As we get ready to say goodbye to 2015, it seems appropriate to look back, reflect and prepare for what is on the new horizon. One thing that seems to be a stand-out that will continue to impact everyone is the fact that ecommerce shopping is showing no signs of slowing down and will, in fact, continue to grow in 2016. According to Forrester Research U.S. online shopping revenue will surpass $327 billion by 2016, up 45% from $226 billion in 2012 and up 62% from $202 billion in 2011. Moreover, ecommerce is quickly taking a bigger slice of the retail pie, as analysis forecast that by 2016 ecommerce will account for 9% of total retail sales. This number is up from 7% in both 2012 and 2011.
The big question: are you getting your piece of the pie?
Evolving technology continues to improve and impress online shoppers by providing a quick and enjoyable shopping experience. In order to compete, you need to be alert to these changes and keep fresh and relevant. To help you meet this challenge here are some of important ecommerce trends you can focus on to continue to grow in 2016.
Mobile shopping
Once considered a luxury, mobile phones have become a necessity for daily life. They have become a one-stop solution for communication, information, and shopping. According to Kissmetrics, one-third of all ecommerce purchases were made on a smartphone during the holiday shopping season in 2013. Additionally, 78% of mobile searches for local business information result in a purchase. This means having a mobile store will no longer be viewed as an additional feature; for 2016, it is a must.
The biggest mistake you can make in 2016 will be to not value the importance of mobile shopping support. Doing so could result in the loss of customers.
Our suggestion: Make sure your website is optimized to with high-resolution images and appropriate touch control options to provide your customers with a smooth shopping experience.
Multiple channels for shopping
In addition to mobile phones growing in their importance so is the use of the tablet. Five years ago, desktop computers and laptops were the go-to technology for online purchases. According to ICSC, customers who use multiple devices tend to shop more often and spend 3.5 times more than single device users.
Think about it this way; a potential customer happens to find your site while browsing on their work computer and remembers the brand. At lunchtime, the same potential customer looks up the brand on a mobile phone. Once the potential customer is sitting at home, they begin to check out some the deals on your site. Later that night, they makes a purchase via the home laptop.
Our suggestion: Make multichannel retail feel like a unique and seamless shopping experience. It's not about integrating elements of one channel into another. Ensure an exclusively better shopping experience by leveraging multiple channels.
Utilize Content
We have said it before and it is still just as relevant now, use your content. Today’s shoppers are always searching for more details. They want specifications, videos and high quality images. Trust us when we say these are key elements that influence a conversion.
Use your content to educate, communicate and alert your customers. Increasing communication with customers is the key to them becoming loyal to your brand.
Our suggestion: Make it personal. Personalized content provides your customers with increased knowledge and often provides them with the solutions they are seeking. This leads to visitors staying longer and builds trust and loyalty.
Ready to Wrap Up 2015
That’s it! Another year wrapped up! As we all look forward to the new year, it is the time to make your new year’s resolution to kick off 2016 with a bag. Focus on these areas in ecommerce and you can see a major shift in your business for a happy new year in 2017.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Paradoxlabs can help your ecommerce site grow this year...