In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. But with constantly evolving trends and consumer behaviors, it can be challenging to know where to start and you might be wondering – how to increase sales online?
Fear not, fellow ecommerce enthusiasts!
In this guide, we’ll delve into the top 23 ecommerce trends on how to increase ecommerce sales in 2024, armed with actionable tips and real-life case studies to guide your journey.
Ready to propel your sales to new heights? Let’s dive into the world of ecommerce trends and discover the strategies to increase ecommerce sales for your business!
Top 23 Trends to Increase Ecommerce Sales in 2024
Understanding Today's Ecommerce Shoppers: Decoding Their Needs and Behaviors
Online business has become the new norm – people are more eager and willing to buy online then they were a few years ago. In 2021, global online retail sales amounted to almost five trillion U.S. dollars, and it’s forecasted to grow by 56 percent over the next years, reaching about 8.1 trillion dollars by 2026.
To keep up with ever growing competition, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the current market trends and consumer behavior. Today’s shoppers are tech-savvy, value convenience, and are constantly bombarded with marketing messages. They’re also more discerning, seeking out brands that resonate with their values and offer a seamless shopping experience.
Let’s dwell into the best actionable tips for you to boost your revenue and increase ecommerce sales!
#1-7: Marketing strategies to drive growth
#1. Using storytelling and crafting compelling brand stories in marketing
Connect with your audience on a deeper level and build a loyal customer base by sharing relatable and authentic stories about your products and customers. Leverage customer testimonials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a consistent storytelling approach across all channels.
E.g. Allbirds, a sustainable footwear brand, has built a strong brand identity through storytelling. Their website features customer testimonials from individuals who have experienced positive changes in their lives after switching to Allbirds shoes. They also share behind-the-scenes videos that showcase their commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices.
#2. Mastering organic traffic with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Organic search remains very important for ecommerce. By optimizing your website and product pages with relevant keywords you can improve search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic to your store. This, in turn, increases the chances of potential customers discovering your products and making a purchase.
Here are some things you should consider when optimizing your shop’s SEO:
- Craft irresistible meta description.
- Optimize product descriptions. Your goal should be to craft an engaging, informative and attention capturing SEO.
- Instead of generic keywords, think specific long-tail keywords, such as “buy handmade jewelry with Bitcoin.” This not only boosts your SEO but attracts a niche audience ready to make a purchase.
#3. Incorporating user-generated content (UGC)
Actively seek and showcase customer reviews and user-generated content, e.g. ask for your customers to share photos / videos of using your product, either directly on social media or by sending back to you (for a further discount or bonus).
Positive reviews and real-life images from customers on your website and marketing materials add authenticity and build trust.
#4. Strategic influencer collaborations and partnerships
Reach a wider audience and build brand credibility by partnering with niche micro-influencers who align with your brand values. Their authenticity and relatability can resonate with specific target groups. Influencers can provide authentic reviews, create engaging content, and introduce your products to their followers.
Mediakix’s study revealed that micro-influencers have an average engagement rate of 4.2%, compared to 1.7% for celebrity influencers, and 75% of consumers trust recommendations from micro-influencers.
#5: Email marketing and retargeting: nurturing customer relationships and reengaging potential buyers
Email marketing remains a highly effective strategy for capturing leads, nurturing customer relationships and promoting repeat purchases. To start with, you should look into:
- Segmenting your email list according to customer groups, demographics, preferences, etc.
- Sending targeted emails to your subscribers with personalized product recommendations, exclusive discounts, and special offers
- Setting up triggered email automations for abandoned carts
- Post-purchase follow-ups.
#6. Optimizing your shop for mobile
In this digital age, user experience (UX) has become a critical factor in driving ecommerce sales. Today, your shop should be fully optimized for mobile devices, given that more people shop directly from their phones. As per Statista, mobile ecommerce sales are forecasted to make 72.9% of total ecommerce sales by 2024, as compared to 58.9% in 2020.
#7. Improving user experience and optimizing your shop for conversion
Another thing in improving user experience is ensuring that your website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and provides clear product information.
