E-Commerce has revolutionized retail, making it easier for modern customer to shop online. In the beginning, e-Commerce had relatively limited options, but not now. Whether it's customization, improved return policies, or improved integration, all of these changes have taken the world of e-Commerce by storm. And the year 2021 is here to further transform the world of e-Commerce.
Wondering what the future of e-Commerce looks like? Want to see what trends will affect the success of your online business? Here are the top 5 e-Commerce trends for 2021 that you need to watch out for.
1. The Future Of Electronic Commerce After COVID-19
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest impacts - if not the biggest - on e-Commerce trends is COVID-19. As governments around the world close shops and blockade to curb social movement for months to fight coronavirus, more and more people are turning to online shopping to buy goods.
And experts predict that the impact of coronavirus will not only be a short-term boost in e-Commerce, but also one that will remain, even after COVID-19. This is because people will enjoy the convenience and benefits of contactless payments, which are likely to cause a lasting shift in behaviour towards digital shopping.
2. Pay Attention To The Categories
In 2020, several "categories of pandemic shopping" emerged as leaders in packaging. Basic goods, on-site entertainment and domestic projects recorded a record year, but the biggest standout categories are food.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, many stores were already building their options for picking up and delivering food orders. Until recently, it was a relatively small niche in the food industry, but growing. However, during the pandemic, data show that the popularity of online food has exploded.
A PwC Global study found that 63% of respondents buy more food online or by phone than before for social distancing, and 86% of respondents are likely to continue to buy food online, even if social distancing measures are removed.
3. Young Consumers To Change The Business Environment
The effect of a coronavirus pandemic on e-Commerce cannot be denied. More than half (54 per cent) of consumers increased their online spending after coronavirus exposure. This shift towards online shopping is reflected in consumers of all ages; this trend of e-Commerce is mainly due to the younger generation.
This means that in the future, as an e-Commerce business owner, you should focus on the younger generation to increase your sales potential. To do so, consider stepping up your social media marketing efforts. More than half of young consumers who buy from independent brands discover them through social media - more than any other age group.
4. Development Of The Role Of Social Media In Electronic Commerce
The number of shoppers on social networks is also growing rapidly. With the introduction of the "Buy" button on Facebook and Instagram Checkout, social media are playing an important role in the world of e-Commerce.
Social media has changed the way we live in everyday life, including the way we buy things. This is a great opportunity for brands to start thinking about how to improve their position on social media, which is a great platform for brand discovery. As consumers spend more time on different types of social media, e-Commerce businesses can get help from influential Instagram people to increase their chances of being discovered by target audiences.
The video-sharing application is working to incorporate e-Commerce elements, and its latest efforts include testing a new feature that allows users to include buyable links in their profiles or videos. This means that users who click on a link will be redirected to a URL in TikTok itself or another application without having to leave the application to access the site.
These social media platforms act as channels for inspiration and allow brands to discover opportunities as people navigate their channels. As social media continues to become a regular part of our daily lives, its ability to influence e-Commerce trends will only increase. Therefore, brands must take a shopping approach to their social media strategy.
5. Augmented Reality Is Changing The Way We Shop
By 2022, more than 120,000 stores will be using Augmented Reality (AR) technology, offering a much richer shopping experience. The use of RR in this sector will be driven by the workforce in retail and online shoppers. One of the main concerns that people have when shopping online is the inability to see the product with their own eyes. AR technology helps bridge this gap and enable online shoppers to better visualize the products they are interested in.
For online customers, this could be a change of play. The AR experience can change the way online customers perceive the products they want to buy. By using AR, customers will be able to better understand their needs and whether the products they intend to buy meet their requirements. Some e-Commerce brands have already started experimenting with AR, which will help them stand out from the competition. Providing a more personalized experience will enable consumers to shop better online. Companies use AR not only to improve the customer experience but also to allow customers to test and explore products in a way that they would provide in person.
And finally ...
With advances in technology and changes in consumer behaviour, you need to follow these e-Commerce trends in 2021. Whatever e-Commerce trend you decide to do, do so to improve the shopping experience for your customers and build a long-term relationship with them. Take your e-Commerce development to the next level by developing it side by side and taking advantage of these e-Commerce trends.