5 E-Commerce Trends To Watch In 2022
2021 was a game-changer for the e-commerce industry. The global pandemic transformed consumer habits forever, forcing brands to accelerate their digital enhancements and look at logistics in a more agile manner. Statista forecasts that almost 25% of worldwide retail sales will stem from e-commerce by 2025.
With the usage of and demand for online shopping increasing at such a staggering rate, you need to do everything you can to stay ahead of the game.
We’ve put together a list of 5 e-commerce trends to pay attention to in 2022 to help you embrace every opportunity.
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Mobile E-commerce Continues to Rise
A lot of today’s spending power is held by tech-savvy and on-the-go Gen Zers and Millennials. This is a massive mobile population that your e-commerce brand needs to cater to. Make sure that your website, online store, and digital presence are fully optimized for mobile e-commerce and every portable device there is.
Take advantage of mobile sales by enhancing your mobile e-commerce store for voice search. Focus on mobile-first strategies that make use of bite-sized content and products that are easy to find anytime, anywhere. Make shopping effortless, with fewer hoops to jump to checkout and you’ll get customers coming back for more.
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Green Marketing, Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
The number one concern for 2022’s consumers is climate change. Young people are looking to support brands that take responsibility for their carbon footprint, and they will hold you accountable for it. Companies all across the world are reducing their use of plastic or even eliminating them forever.
While the e-commerce model does eliminate the use of traditional brick-and-mortar setups, you need to take a close look at your packaging and shipping methods to ensure sustainability. Find ways to give back to your community and promote an eco-friendly business model. Your customers are paying close attention to this in 2022 and beyond.
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Cryptocurrency Shakes Things Up
No longer a passing trend, crypto is here to stay. At least for 2022.
The crypto boom has taken the world by storm, and this holds true as an e-commerce trend as well. Finance is becoming decentralized, and with an increasing amount of people getting access to cryptocurrencies, e-commerce businesses and retailers need to offer them as payment options. Offering innovative and diverse payment options is vital in 2022.
Go beyond Apple Pay, Google Wallets, and PayPal. Ensure that your e-commerce store is accessible to anyone and that it can endure secure international payments too.
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AR/VR & the Metaverse
In recent years, augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR) have made businesses more efficient and provided consumers with a whole new shopping experience. Online shoppers put their complete trust in you as an e-commerce vendor. Since they cannot hold, touch and feel your product, these new technologies allow for an added ‘browsing’ experience.
Research from Shopify shows that products receive 94% more conversions if they have AR or 3D integration. Many brands are looking to enter the metaverse in 2022, in the hope of providing remote shoppers with an omnichannel and ‘meta-physical’ shopping experience.
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Social Commerce Takes Personalization to the Next Level
Influencer marketing had its time in the spotlight in terms of social media commerce in the last few years. In 2022, we’re predicting that social commerce will require integration across all social platforms to provide consumers with a more holistic multi-channel shopping experience.
Social media channels now allow users to shop directly from the platform without having to leave the App. This makes it easier and quicker for the customer, and if utilized efficiently, worthwhile for your e-commerce brand as well. Use social commerce to build a community of followers, stay on top of trends and provide a personalized shopping experience. Plus, if you already have a social following, you can start driving revenue right away.
Implement These E-commerce Trends for Your Brand in 2022 & Beyond
While paying attention to these 5 e-commerce trends will pave your way to retail success in 2022, it is important to remember that trends change. Your brand needs to adapt and stay fluid to keep up with this evolving industry. If you’re not flexible and willing to try new things in the e-commerce world, your competitors will do it regardless.
Prioritize your customer’s needs and ensure that whatever you do – you always align with your brand’s core values. We’re here to help you navigate these trends so reach out, and together we’ll take your e-commerce business through 2022 and beyond!
About the author: Joanne has lived in five countries and is always on the hunt for a new city to explore. After a Masters in English Literature from the University of Leeds, she landed an internship at Google that ignited her passion for all things digital. She has 10 years of experience in content writing, reads 2 books a week, and loves ‘90s pop culture.
