If 2020 proved anything is that having an eCommerce website is the way to go. As a market that continues to grow, retail eCommerce sales worldwide amounted to 4.28 trillion US dollars last year, and its revenue is projected to increase to 5.4 trillion US dollars in 20221, and according to eMarketer, it’s expected to reach 6.5 trillion US dollars in 20252. These are some of the reasons why staying up to date on the latest eCommerce trends is crucial.  

You might find yourself asking “what are the trends in eCommerce and how can I use them to my favor?”. Here, we’ll give you the insight on eCommerce trends that will continue to shape 2021, making websites more appealing and captivating. 

Think as your costumer would, prioritize convenience. Optimizing your website’s navigation, speed, checkout process, etc.  This to help you improve details such as website design, functionality, and of course, increasing your conversion rate.  

  1. Mobile Shopping (and Payments) 

According to SimiCart, 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase online using their mobile phone in the last 6 months. This year, mobile ecommerce sales are expected to make 54% of total ecommerce sales. 

What does this tell us? That your eCommerce website SHOULD be responsive and adapt to different devices, including phones and tablets. Avoid missing out on sales opportunities, while making it easier for your customers to pay for their purchase implementing the use of e-wallets. 

However, the way you design your website depends on what kind of business model you work with. Some organizations benefit more from designing their website focusing first on a mobile design, rather than a desktop website design.  

For example, nowadays customers that shop for clothes, makeup, or skin care are more likely to purchase through their phones. So, while having a functional and aesthetically pleasing desktop website is important, you must first determine whether your audience focuses on mobile or desktop. Defining this, will help you center the attention where it’s going to give you better results. 

And remember, a consumer’s decision is sometimes influenced by searching additional information about a product online via their smartphone! 

 

2. Chatbot  Implementation

Start using this AI tool now to improve customer experience! The results from this study expect the global chatbot market to reach around 1.25 billion U.S dollars in 2025, eCommerce having a big a big part of its growth. 45% of customers have reported chatbots as their main option for customer support requests. 

Chatbots can support your customers’ experiences by giving them recommendations for what they should purchase next based on their previous products, it can provide instant customer service 24/7, chatbots can reengage past customers to encourage them to buy again, and even boost loyalty with post-purchase experiences, such as shipping updates, tutorials, coupons, and more. They definitely make the online shopping experience a better one! 

 

3. Increased use of AI and machine learning 

The need for inclusivity is growing more and more. One of the takes on this subject is the use of AI and machine learning in order to make it easier on customers to browse eCommerce websites.  

For example, applying voice-enabled search is a helpful way to optimize user experience, helping customers to access their products without much effort: hands, keyboard and mouse-free.  

According to this Vivipins article, voice shopping will see a growth of 40 billion U.S dollars by the year 2022. 

AI tools can also help as virtual assistants like managing inventory, making inventory predictions, or executing critical tasks to help make business faster, ensuring good customer service while cultivating their loyalty, all based on the consumers’ profile. 

 

4. eCommerce optimization is Key 

As it allows you to be highlighted over your competitors, and offer a better user experience, as well as increasing your conversion rate. 

Depending on the country and the device a person uses, the conversion rate varies. The average eCommerce conversion rate is 2.27%3. Others establish that the average is between 2.10% and 2.95%. Either way, an online store that continuously improves guarantees revenue! 

Analyzing your conversion metrics and making choices from them will mark the path to follow to optimize your eCommerce shop.  

Optimization decisions such as segmenting your audience, inspecting which channels bring more customers to your website and which content leads to most conversions, integrating your eCommerce site with your CRM and CMS will allow you to have an overall view of your organization. 

  

5. Influencers as brand partners 

And no, they don’t have to be big influencers. Sometimes micro-influencers are more effective! 

Most eCommerce businesses have trouble keeping up with content creation that actually brings new customers to their websites, that’s where influencer marketing works to support other efforts. 

Contacting local or micro-influencers that are close to your niche and share your brand’s values, building a mutually beneficial relationship with them while giving them the freedom to create honest content will help you showcase your brand to new possible consumers.  

Their content will give be a one-to-one method of communicating with their audience, that will eventually reflect as customers. 

 

Tell us, which eCommerce trends will you be implementing this 2021?