One of the most exciting things about ecommerce is that things rarely stay the same for too long at a stretch. That’s because technology and trends are always evolving.
And since, ecommerce is almost completely based on technology; they have to accept these changes with open arms. Otherwise they won’t be able to fight toe to toe with the giants in the business.
Adapt and survive; that is the policy. Well anyway, let’s take a look at a few tech trends that have played a humongous role in altering the face of online businesses.
- The Rise of Chatbots
The field of artificial intelligence was mainly considered as one in its infancy. Not anymore. With the rise of advanced technology like Siri and Amazon Alexa, one thing has become almost clear as daylight. Automated chatbots will soon take over the virtual part of this world.
Okay, so what are chatbots?
Chatbots are automated services powered by a set of rules or artificial intelligence that can be interacted with via chat interfaces. Chatbots can function on most major messaging platforms such as the Facebook Messenger, Slack, telegram, etc.
Online ecommerce businesses are boosting up their customer support with this wonderful piece of technology by keeping everything organized and well within reach.
Automated chatbots are considered the first line of assistance at times of interactions. Such automated customer service is considered a blessing in ecommerce because they can sort out enough headaches in matter of minutes.
Chatbots are changing the face of online businesses. Do keep up with this trend to get benefitted in the long run.
2. Device distinction and optimization
Getting on to the internet has become almost like a piece of cake. Most families usually have a host of gadgets at their respective homes; almost all of which are capable of getting onto the internet.
By gadgets, I am talking about smartphones, tab, kindles, laptops, PSP, PC; virtually anything that supports internet connectivity.
The point that I am trying to make here is that even though the type of gadgets differ on basis of usage, the common factor remains the same which is internet connectivity. Yet, research says that we prefer different devices to perform different activities related to the internet.
An example should clear this thing up.
You will notice many users browse products on their phones before switching over to a PC or a laptop to make the final buy. What does it mean?
It simply means that they prefer PCs to mobile devices to make the final purchases. So online businesses have to build an omnichannel platform that will be able to work flawlessly on any device be it a mobile or a PC. Simultaneously, optimization is also necessary for improved user experience.
Omnichannel and optimization are the two buzzwords of online businesses. Hence, it’s advisable to adopt this trend ASAP.
3. Predictive data analysis
Predictive data analysis has gained immense popularity in ecommerce especially because of its ability to gather and analyze huge amounts of data from customer interactions and profiles.
Based on such analysis, online business owners can gain a substantial insight into their customers’ browsing habits and shopping preferences and make adjustments accordingly.
Customization and personalization is deemed the key of the modern ecommerce market. Predictive data analysis aids a lot in that purpose. Through customer data analysis and interpretation, businesses might be able to prove a more personalized service to the customer.
Personalized service is interlinked to improved customer retention policies. So you will definitely be benefited by using this tactic as a part of your customer retention policies.
4. Augmented reality and virtual reality
Augmented reality is the integration of virtual reality objects with that of the real world. Virtual reality, on the other hand is a computer generated environment that has no connection with the real world.
Ecommerce platforms are using these two avant-garde forms of technologies to great effects in giving customers a good and direct insight into their products/services directly from the very comfort of their drawing rooms.
Many major ecommerce platforms are offering augmented reality to their customers to visualize their products in real time environment from the very comfort of their drawing rooms.
Simultaneously, many real estate businesses are using virtual reality as a part of their business dealings. Things like 3D tours have become a very part of our reality. Customers can explore their prospective homes from anywhere in the world through a simple VR app without even being there in person.
AR and VR are rapidly changing all online business platforms. To keep up or not to keep up, that is the only question that’s left for now.
5. Progressive web apps
This is another hot topic that has gained plenty of leverage in ecommerce businesses. Progressive web apps are considered an advanced form of technology that helps to deliver an app-like experience on mobile devices.
Unlike conventional apps, PWAs don’t have to be downloaded from the app stores; the browser is more than capable of delivering an app-like experience.
Progressive web apps offer a fast and seamless user experience. These two extraordinary features are considered an absolute “must” for online businesses.
Thus, the buzz behind it is quite natural and justified at the same time.
If you want to take the modern day competition head-on in this competitive market, you just have to go with the flow. Remember the Darwinian principle? The survival of the fittest? The same is applicable in this case.
If you can go with the flow, you’ll survive. Otherwise you won’t. So adapting to the ongoing trends isn’t a part of a luxury; standing in 2020, it is, in fact, a part of the necessity considering the pandemic situation we are in right now.
