E-commerce trends to transform your business in 2021

2021 has transformed the world, and businesses happen to be forced to move and evolve with countless new e-commerce procedures. This evolution is only the beginning, and agile companies that continue to adopt new strategies in 2021 will remain ahead of the curve. Here are the top trends tipped to affect e-commerce in 2021. 

SMS Marketing

Many businesses have seen SMS marketing yields higher open and click-through rates when compared with classic email marketing. As texting has always been reserved for friends and family, SMS marketing helps shoppers feel more of a brand, bringing value to the form of communication in 2021. 

Omnichannel Marketing

Omnichannel marketing refers to the process of providing customers with a seamless experience across multiple channels and devices. 

Online retailers may wish to diversify and not just into Instagram shopping. They will use more pop-up stores to allow customers to shop in-person and enjoy the full brand experience, especially after in-person shopping was so limited in 2021.

On the other hand, those stores that are brick and mortar will diversify into online shopping platforms like Google Shopping, Facebook, and Instagram Shopping to allow customers to make purchases outside trading hours.

My top tips to optimise omnichannel marketing are:

• Optimise your website for mobile devices.
• Personalise the web experience where possible.
• Offer various purchase options for example “buy online, pick-up in-store,” “buy in-store, get home delivery,” or purely “buy online, get home delivery.”

Shoppable TV

Have you ever watched a TV show and wished you could own the gorgeous shoes around the tall redhead? While this isn't yet a choice, direct shopping from smart TV ads was already trialled by NBC using a smartphone app. The simplicity and access for customers makes this platform appealing for shoppers and retailers in 2021.

AI algorithm analysis

Your clients are probably already utilising AI to assist present products more effectively. In 2021, AI can analyse the results of more complex algorithms around buyer behaviour to help you know the best time, price, and channels to use when listing your products, optimising your sales. 

E-commerce logistics will be transformed

2021 has turned logistics on its head, and the lessons learned will filter into 2021 in a big way. Better blockchain tracking, as well as autonomous deliveries and smart sensors, will continue to move and evolve in 2021 to boost the shipping process for customers and business owners. 

Smart home assistants

Voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home are handy for daily tasks like managing your lights and playing music, however they are also convenient shopping tools. 

In 2021, around 20 percent of smart home assistant owners used their assistants for shopping. In the next four years, this is predicted to jump to 52 per cent. If you’re keen to optimise this trend, ensure your website is ready for voice activation by:

• Offering voice-based navigation in your mobile app and online store.
• Ensuring your checkout process could be completed with simple voice commands.

E-commerce has been transformed via necessity in 2021 which developments have sparked new suggestions for 2021. Preparing your business for these changes is important to increase the visibility of your brand plus create a totally new and more meaningful customer experience.