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With eCommerce relying on keeping customers interested and loyal, keeping a pulse on ever-shifting consumer trends is a crucial aspect. You need to know what your customers want and need and how to provide this. However, this isn’t always easy – if it were, every business would be surging in traffic and conversions.
The marketing strategies used by eCommerce businesses need to evolve with consumer behaviour. It’s essential for survival and growth, simple as that, so what can your ecommerce brand do about it?
No matter if you’re a startup or have been around for years, you need to keep moving forward, so below are some insights into adapting your strategies to meet and exceed the expectations of today’s savvy shoppers. Using technology to your advantage and fine-tuning your approach based on actionable data, you can transform your eCommerce marketing for the better. You’ll then be able to easily adapt as new eCommerce marketing trends and behaviours emerge.Top of Form
The eCommerce sector is witnessing a rapid transformation in consumer behaviour driven by technological advancements and shifting societal values. One of the key eCommerce consumer trends continues to be an increasing preference for mobile shopping. Now, while this isn’t anything new to most eCommerce brands, it does continue to show how necessary optimised mobile experiences that are fast, intuitive, and secure are to shoppers.
Consumers are more likely to complete an order after adding to their cart on a mobile device than on desktop, and prefer to browse a website on a mobile or tablet device. Interestingly, this is despite the average order value worldwide being higher on desktop than mobile. According to recent data, consumers want faster delivery where possible and free returns when asked what they would change about online shopping. This shows that the demand for near-instant gratification when buying something is not going anywhere, with shoppers keen not to have to wait too long for items to arrive.
Mobile commerce, or m-commerce for short, is expected to surpass £100 billion by 2025, with 100% of people aged 16 to 54 owning a smartphone in 2023. That means millions of shoppers have access to a smartphone making this their first choice for purchases, with 69% of online shoppers using a mobile compared to 43% using a laptop.
Sustainability is another significant trend, as consumers increasingly favour brands that demonstrate environmental consciousness. 74% of consumers care about the environmental impact of the products they buy, whilst 68% are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products. This highlights the need for eCommerce businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices and transparently communicate these efforts.
Personalisation has also become crucial. Modern consumers expect tailored shopping experiences, from personalised product recommendations to customised marketing messages. Harnessing data analytics to understand individual preferences and predict buying behaviours can greatly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Lastly, the desire for flexible payment options is growing ever stronger. Services like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) are increasingly popular, particularly among younger consumers who appreciate the ability to manage their spending more effectively. The amount of BNPL transactions worldwide is predicted to increase by nearly $450 billion by 2026, with Klarna having around 150 million active users, dwarfing the nearest competitor Afterpay who has about 16 million active users.
So, these are just a few of the latest eCommerce marketing trends that your strategy can learn from. Not only to increase relevance and appeal but also to drive significant growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
The latest technology enables businesses to adapt to and capitalise on changing consumer behaviour in eCommerce. AI plays a pivotal role here, enhancing customer experiences through personalised shopping journeys and optimised search functionalities. AI can analyse customer data to predict trends and suggest products, thereby increasing conversion rates.
Augmented reality (AR) is another technological game-changer, offering customers a ‘try-before-you-buy’ experience from the comfort of their homes. For instance, AR can allow shoppers to visualise how furniture might look in their living room or how a pair of glasses fits their face, significantly reducing the hesitation associated with online purchases.
Not only this, but automated chatbots and virtual assistants mean AI can provide real-time customer service, answering queries and offering assistance at any hour. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also streamlines operations and reduces overhead costs. Embracing these technologies allows eCommerce businesses to remain competitive and responsive.
Being able to effectively leverage consumer behaviour data is crucial for tailoring eCommerce strategies and enhancing customer engagement. Here are some practical strategies for doing so:
Implement Advanced Analytics Tools – Use sophisticated analytics platforms to gather and analyse data across various touchpoints. They can help your business track consumer browsing habits, purchase history, and feedback, providing a comprehensive view of customer preferences and consumer behaviour in eCommerce.
Segment Your Audience – Divide your customer base into distinct segments based on demographics, purchasing behaviours, and preferences. This segmentation allows for more targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with specific groups, increasing relevance and engagement.
A/B Testing – Regularly test different aspects of your website and marketing emails with A/B testing tools to see what appeals most to your audience. This can include variations in product placement, pricing strategies, email marketing messages, and more. The results of this can help you to refine and optimise your eCommerce tactics.
Predictive Analytics – This can help your business forecast future buying behaviours based on historical data. You’ll be able to anticipate market trends, manage inventory more efficiently, and develop proactive marketing strategies that align with expected consumer actions.
Enhance Customer Experience (CX) – Utilise the insights gained from consumer data to optimise the user experience on your eCommerce site. This might involve simplifying the checkout process, enhancing the mobile site experience, or personalising the UI.
To thrive, businesses must use innovative marketing strategies that resonate with modern consumers. Here are some of the ways you can enhance your eCommerce marketing efforts:
It’s an ever-evolving landscape when it comes to eCommerce. Your marketing approach requires agility and a deep understanding of consumer trends. Of course, this can be easier said than done. However, if you can embrace technology and use consumer behaviour data to your advantage, it’s not impossible, and your business will be able to craft personalised experiences that resonate with today’s shoppers.
Implementing the practical marketing tips discussed including SEO optimisation can significantly enhance your brand’s reach and appeal. To succeed in getting on top of eCommerce consumer behaviour, you’ll need flexibility and ongoing adaptation. Always be ready to adjust your strategy, and if you need help doing so, our digital marketing agency is well-placed to assist – we are Ecommerce Agency of the Year 2023 for good reason!
Contact the team today and we’ll be happy to discuss how to transform your strategy for the better. For more insights, please check out our blog, where you can learn all about factors influencing consumer buying decisions, and 8 email marketing campaigns every eCommerce business needs.
