With 2015 already half gone, the e-commerce trends predicted for this year have confirmed their presence and effect in the business.
It is obvious that mobile buying and marketing are the way to go. Mobile optimization is therefore a must, especially since Google’s new algorithm requests it since April 21. Mobile security alongside offers a sense of reliability and protection for the customers. An optimized and secure mobile shopping experience describes any competitive online business.
Social E-commerce
is also on the rise. Even though the ROI is harder to follow when advertising on social networks, the presence of a brand in this medium boosts its influence. The social media role increases exponentially with every customer that voices his content. An effective marketing tool, social media benefits from the voluntary contribution of the customers. The only twist would be that people also spread their negative impressions and disapproval.
Faster delivery
is another feature that can differentiate an online sales business. Customers love prompt shipping time and it is a sign of versatility to be able to cover delivery in the most up-to-date way. The development of delivery drones revolutionizes the shipping process. Amazon,eBay and other companies are improving their logistics platforms in order to meet customers’ demands.
Space and time are a challenge and the 2015 e-commerce is both going global as well as offering an “always-on” shopping approach. This way customers are able to buy wherever and whenever, via any of their mobile devices of from the comfort of their own homes.
An excellent customer service also manifests itself in the capacity of presenting the services or the products offered in the most efficient manner. Marketing becomes more personalized, based on big data that drives specific campaigns. A micro-trend here is using online quizzes to recommend products. The customer has an enjoyable experience and clarifies his or hers options.
Content marketing
is a tool of huge impact. Creating, publishing and distributing articles, info-graphics (another micro-trend) and video materials is so 2015.
Details about the products, online storytelling, and mesmerizing videos – all recommended. In a world of online entertainment, marketing must step up its game. The online presence of your business must catch the attention of potential customers. Targeted, informational, condensed yet informative materials prove competence and raise interest.
As a persisting trend, buying advertising still remains effective. The advertising industry is adapting and changing along with the customers. The offers now provide more realistic costs and statistics, (for PPC, CPC), partnerships are forging. New algorithms strive to deduce whether a potential customer browses or reads the ads, and the race is open in reliability as well as in aspect.
An ad or an email campaign can convey a sense of stealth and specialization as well as a preoccupation for image. Small rewards are also used as a micro-trend for the customers who engage into actions as a result of the ads. Coupons, discounts, faster delivery, loyalty programs – all give substance to advertising. Featuring customers’ opinions, remembering special dates, empowering visitors through various methods – all increase the connection and personalize the shopping experience.
Mixing the online and the in-store experience is also among the current e-commerce trends
“Buy online pick up in store” or blending in IoT with e-commerce in innovative ways might be trends beyond 2015, extending to the future. The traditional store adds to its hands-on experience the digitization of information provided (see BLE, NFC technologies).
Developing secure mobile payment modalities completes both an online store experience as well as a traditional one. Various shopping apps enhance the act of finding out about a product and getting more information. Remembering what we liked is also facilitated by technology.
2015’s e-commerce seems to try to make the shopping experience as fast and enjoyable as possible. From product presentation to payment and delivery, the entire process is online, mobile, digitized and entertaining. Innovation is ongoing in this field.
All the customer has to do is manifest his or her will to buy, in response to this dynamic environment.
