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Most people will echo the sentiment that the year 2020 did not turn out as planned. This sentiment may be true on a personal level. The novel COVID-19 pandemic affected people in many ways. The pandemic did not only disrupt day-to-day activities, but it also accelerated some e-commerce trends that are now visible. Although the profitability of e-commerce has been on the rise over the last decade, its growth as a result of the pandemic has been accelerated to an all-time high.

Many businesses have been digitally transformed in an accelerated manner as a result of a change in consumer behavior caused by the pandemic. Together with this rapid change, the use of digital and mobile media has increased. Consumers now crave a more personalized shopping experience. This expectation of value has transformed into e-commerce trends that we are currently seeing in 2021.

As the interaction between businesses and consumers has changed, we must take a look at e-commerce trends you need to turn to in 2021.

1. Connect using social commerce

The ability to retail goods and services from anywhere is going to be the future of retail. Brands and businesses are now moving their stores across various channels and platforms on social media — a place where users spend most of their time. This path of growth does not rely on ranking on search engines.

Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook allow businesses to create an online storefront. This store is easy to find, navigate, and buy from. Brands now create videos to tag in your post so you can make a direct purchase. With this at your fingertips, it becomes part of your way of life.

2. Customized packaging

Customized packaging is one way to make your product stand out. This is one trend that brands are now embracing more, moving beyond the necessity of “green” packaging. You can create a personalized package directed to your clients or specific to your brand.

With customized packaging, the value of your brand may be enhanced. Attention may also be drawn to environmental practices and user experience may also be enhanced. Creating premium packaging is a strategy that may improve brand loyalty.

3. Global consumer base

The influence of social marketing has created an added platform for companies to reach customers on a whole different scale. This is being made seamless because of easy shipping, currency services, and global search nature. Many benefits come with taking your products and services to an international level. For one, your customer base is enhanced.

The global customer base has become more complex as a result of the language barrier, adherence to security laws, and a quest for live customer service. However, all these complexities can be overcome if it is thoughtfully dealt with.

4. The growing importance of user-generated content

In marketing, the powerful force has always been word of mouth marketing. User-generated content and online reviews help to boost customer’s trust and confidence in buying. In 2021, it may be difficult to make sales if online customers do not have access to product reviews by buyers. These reviews are regarded as user-generated content, which includes discussion boards, FAQ forums, online reviews, social photos embedded on product pages, and boosted content by brands.

5. Minimalist design

The response of customers to product pages that are simple and clean is increasing. What has been noticed is the customers’ needs or attraction for a product is partly based on the minimalist design. A minimalist design is featured in the best e-commerce designs for the year 2020. It includes neutral color palettes such as grey, tan and white. The focus of the minimalist design is more on central search, simple graphics and plain text, neutral backgrounds, a centralized navigation menu, and a clean product page.

6. Need for mobile-friendly e-commerce sites

There is an increase in the rate at which consumers shop on their mobile devices. As a result of this growth, the design of e-commerce must be mobile-oriented in the year 2021. To add value to e-commerce, many brands now choose to invest in mobile apps rather than mobile browsing. This is believed to increase revenue and customer loyalty.

7. Omnichannel advertising

Today most retailers choose to sell their products and services across multiple channels. This has caused retailers to shift towards having an omnichannel experience. This experience will share the same customer support, buying platform, and single inventory. This will help create continuity and enhance customer loyalty.

8. Sustainability concerns

Customers want to know how their purchase affects the social environment. So, there is a need to create a balance between the social impacts it has today and on future generations. Although sustainability increases the price, customers are willing to pay more for it. These sustainability practices include packaging, returns, manufacturing, transparency, values, and shipping.

9. Rise of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce

Now there is a shift from business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce to business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce. It is estimated that sales on B2B could nearly double what is estimated for B2C. This sales estimate has skyrocketed due to the introduction of better self-service options. Also, there is an evident growth in cross-selling and up-selling of products and services.

10. Rise of voice shopping

Online shopping is not new. However, shopping online through voice commands is a new trend that people have started doing already. “Shop with Alexa” is an example of digital home assistants powered voice shopping. Voice shopping is projected to reach a new height in the coming months, and it is a step towards the omnichannel experience.

11. Use of video and interactive content

The new frontiers in e-commerce today are interactive videos and shoppable photos. Both frontiers are special marketing strategies that are popular on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. The pop-up of these elements creates room for customers to buy featured products.

Conclusion

You can assist your users and clients by following the 2021 e-commerce trends discussed. It is expected that if you adapt swiftly, you can find innovative ways through which you can communicate with customers. To tap into this marketplace, choose the best payment methods and channels, make your apps fast and easy to use, and select the best technology stack.