January 9th, 2024
As we step into the new year, it's crucial to lay the foundation for a successful journey ahead. To hit the ground running, start by assessing the latest trends and predicting what lies ahead. Equipped with a deep understanding of the ecommerce landscape, savvy sellers can transform last year's challenges into valuable learning experiences and turn their goals into tangible achievements.
To pave the way for a prosperous year, it's time to develop a plan for success. Let's discover how to harness the top five ecommerce trends in 2024.
1. Develop Striking Video Content
Throughout the past year, one undeniable reality has surfaced: having an exceptional product alone just won't cut it anymore. Shoppers want to purchase from brands they know and trust. Earning a solid reputation requires creativity and commitment.
High-quality video content is precisely what shoppers need to envision your products in their lives. From product showcases to short-form videos on TikTok and Instagram, crafting compelling content is the key to recruiting and retaining a loyal customer base.
Let’s recap the top ecommerce trends for video:
Product Videos
Unlike in-store shopping experiences, online consumers can’t physically see and inspect your goods. Showcase your product from all angles, show how it works, and clearly display its packaging and features. Product videos and demos establish realistic expectations and boost customer confidence, allowing them to shift from skepticism to excitement about purchasing from you.
Tip: Low-quality videos can compromise your brand reputation. To optimize product pages effectively, hire professional photographers and videographers to craft high-quality content.
Storytelling Videos
Many customers are willing to spend extra to buy from brands that share their values. Storytelling videos reinforce your brand identity and help you establish a strong connection with shoppers. Through the power of narrative, you can create a memorable and engaging experience that resonates with your audience, fostering loyalty and trust.
Tip: Highlight what makes your business and products unique. Use storytelling videos to tap into your target audience’s pain points and interests to convert browsers into loyal repeat customers.
Short-Form Videos
With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, 2023 has set the stage for capturing consumer attention in a powerful new way. Since most shoppers lose interest scrolling through lengthy product descriptions, this brief content is a highly effective way to appeal to shoppers.
Tip: Create unique and engaging content without the gimmicky feel. Use these videos to generate awareness and interest, steering clear of aggressive marketing tactics.
2. Optimize for Voice Search
Modern shoppers are increasingly drawn to convenience, often making purchases on the go between meetings or after school drop-offs. To capture the attention of these busy browsers, it's essential to align with their lifestyle. Voice search has proven to be the next wave of online shopping. With 65% of the 25-49-year-old population using a voice-enabled device daily, it’s critical to optimize for voice search.
Tip: Expected to be one of the top retail trends for 2024, it’s time to enlist the help of an SEO expert to update content for voice search devices. Some of their tactics may include:
- Optimizing landing pages for voice search
- Targeting local consumers searching for similar products
- Adding longer search terms and question keywords
- Crafting concise content tailored to busy browsers
- Improving page speed and responsiveness
- Monitoring your voice search performance
3. Focus on Sustainability
The modern ecommerce shopper is on the lookout for sustainable products. From eco-friendly fashion to sustainable food choices and responsibly produced electronics, consumers can effortlessly discover and purchase items that align with their commitment to a greener lifestyle.
Amazon, along with numerous other ecommerce platforms, has garnered a devoted following by capitalizing on these online trends. As one of the top Amazon trends in 2023, over 400 companies have signed The Climate Pledge, committing to work toward a net-zero carbon footprint by the year 2040.
Amazon has given eco-friendly sellers a boost by adding the Climate Pledge Friendly badge to eligible products. This initiative enables buyers to find products that resonate with their values without sacrificing the unparalleled customer experience that Amazon offers.
Tip: Review the certifications to see if your brand qualifies. To appeal to shoppers, optimize your product pages and social media posts to showcase your commitment to eco-friendly practices.
4. Leverage Social Media
Regardless of what ecommerce platform you use, it’s critical to create a comprehensive brand-building strategy that includes social media marketing. With 4.95 billion social media users around the globe, tapping into the social sphere can help you extend your reach and turn your brand into a household name.
Let’s recap the top social media trends for 2024:
Livestream Shopping
In 2019, Amazon unveiled Amazon Live, a dynamic livestream shopping platform designed to showcase products to viewers in real-time. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Shopify followed suit, introducing their own live shopping features and frequently collaborating with influencers to pique consumer interest.
Livestream shopping offers sellers a powerful promotional tool. By offering exclusive discounts and deals, they can create a sense of urgency and prompt shoppers to buy now to avoid missing out. This new wave of shopping has grown so popular that it is estimated to reach $32 billion by the end of 2023.
Customer Service on Social Media
There’s no doubt about it-consumers spend a significant amount of time on social media. On these platforms, they engage with others who share similar interests, explore new brands, and research products they’re interested in.
Social media is make-or-break for ecommerce sellers. Invest time in developing a strong social media strategy and keep a close eye on comments and messages. Timely and courteous responses can bolster your brand reputation, engagement, and sales.
The Amazon-Meta Partnership
Recently, news broke that Amazon has partnered with Meta to offer new social shopping options in 2024. Social media users will soon be able to purchase Amazon products on Facebook and Instagram without ever leaving the app.
By clicking on the Amazon product ads, shoppers can view real-time prices, Prime eligibility, estimated delivery times, and product details. Though participation is entirely voluntary, Amazon sellers can activate this feature to increase engagement and gain a competitive advantage in 2024.
5. Build Your Brand With Advertising
Putting a little ad spend behind your products is one of the most effective ways to grab customers' attention. Although many businesses focus on pushing products, one of the most effective growth strategies in 2024 is prioritizing brand-building. By establishing a strong identity, sellers can foster customer loyalty in the competitive realm of ecommerce.
With Amazon advertising, sellers can leverage more detailed brand metrics and brand impression share data than ever before. Sponsored Display audience targeting has been refined over the past year, allowing sellers to target specific audiences more effectively. With new off-Amazon advertising options, the potential for growth should continue to expand.
As a quick Amazon recap, Sponsored TV has been introduced, granting sellers new possibilities to deliver promotional content to consumers while they stream their favorite movies and TV shows. With these new options at their disposal, businesses can greatly expand their reach.
Tip: Explore advertising options to boost your reach. Whether you're new to Amazon PPC or aiming to optimize existing campaigns, enlist expert help to maximize your ROI.
Top Retail Trends for 2024
In the dynamic retail landscape of 2024, success lies in the hands of those who adapt, innovate, and embrace emerging trends. Customer interests and preferences are changing, and with the right strategy, you can leverage these insights to take your business to new heights.
Running a business involves many moving parts. Remember, your products are just one aspect of the bigger picture. Prioritize developing a strong and stable brand that can shine in a crowded market and adapt to new possibilities. While selling a great product may bring in revenue, brand-building is the key to shifting from survival to success.
Are you set up for a profitable new year? Reach out to our full-service ecommerce consulting firm to develop a strong brand-building strategy for 2024. To make this year your best yet, schedule your free 30-minute consultation today!