Ecommerce is now a mainstream industry for people of all ages. From books to clothing and groceries, we can get almost anything delivered to our doors, all within a few days of clicking the “order” button on a desktop computer or a smartphone app.
2021 has been an interesting year for many businesses across the globe. From major advancements in technology, digitalisation, changing the way consumers shop to different sets of challenges with supply chains, the last 12 months have kept both business owners on their toes to continue providing their services and products to their target audience.
We are now in our third year of the ongoing pandemic even though, there are now signs of a slow down in cases, relaxed restrictions and more and more customers returning to physical stores and spaces. However, the question remains, what are some of the new emerging trends that will define Ecommerce in 2022? More importantly, how can entrepreneurs and businesses adapt and take advantage it for their own business model strategy?
The following are some predictions on what will be critical to both Ecommerce and businesses alike, to stay on top of their competitors and to boost their sales in 2022.
Integrate social media into your website
While your Ecommerce website is where the sales occur, social media is where you can also generate leads and continue to update your existing customer database. Being active on social media not just helps build brand awareness, but it can also increase direct traffic towards your website. Facebook and Instagram now allow their users to browse easily and purchase products directly and that is something worth adding for your brand or business.
With the maturing of the influencer industry, the next step for social media platforms is to provide help to influencers and brands to sell to consumers easily and effectively.
Voice search & chatbots
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a lot of hype around voice commerce. If you are not familiar with the concept, it involves using your own voice to search and shop online with a smart device. Using voice assistant tools like Siri or even Google voice search allows consumers to find exactly what they are looking for, and to make a purchase without having to even touch or type the exact keywords.
Chatbots save people’s time greatly, providing an accurate response in a matter of seconds. A chatbot also collects and analyses user-written information and, based on the input data gives relevant answers to specific customer requests.
Diverse payment methods
If your business accepts payment only via check or credit or debit card, then it may well be time to consider other new payment options for your business. Many online retailers now use tools that allow consumers to buy with different payment services at no extra cost. Customers would want the option to choose their preferred payment method during the checkout process.
Businesses that diversify their payment technology are more likely to build trust, reduce cart abandonment, and encourage shoppers to spend more. Interest-free financing solutions like buy now pay later as well as seamless 1-click payment options will continue to grow in popularity and appeal to shoppers looking for more flexibility with their online shopping.
Augmented Reality, new tech, and the future of Ecommerce
In 2022, businesses will continue to experiment with new technology and innovations to stand out from the competition. Features like product visualizers, product builders, 3D mapping, and augmented reality make it even easier for customers to visualize, explore and to “try out” products and services online. This elevated product merchandising helps to recreate the experience of being in a physical shop that many shoppers crave while giving them an engaging and easy buying experience.
Some examples of AR Ecommerce include virtually trying on glasses frames, placing a piece of furniture in a room to see how it’ll look, and applying various makeup products to see what compliments your skin tone. A great example of this technology is Sephora’s app, where it allows their users to ‘try’ makeup products using their mobile devices.
Mobile Ecommerce
Since the start of the pandemic, many people have been using their mobile devices to shop online and this is expected to grow by 68%, as mobile commerce will drive almost 50% of those e-commerce sales in 2022.
To stay ahead, your business needs to create an easy and engaging experience for mobile shoppers. A solid mobile commerce experience will keep customers coming back for more and ensure sales growth in many years to come. Consider including things like push notifications, SMS, mobile content, a mobile Ecommerce app and a mobile-optimized website.
Several Ecommerce business strategies will help you get different results. At Hashtaqs we can help you with the right combination of strategies. We can also help you to keep up-to-date with new-age technology and stand out from the competition.
Hashtaqs uplifts business through brand transformation and marketing advisory and implementation online and offline, internationalisation through business matching and community development.
Our consultancy work is supportable with the funding scheme of up to 80% for local SG businesses. Contact us for a consultation at +65 8868 1418 or email us at [email protected]. For more info, visit www.hashtaqs.com
