E-commerce Trends: Tech Solutions for Enhanced Online Shopping

Emerging Technology 7 min read , February 18, 2024

E-commerce trends that boost online shopping are much sought after as technology advances. Transition to online shopping is happening at a rapid rate and the size of the e-commerce sector tripling. By 2040, SEMrush predicts that 95% of all sales will be made online, a major e-commerce trend to watch out for.

In this article, we will outline the most important developments in e-commerce trends that you should be aware of, including AI, AR&VR, green commerce, voice commerce, and more.

Outline

What is E-commerce technology?

E-commerce technology encompasses all the infrastructure that facilitates online shopping for products and services. It includes many different kinds of technology and procedures that make doing business online easier, better, and more convenient for consumers.

This technology streamlines and improves the entire eCommerce process, from finding products to paying for them, making every step more enjoyable and easy for everyone involved.

The Top 10 E-commerce trends for enhanced online shopping

A number of e-commerce trends are influencing the market and fueling innovation in the fast-paced world of e-commerce technology. These shifts in e-commerce technology are a reflection of how companies, online shopping, and customers are evolving. Some of the emerging technologies shaping the future of e-commerce include:

1. Mobile commerce :

E-commerce Trends

Mobile commerce, also known by the acronym "m-commerce," describes the practice of purchasing and selling products and services through handheld electronic devices. With the use of mobile technology, m-commerce allows customers to purchase whenever, whatever, and wherever they like, making it a great convenience for people on the move.

The growing popularity and ease of mobile devices have propelled m-commerce to the forefront of eCommerce growth. Progressive web apps (PWAs) are becoming more popular as a means for companies to interact with mobile users. Web apps that mimic the behaviour of native apps on mobile devices are known as progressive web apps (PWAs). They provide a responsive and seamless user experience by fusing the web's adaptability with native apps' features and performance.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are shaking the eCommerce industry when it comes to cutting-edge technological solutions and automation capabilities. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning allows for the easy assessment of consumer data, preferences, and behaviour, allowing audiences to receive more tailored recommendations and offers.

E-commerce has evolved with the use of AI and ML, introducing features like chatbots, 24/7 virtual assistance, fraud detection and prevention, and AI personalisation, thereby enhancing the overall online shopping experience of consumers.

3. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)

The rise of AR and VR as major trends in eCommerce technology is changing the way consumers experience products and make purchases. By combining online and offline purchasing, these technologies provide consumers with more engaging and lifelike experiences.

With augmented reality (AR), consumers can see things in their natural settings before buying them, greatly improving their purchasing experience. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) allows people to enter a computer-generated setting, simulating a virtual store allowing for a virtual shopping experience

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) allow for more engaging and informative retail therapy. They let buyers virtually try on and experience things before they buy them. With AR and VR features like virtual try-ons, virtual showrooms, interactive product visualisation, virtual events, and experiences, the e-commerce online shopping experience has been greatly improved to allow people to shop for items from the comfort of their homes.

4. Voice Search

Voice commerce, is one of the emerging ecommerce trends to not overlook.

Without the need for conventional user interfaces like keyboards or screens, this technology enables users to converse with gadgets using voice commands, obtain information, or make transactions. Voice search is revolutionising consumer-brand interactions and online shopping because of the rise of virtual assistants such as Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana from Microsoft, among others.

The main reason voice search is becoming popular is that it makes shopping easier and more convenient for users. Voice commands allow consumers to effortlessly and intuitively interact with many internet sites.

Websites must optimise for voice search and incorporate voice-activated shopping capabilities to remain relevant in this ever-evolving world of e-commerce as speech recognition technology advances.

