MOBILE COMMERCE ON THE ASCENT
Recent reports point towards an increase in mobile adoption; they note that one-thirds of e-commerce orders have been placed through mobile devices. Further, they reveal that the last two years have seen 23% and 12% orders finding their way through tablets and mobile phones. These statistics casts light on the influence of mobile devices on sales. With studies from early 2015 revealing that mobile ecommerce was bound to overtake computers, it becomes evident why mobile experience requires maximum attention.
Like any other segment that deals with technologies, mobile devices will become the focal point of online shopping, perhaps more than ever before. Mobile market penetration is clearly on the rise, and for an online retailer, time could not be better to harp onto a trend that holds such promise. M-commerce has moved leaps and bounds beyond being confined to an add-on to one of the mandatory obligations for an ecommerce adventure.
An aggregate of all the surveys points to the fact that 66 % time spent on ecommerce sites is devoted to mobile devices whereas, 61% of customers tend to leave the site if it isn’t mobile-friendly. In this regard, optimizing the user experience for smart-phones and tablets- not just smaller screens, but multiple devices with different screens, is more of a priority than ever before. Also, the adoption of responsive design will yield major benefits as it is poised to see rapid growth.
CUSTOMER BEHAVIOUR
Consumers are empowered and they know it.
If one considers products that are easily comparable, price will be the deciding factor. With more shopping and shipping options springing up, considerably larger numbers of customers will start buying directly from international sellers which will end up creating a setback for domestic businesses. On the other hand, it will also open up a window for domestic sellers to try and establish their business overseas.
Every facet of the shopping experience is scrutinized, and consumers will be vocal about it. By not delivering on your promises, you are not only putting at stake the buyer’s loyalty but also future prospects of the organisation.
CONTENT- TEXT, VIDEO
With the magic of well-written content, a casual visitor becomes a buyer.
Original and persuasive content will play a vital role in ecommerce. More textual content will fetch more organic traffic, leading to increased sales. Leveraging this knowledge provides businesses a significant marketing advantage over their competitors while providing them an upper hand over organisations that live in denial over the profitable impact of content marketing.
Additionally, it is essential to recognise the fact that online stores have shifted their focus towards content and have begun to give it primary attention on par with aspects such as website design. Following this trend, more ecommerce sites are expected to make effective use of this by coupling commerce and content to keep the customers returning
Videos provide a nearly in-store experience for prospective buyers.
Videos are great tools for delivering high-quality content and drive conversions. A study conducted by Cisco, reveals that 2017 will see videos contributing 70% of consumer internet traffic. Visual presentations conveying product details are expected to have a positive effect on the customers, and this shift has already generated high ROI for the advertising industry.
This year, the focus, in particular will be on mobile video. As mobile-devices become the foremost platform for online shopping, ecommerce retailers will focus more on using it effectively across multiple channels.
PERSONALIZE
Deliver a highly personalized shopping experience to visitors to retain customers.
Shoppers expect every phase of their shopping experience to be more personalized and focused on the target audience. Following this personalization trend lets you prevent your customers from choosing other sellers thereby helping to retain them.
When customers login into a site and they’re suggested personalized products, on the basis of previous searches, the store will have more chances of customers returning, improved sales and ultimately the finest user experience.
SAME DAY SERVICES
Retailers are developing the in-store experience that allows consumers to browse online and pick the product from the store, which is more convenient, cheaper and faster. Even Amazon, which was reluctant to get into same day services for years, has now gone all-in with local delivery hubs.