed for the sales of more products than regular form, as it’s more personalised and streamlines the user’s need to what they currently need.
Diversifying payment methods
Millions of financial startups and software development organisations have allowed for better payment methods, which have fortunately caught the attention of online shoppers. To meet this preexisting trend, eCommerce retailers have included hundreds of possible payment methods to suit the customers. Experts believe this trend is here to stay in 2022 and even beyond.
Mobile Sales
There are more mobile phone users than a PC or laptop. However, most eCommerce platforms are web-based, making shopping difficult for consumers as they need to get access to a laptop before they can access the shopping site.
After several recommendations and development, more shopping websites are now mobile-friendly bags users can be at work, in school, or anywhere shopping conveniently.
Video Marketing
The average customer is visually pleasing and hence needs visually-pleasing products to catch their attention. Fortunately, there is no better way to sell than videos that show what the customer is to expect when they purchase a product.
Instagram and Tiktok have been the major sites for video marketing due to their reach, facilities, and aesthetics.
Hence, clear, interactive, or funny marketing videos in ads and social media platforms prompt users to make a purchase, optimising sales, engagement, and revenue.
Independent Businesses
In a bid to stop corporatism, online customers have resorted to purchasing local businesses to move funds from the hands of the rich to the hands of the common.
This action may have been fueled by the pandemic where one of the World’s richest men, Jeff Bezos, earned billions of dollars in minutes. This made consumers divert their funds to independent manufacturers who lost or quit their jobs during the pandemic.
This decision has spawned a 13% increase in independent businesses, and the patronage has been immense. It’s safe to safe this trend is here to stay in 2022.
Eco Friendly Products
With the current news about Earth’s climatic condition and the increased consumption and usage of plastic, consumers are now taking a stand to reverse the damage by patronising products with sustainability.
Products with meaning, emotions, made from refurbished wastes are starting to gain attention from users as they now feel that they are a part of a change.
Hence, brands that advocate for sustainability and use environmental-friendly products are two times more likely to get more patronage to big commercial franchises.
Increase the use of Google My Business
Google My Business is a free Google-based tool that allows business owners to engage their customers easily by integrating Google Maps and Search to match your business location.
It allows users to boost videos and pictures showing what they offer and allows customers to return list reviews on their experience. It is an easy way for customers to reach out to you.
Google My Business’s immense benefits and free use has allowed users to take charge of its features to benefit their businesses coverage around their locality.
