The time we all spend stuck inside the confines of our homes taught us many things. One of those things is that e-commerce businesses are essential to help people maintain their lifestyles, get access to the things they need without going out, and buy what they want.
As someone who also got stuck at home, you’ve probably used the services of e-commerce businesses more than once. Or you can be someone who manages an e-commerce business. What affected physical stores didn’t extend to the type of business you’re running. Even if it did, the effect isn’t noticeable enough to warrant extreme business decisions.
E-commerce businesses rely heavily on technology to operate. It requires owners to be in tune with the latest technology trends to provide what their customers are looking for—convenience.
Take a look at this list of technology trends that are helping e-commerce businesses:
1. E-wallets
E-wallets allow both customers and businesses to pay and get paid in a new way that doesn’t involve a credit or debit card. The functionality of e-wallets has opened many doors for consumers to purchase items from e-commerce businesses that don’t accept cash or card payments.
This payment method has thousands of platforms customers can choose from, are easy to use, and secure. Consumers get to complete purchases without entering their credit card information, something not all of them is comfortable with.
For businesses, having accessible methods of payment increases the chances of successful transactions. Aside from the ease and safety that comes with having e-wallets as a payment method, consumers will view them as inclusive. This is because not everyone is fond of using credit cards.
2. Product Customization
As consumers go after authenticity, their leaning towards customized products tailored for their preferences is surging. Fortunately, technological innovations in manufacturing are allowing businesses to meet the new demand.
Websites allow customers to create their own designs, submit them for quotation, and wait for their custom products to arrive.
Granted, not all businesses can meet the demand for customized products, but not all consumers like customization.
3. Interactive Online Shopping
Another thing fueling consumers’ love for browsing through racks of products is augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) equipment by e-commerce retailers around the world.
This allows them to provide consumers with the in-store shopping experience without needing to come in person. They can try on products, see them in their actual sizes, all without having to walk into a physical store.
4. CRM Integration
Both online and offline retailers do their best to stay connected to their customers. This means using online marketplaces, e-commerce websites, email, social media, and chatbots to communicate with them and provide the best service type.
Customer relationship management (CRM) is integrated into platforms used by e-commerce retailers to contain consumer data that will help them quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
CRM integration also allows consumers more insight into the origin, location, and status of the products they’ve paid for through reliable shipping application programming interfaces. Giving consumers information about products helps them trust businesses more.
Consumers are also fond of asking questions about products before purchase, which makes being reachable a necessity.
5. Social Media Marketing
Even if you’re still new to managing an e-commerce business, you’re completely aware of how social media and its billions of users can influence your business’s progression. You’re aware that brands flock to social media platforms to entice consumers because you see them doing it all the time.
Your business is no different. You can be a social media marketing anti, but you know the tactic works on consumers. The chances are that social media marketing did its magic on you.
Marketing in social media allows your business to reach wider and global audiences. It poses no barriers, especially when you know how to appease people online. Another way to convert is to add accessible links in your social media campaigns that lead to product pages where customers can efficiently complete purchases.
Will technology continue to control the tide for e-commerce businesses?
Unless we find a better and more convenient alternative, yes, technological innovations pop up faster than consumers themselves can come up with new trends, meaning you can stay on top of your game just by keeping yourself up to date with what’s new and what works for e-commerce businesses.
Being in tune with how much technology helps your business and your customers will help you integrate it into your drive to success. It’s less than likely for technology to make things inconvenient, but the possibilities of something not working are high. So, you should still be mindful of what you apply to your business’ operations.