5. Green e-commerce

Businesses are increasingly embracing sustainable methods, such as green e-commerce, which involves selling ecologically friendly products, utilising eco-friendly packaging, and achieving carbon neutrality in transportation. Brands will take several actions in the future to further advance the movement towards green e-commerce practices, including Possessing goods crafted from less harmful materials, supporting alternative power sources, giving customers more eco-friendly shipping options, and Purchasing packaging materials that are safe for the environment

6. Enhanced security

Protecting online stores and their consumers from fraud and other forms of cybercrime is the primary goal of eCommerce security solutions. When it comes to protecting sensitive information, guaranteeing the integrity of transactions, preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data, and keeping customers' trust, these technologies are vital. Examples of e-commerce-enhanced security trends that can be implemented are biometric authentication, two-factor authentication, blockchain, and cloud-based security solutions.

Making use of these security measures would put consumers at rest when shopping online because they know that their best interests are being protected.

Read more on how to build the best scaling e-commerce website.

7. Secured payment gateway

When making a purchase online, a secured payment gateway is essential for the safe transfer of sensitive financial data between buyers, sellers, and banks. A variety of payment options greatly enhances the adaptability and simplicity of online shopping.

Offering many payment methods and alternatives empowers clients to have greater control over their buying experience, thereby making the checkout process an easy, smooth, and secure process. Examples of secured payment methods that can be incorporated into online shopping are credit and debit cards, cryptocurrency, bank transfers, and digital wallets.

8. Live-stream commerce

One of the e-commerce trends in online retail is live-stream commerce. Companies offer and sell things through live-streaming platforms. This method combines the simplicity of online shopping with the immediate gratification of live video.

Live streaming allows users to watch products in action, study their features and functions, and obtain a better idea of their quality, unlike static product photos or pre-recorded videos. Customers have more faith in the products after seeing this live presentation, which increases conversion rates and happiness overall.

The element of scarcity and time-sensitive promotions is a big reason why live-stream commerce is so popular.

Businesses frequently run limited-time sales, bundles, or offer unique products during live-stream sessions, which makes viewers feel pressured and excited. This makes it easy for customers to buy things on the spot because they know they might miss out if they don't.

9. Social commerce

In social commerce, people use their social network accounts to purchase and sell goods and services online. Social media sites are starting to include shopping capabilities, so users can browse things and buy them without ever leaving the app.

Influencers are crucial in social commerce because they can easily go from recommending something to helping people find it. Companies that master the art of social commerce may reach a massive audience and convert online conversations into real purchases.

How to choose the right e-commerce trend for your business

Your e-commerce business can greatly benefit from investing in the correct e-commerce technological solutions. To help you choose the best solutions, here are a few pointers:

Do your research and know what you want for your business.

You need to know what your business requires and what you want to achieve before you can choose any e-commerce technology. Think about things like your company's size, your target market, the service you provide, and your ambitions for expansion.

For your business benefit, this will help you concentrate on specific technological solutions that meet your needs.

Compare and contrast different e-commerce technology

Find an e-commerce platform that has all the necessary functions, such as analytics, order processing, payment gateways, and inventory management.

Take the solution's scalability into account to ensure it can handle future business expansion. Also, compare the solution's features and benefits to its costs using the various pricing models.

Prioritise user experience, user interface, and mobile optimisation

To make sure your shopping experience is smooth and enjoyable, make sure the solutions you choose have an easy-to-use interface, clear navigation, and pages that load quickly.

More and more consumers are making purchases through mobile devices; therefore, being mobile-friendly is essential. Also, ensure that the e-commerce technology you choose is responsive and optimised for mobile platforms.

Always check that the e-commerce technology you're considering has the ability to interact with other important applications and platforms.

Security features

Security is paramount for e-commerce. Choose a platform that complies with industry security standards and offers features like SSL certificates, secure payment gateways, and regular security updates. Also, make sure you choose an e-commerce technology that protects the delicate information of your consumers.

Explore e-commerce trends with Tedbree

Tedbree is an all-inclusive organisation that provides first-rate e-commerce solutions by integrating technology and creativity to provide the best e-commerce services

From top-tier web designers and developers to branding and marketing specialists, copywriters, and more, we have it all here in-house. Building bespoke e-commerce solutions that provide flawless user experiences and boost conversions is our main emphasis.

Get in touch with us at Tedbree for a consultation if you're prepared to upgrade your online shop with the latest in eCommerce technology.

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