A seamless and enjoyable shopping experience is essential for converting visitors into paying customers. Here are some key aspects to optimize:
- User-friendly navigation to guide customers to their destination. Make sure your website’s navigation is intuitive and easy to follow, allowing customers to quickly find the products they’re looking for.
- High-quality product images to capture attention and enable informed decisions. High-resolution, well-lit product images are crucial for showcasing your products in their best light and encouraging purchases.
- Clear and concise product descriptions to provide detailed and informative product descriptions that clearly explain the product’s features, benefits, and any relevant information to help customers make informed decisions.
- One-click checkout to minimize friction during the purchasing process. The easier it is to complete a purchase, the higher the likelihood of conversion, and the higher increase in online sales for your Woocommerce or similar online shop.
#8-16: Key trends to improve shopping experience
#8. Personalized shopping experiences with AI
Use artificial intelligence to analyze customer behavior and provide personalized product recommendations, email content, and targeted promotions based on unique preferences and past purchases.
If applicable, offer personalized product options. Customization creates a sense of exclusivity and meets the unique preferences of individual customers.
E.g. Wayfair, an online furniture retailer, used AI to analyze customer browsing history, preferences, and home décor style to recommend personalized furniture options. This tailored approach resulted in a 10% increase in average order value and a 15% boost in conversion rates.
#9: Implement interactive features
Create shopable content, such as interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys, to engage customers and guide them toward relevant products.
Take example from Sephora, a beauty retailer, who incorporated interactive skin type quizzes into its website, allowing customers to identify their skin type and receive personalized product recommendations. Their interactive feature has significantly enhanced customer engagement, with a 30% increase in quiz completion rates and a 20% increase in ecommerce sales.
#10. Tailor marketing efforts for global audiences
Expand your reach and connect with a wider customer base by localizing your marketing efforts to address cultural nuances and preferences.
Zara’s approach, using multiple language options, currency support, and culturally appropriate imagery and messaging, has allowed them to thrive in global markets. Hootsuite’s study revealed that 69% of consumers are more likely to trust a brand that speaks to them in their own language, and 59% are more likely to engage with a brand that understands their cultural nuances.
#11. Offer flexible subscription plans
Provide customizable subscription plans to cater to varying customer needs. Consider offering tiered plans with varying levels of benefits and price points to accommodate different budgets and usage patterns. To entice new subscribers, offer exclusive perks, discounts, or early access to new products or services for those who sign up.
For instance, Netflix offers tiered plans based on the number of simultaneous streams, while Amazon Prime offers exclusive discounts and early access to Prime Day deals.
#12. Encourage your clients to co-create new and innovative products
Collaborate with your customers to design products, develop marketing campaigns, and even co-create customer experiences. For ex. Nike is doing it through their “Nike By You” platform, where customers can personalize sneakers by choosing colors, materials, and other design elements. This approach has not only increased customer engagement but also resulted in the creation of unique and highly desired products.
#13. Implement strategic pricing and discounts to optimize revenue generation
Dynamic pricing, where prices are adjusted based on real-time factors such as demand, seasonality, or customer segments, can be a powerful tool for maximizing revenue and optimizing profits.
For example, e-commerce platforms like Booking.com and Kayak use dynamic pricing to adjust hotel rates based on occupancy rates and competitor pricing.
Similarly, smart discounting tactics like volume discounts or bundling can encourage larger purchases and drive up average order value. For instance, Amazon offers volume discounts on bulk purchases, and Netflix and Spotify provide discounts for annual subscriptions.
#14. Create compelling product bundles to boost average order value
Increase the average order value and encourage larger purchases by offering product bundles or exclusive packages. Highlight the cost savings and additional value customers receive when purchasing bundled products. This is usually done by grocery stores that offer combination deals on snacks, beverages, and household essentials, while makeup brands may bundle popular products together at a discounted price.
#15. Eye-catching packaging to elevate your brand’s image and encourage repeat purchases
Packaging plays a crucial role in influencing customer perception and decision-making. Invest in visually appealing and functional packaging that reflects your brand’s identity and enhances the overall product experience. Use high-quality materials, eye-catching colors, and clear branding to make a lasting impression on customers.
