Right now, the best strategy for growth is investing in an online store. To provide customers with the best experience, sellers need to know what their customers expect from their online presence.

Below, you can read about some of the most important current trends in ecommerce.

Cashless Payments

Cashless payments are currently the dominant form of payment, not only online. Users are receiving more and more payment apps that connect directly to their credit cards and do not require transaction fees. Consumers prefer to pay for online orders using bank accounts or payment apps. This is the best solution, as customers only need to pick up the package from the courier or a parcel locker. It also helps them avoid physical contact with others and reduces the risk of infection.

Chatbot

Most websites offer a chat feature through Facebook Messenger. Currently, around 2.6 billion people use Facebook, meaning most website users have a Facebook account. A chatbot provides a communication channel directly on the website, allowing consumers to receive answers in a reasonably short time. Most online stores have email inboxes or other social media platforms, but users may struggle to find this information and rarely receive immediate responses from the company.

A chatbot enables direct conversation on the website, quickly resolving any doubts shoppers may have, and increasing the chances of successful purchases at your store.

Social Media Integration

To grow more effectively, sellers also need accounts on other social media platforms. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter... these are some of the most popular choices. Being present on various platforms helps increase your brand's popularity and recognition.

Social media also offers advertising services, enabling the store to reach more customers. Building an online store can be expensive, especially for small businesses, so creating a Facebook page or Instagram account seems like an ideal option. Customers can receive updates on promotional events and browse products in the store.

Eco-Friendly

More and more people are choosing a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Shopping habits show a more conscious choice to purchase environmentally friendly products. Sustainable brands are growing 5-6 times faster. Try to create campaigns that show you care about the environment. During shipping, avoid plastic packaging and opt for materials like recycled paper or organic fabrics. Transitioning to a "greener" image will attract consumers and protect the environment at the same time.

Personalization

Growing your store is not only about product quality but also about customer service. It’s challenging to respond to all customer messages, especially during the sales season, which is why sellers often provide an automatic message feature on their website. While this helps retailers save time and effort, it’s a good idea to make the messages as personalized as possible. Customers may feel uncomfortable when messages sound like they were written by a robot. Try adding elements like the customer’s name so that your consumers see a customer-oriented mindset in your store.

Video Marketing

Another trend in ecommerce that companies can't overlook is video marketing. Video is the perfect combination of images and words. Customers can more easily visualize products because they often feel that photos are unreliable. Moreover, watching a video is faster and less tiring than scrolling through a long article about the store and its products. The video should have engaging and intriguing content. Some key points should include product features, how to use them, and why they are worth buying.

Industry Expansion

Online shopping is now possible for a wide variety of products: fresh produce (vegetables, fruits), health supplements, household essentials (cleaning supplies, furniture). Shoppers enjoy having their orders delivered directly to their doors. They don’t have to waste time traveling to the store, shopping, and returning home. They can spend more time enjoying their day. Everything happens now with just one click. No more waiting in line at the checkout, going through several stores just for bread, or searching for a parking spot. All these problems disappear with the help of technology.

Voice Search

Voice commands can be a new feature introduced on your website. It saves time because consumers don’t have to locate a button, and the payment process can be completed within seconds.

Shopping has never been so quick and easy.

Visual Commerce

Good photos make online shopping feel like walking through a store. All companies strive to display high-quality images. Some even add 360-degree visualizations. This is another new trend to make products as realistic as possible. Building a brand image on Instagram and Pinterest is also a new trend, as these platforms are popular for sharing and posting photos.

The search filter should also include an image option to make it easier to find the right product.

SUMMARY

Keeping up with the latest ecommerce trends is essential to staying competitive and increasing customer engagement. By focusing on growth and other channels of consumer interaction, you ensure that both you and your product are visible online.