eCommerce is a constantly changing industry with evolving technologies, trends, and an enhanced competitive environment. The Covid 19 pandemic led to unprecedented lifestyle changes, giving a surge in the adoption of the eCommerce industry. Government rules for lockdown, social distancing, etc. made it compulsory for retail buyers to prefer online shopping. Physically visiting the stores became the least priority for buyers. Many businesses were left with no option but to shut their physical store and build an online store to keep it running.
According to a statistic, since the beginning of the pandemic, the US eCommerce industry revenue skyrocketed from $516.5 million in 2019 to $767.7 million in 2021.
Though the supply chain industry witnessed a significant disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic. The global online sales growth is expected to continually rise and take up a significant market share in the future. This makes eCommerce not only a choice but a necessity. And to keep up with the global eCommerce trends is a must to stand out in the fierce competition.
In this article, we will list the top 5 trends that we think will be great in the year 2022. Pro tip - You can hire eCommerce app developer to stay ahead in the market.
Headless Commerce
Headless and API-driven eCommerce will be the unavoidable trend for eCommerce growth in 2022. Headless refers to the architecture behind an eCommerce solution wherein the front-end is decoupled from the back-end infrastructure. Headless commerce will facilitate the store owners to separate the digital storefront from systems and engines that power online business. This is based entirely on making use of a storefront API to connect the customer touchpoint to the back-end operations.
Headless and API-driven technology is the technology trend that is being highly adopted by online businesses. The freedom of flexibility on CMS and SEO, easy integrations, enhanced personalization, better speed, etc., are the significant factors leading to this technology's adoption. Seamlessly deliver better CX across multiple channels with headless commerce as it allows making changes to one without disrupting the other. The separation of the front-end and the back-end makes it easier to utilize proper tools and methods efficiently. It also helps to convert visitors to customers in the store.
Undeniably, the headless and API-driven technology might cost a bit higher in terms of time and effort. But the benefits are worth enough to let this trend grow in the future.
Online Shopping with in-store Experience
A hybrid experience of a physical store and online shopping is expected to set newer trends in the eCommerce industry. The pandemic has revolutionized shopping on the entire planet. It has encouraged retail vendors to figure out ways to bridge the gap between physical and digital shopping experiences. Thanks to technological advancements, online customers can have an in-shop experience.
With the help of Augmented Reality(AR), achieving this trend becomes more straightforward and more accessible than ever. This is the technology that helps offer online shoppers a true sense of the product, making purchasing decisions easier. This technology has been a trendsetter for industries such as home decor, fashion, etc. It lets customers visualize the product without trying it on. It also provides a 3D model of an item for a better idea.
Another technology that can help achieve this trend is chatbots. Not a newly sprung advancement, but it has evolved to be intuitive to help customers like an in-store associate would do. As the chatbot is becoming more and more personalized, it is becoming an effective marketing tool. The evolved chatbot will be a great option to solve shopping issues and guide customers to enjoy a seamless experience.
Omnichannel Experience
Having a business on multiple channels has been the trend for years now. But an enhanced integration of online and offline channels is a growing eCommerce trend. Omnichannel is the approach to commerce that lets the store owners deliver a seamless shopping experience across diverse channels. It also benefits customers with multiple shopping options.
Online might be the customers' preference for now, but it won't end the physical retail. That's why it's recommended that you offer both online and offline channels to customers, rather than completely shutting the physical store. This practice can help take maximum advantage of both the sales channels.
Social Commerce
If your business isn't on social media, you are missing not millions but billions of audience and their attention. Social commerce witnessed initial adoption in the industry last year; it is expected to boom the industry in the upcoming year.
Social commerce is basically the online shopping model wherein buying and selling happen directly within social media platforms. The top candidates for social commerce platforms are Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp. The high number of active users on social platforms makes these potential revenue channels for the eCommerce store owners.
Facebook Shop Integration has become a must for store owners to expand their visibility and gain maximum attention. Facebook lets brands create and customize the online storefront within Facebook and acquire customers through Facebook and Instagram.
Social media platforms becoming a part of our day-to-day life is proof that they will continue to influence the eCommerce trends.
Video Marketing
Video marketing is a medium of marketing that utilizes video to raise awareness, develop engagement and drive sales on an eCommerce store.
The research mentioned that in 2021, 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool compared to only 61% in 2016. Also, 84% of interviewed people said that they’ve been convinced to purchase after watching the brand’s video.
People spending the majority of their time on social media has contributed a lot to the rise of video marketing. When a brand delivers consumer-centered ideas, interactive, relevant content, it engages the customer making video marketing a valued marketing method.
Conclusion
eCommerce is a continuously evolving industry. It has entirely revolutionized the retail industry. To keep up with the advancements, businesses must adopt the latest trends and hire eCommerce app developers to stay ahead of the competition. We assure you that these trends will help tremendously in your eCommerce growth in 2022.