The Top 5 Business Ecommerce Trends to Watch in 2021
Ecommerce has been on the rise for the past decade, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its growth, making it more of a necessity than an option. With the industry expected to hit $6.5 trillion in sales by 2023, it’s essential for businesses, both small and large, to stay up-to-date with the latest trends to stay ahead of the competition. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 business ecommerce trends to watch in 2021.
1. Mobile Optimization
As smartphones continue to dominate the market, mobile optimization has become crucial. Not only does it help businesses to improve their search engine rankings, but it also provides seamless user experience. Around 72% of consumers make purchases on their mobile devices, and businesses that don’t optimize their mobile sites risk losing potential customers. A mobile-responsive site includes easy-to-click buttons, optimized images, and faster loading times.
2. Personalization
Personalized experiences can greatly influence customer loyalty and brand perception. According to a study by Epsilon, around 80% of customers are more likely to do business with a company that offers personalized experiences. By analyzing data on customer behavior, businesses can tailor their offerings to suit individual needs. This could include personalized product recommendations, targeted email marketing, and customized landing pages.
3. Chatbots
Chatbots are becoming increasingly popular across industries to provide immediate customer service. By incorporating AI-powered chatbots on ecommerce sites, businesses can offer 24/7 customer support. Chatbots use natural language processing to understand customer inquiries, provide instant responses, and guide visitors through their shopping experience. This trend is expected to continue growing, with chatbots projected to save businesses up to $8 billion annually by 2022.
4. Social Commerce
Social commerce is the process of selling products directly through social media platforms. It integrates ecommerce into social media, making it easier for customers to discover products and make purchases without leaving their social media feeds. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have already introduced this feature, and businesses that don’t take advantage of it risk getting left behind. Social commerce also offers businesses an opportunity to increase their brand awareness and reach new audiences.
5. Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is becoming more common in ecommerce, giving customers a more immersive shopping experience. AR allows customers to see how products would look in real-life settings before purchasing them. This technology offers businesses an opportunity to reduce product returns, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase sales. With the expected growth of the AR market projected to reach $198 billion by 2025, businesses that incorporate AR into their ecommerce sites will likely gain a competitive edge.
Conclusion
As businesses continue to navigate the ever-changing ecommerce landscape, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. From mobile optimization to AR, these trends provide businesses with a roadmap for success in 2021 and beyond. By implementing these strategies, businesses can attract new customers, build brand loyalty, and increase sales.