For instance, Apple’s minimalist packaging has become synonymous with the brand’s premium image, while Lush’s colorful and sustainable packaging appeals to environmentally conscious customers.
#16. Introduce limited editions to create urgency and exclusivity
Limited-edition products create a sense of scarcity and desirability, driving higher demand and boosting brand appeal. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci have successfully leveraged limited-edition releases to generate excitement and foster brand loyalty among their clientele.
#17- 23: Up-and-coming ecommerce trends
#17. Augmented Reality (AR) shopping for virtual try-on experiences
AR technology has revolutionized the way consumers interact with products, particularly in fashion, accessories, and beauty industries. AR-powered features allow customers to virtually try on items before making a purchase, providing a more immersive and personalized shopping experience, and in turn – encouraging impulse purchases.
For instance, Sephora’s Virtual Artist app allows customers to virtually apply makeup products, while Warby Parker’s app enables customers to try on glasses virtually using their smartphone cameras.
#18. Use blockchain for transparency
Blockchain technology provides an immutable and transparent record of transactions, making it an ideal tool for enhancing supply chain visibility and building trust with conscious consumers. By leveraging blockchain, you can showcase the origins of your products, ensuring that they are sourced ethically and sustainably. This transparency can resonate strongly with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their purchases.
#19: Embrace cryptocurrency payments
Accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin to tap into a growing market of tech-savvy and crypto-literate consumers.
Cryptocurrency has gained significant traction in recent years and is called the future of digital payments, presenting an opportunity for ecommerce merchants to attract new customers and increase online sales.
Highlight the availability of such payment as a convenient and secure way for customers to complete transactions – you’d be surprised how many people are looking how to pay with Bitcoin online!
Cryptody's Secure and User-Friendly Best Cryptocurrency Payment Gateway for Seamless Transactions
Cryptody simplifies the checkout process for both merchants and customers, allowing you to accept crypto payments and consequently, convert crypto to fiat. It seamlessly integrates with your existing ecommerce platform and acts as an addition to any traditional payment solutions you might have at this point.
If you’re still on the urge of exploring other crypto payment processors, we’ve got you covered with this article: ‘How to choose the best cryptocurrency payment gateway‘.
E.g. companies like Gucci, Tesla, Starbucks, Ferrari, Norwegian Air and thousands more are already accepting crypto as a payment method.
#20: Live product demonstrations to drive impulse purchases
Host live product demonstrations to engage your audience, showcase your products in action, and answer customer questions in real-time. These live sessions can be streamed on social media platforms or through your website, allowing you to connect with a wider audience and build excitement around your products.
#21: Voice-activated shopping assistance to enhance the convenience
Integrate voice-activated features to enhance the shopping experience for customers who prefer hands-free interactions. Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can assist with tasks such as finding products, placing orders, and tracking shipments, making it easier for customers to navigate your online store.
#22: Enable social selling
Integrate shopping features directly into social media platforms such as Facebook Shops or Instagram Checkout to create a seamless and integrated shopping experience for your customers. This allows customers to make purchases without leaving the familiar environment of their favorite social media apps, enhancing convenience and fostering brand engagement.
#23: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in customer service
Embrace AI-powered chatbots to provide instant, personalized, and proactive customer support. AI chatbots can answer customer queries, resolve issues, and guide customers through the buying process, even when your support team is offline. This can significantly reduce customer wait times and improve overall customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
To remain competitive and thrive in this dynamic landscape, businesses must adapt to these shifts and embrace innovation.
By incorporating the key trends discussed in this article, such as personalized shopping experiences, collaborative commerce, smart pricing, product bundles, eye-catching packaging, limited editions, AR shopping, blockchain transparency, virtual events, voice-activated assistance, social selling, and AI-powered customer service, you can elevate your brand, enhance customer experience, and drive ecommerce sales growth in the years to come.
Remember: as the ecommerce landscape continues to transform, only those businesses that can adapt and innovate will be the ones that ultimately succeed in increasing online sales!
