We have all experienced or at least seen the growth of ecommerce in recent years. From the convenience of doorstep delivery to the flexibility of shopping at any hour, ecommerce has become an essential part of our lives. However, for ecommerce to thrive, it needs to adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of its users. That's where emerging technologies come in.
With advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, voice technology, blockchain, and even drone delivery, ecommerce is revolutionizing the way we shop online. These technologies not only enhance the customer experience but also improve the efficiency, security, and accessibility of ecommerce.
Fasten your seat belts as we dive into the exciting world of ecommerce and explore the emerging technologies that are transforming the shopping landscape.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
From personalized customer experiences to product recommendations and customer service automation, emerging technologies are helping ecommerce businesses create customized shopping experiences for each customer.
By analyzing customer behavior, shopping patterns, and preferences, online stores can tailor their offerings. It's like having a personal shopper at your fingertips who knows you better than your best friend.
The benefits don't stop there. Product recommendations auto-generated by machine algorithms take the guesswork out of shopping. Customers are more likely to make purchases when these recommendations match their interests and desires. Customer service automation is the third prong of the AI and machine learning trio. By using chatbots and virtual assistants, ecommerce companies can streamline communication with customers, offering quick and informative responses to any queries or complaints.
Augmented and virtual reality
It's the era of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the ecommerce industry. The integration of AR and VR into online shopping has revolutionized the customer experience. Virtual try-on and fitting rooms have brought the in-store experience to the customers' screens and made the process of trying on clothes more fun and engaging. AR technology has enabled customers to visualize how the product would look in their homes without even leaving the comfort of their own space. This has boosted customer confidence in the purchasing process, leading to fewer returns. The enhancement of product visualization has made online shopping a more immersive and interactive experience, enhancing customer engagement and conversion rates.
AR and VR has caused a buzz among online consumers and are becoming increasingly popular. If you are looking to elevate your ecommerce business, incorporating AR and VR technology is the way to go. So, grab your VR headsets and get ready for a whole new world of immersive shopping!
Voice technology
Who needs a keyboard and a mouse when you can just talk to your device? That's right! Voice technology is the future of ecommerce! Let's start with voice search optimization. With this revolutionary technology, customers can simply ask for what they're looking for out loud and get their results. I would expand this a little bit. No more scrolling through pages and pages of items or figuring out the best keywords to type into a search engine.
The benefits stretch to customer service automation, too! Say goodbye to long hold times and hello to quick and efficient problem solving. With voice assistants for shopping, customers can easily add items to their cart and make purchases all while lounging on their couch.
Last but definitely not least, let's talk about increased accessibility. For those with disabilities or limitations, voice technology is a game changer. With the ability to shop and make purchases using just their voice, they can finally enjoy the convenience of ecommerce like everyone else. So, to all the keyboard and mouse enthusiasts out there, you might want to hop on the voice technology train because it's not slowing down anytime soon.
Blockchain technology
Ah, blockchain! The word on everyone's lips when it comes to secure and transparent transactions. With its ability to verify authenticity and reduce fraudulent activities, it's no wonder that blockchain technology is a hot topic in the world of ecommerce. Imagine a world where you can complete a transaction without worrying about hacking or double spending. This is where blockchain comes in.
Acting as a ledger, it records all transactions in a secure and transparent manner, leaving no room for fraud. With blockchain technology, ecommerce businesses can ensure their customers are getting authentic products while reducing their exposure to fraud. It also provides a way for businesses to build trust with their customers by offering complete transparency in their transactions.
So, while blockchain technology may still be in its infancy, its potential is too great to ignore. The future of ecommerce looks bright with its promise of secure and transparent transactions.
Drone delivery
Drone-delivered packages may sound like something straight out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, but it's very much a reality now. With Amazon and other major corporations already testing drone delivery, it's only a matter of time before it becomes a mainstream delivery method. Drone delivery has the potential to cut down on delivery times significantly.
With drones being able to reach areas that are difficult to navigate through traditional delivery methods, they can get packages to customers who live in rural or remote areas. This not only speeds up delivery times but also makes ecommerce more accessible to people living in such areas.
Drone delivery can also prove to be cost efficient in the long run. Since the drones are battery powered and do not require a human driver, businesses can save on labor and fuel costs. Drone delivery certainly has a lot of potential in revolutionizing the ecommerce industry. As technology advances and regulations become more relaxed, we can expect to see more drones buzzing around, delivering packages to our doorsteps.
Emotion-spotting AI
Emotion-spotting AI is a technology that recognizes human emotions through facial expressions, speech, and gestures. It uses advanced algorithms to identify emotions such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear with great accuracy. This technology works using computer vision, deep learning, and natural language processing. It can personalize your shopping experience by taking note of your facial expressions while browsing an ecommerce website.
Ecommerce gamification
Gamification in ecommerce involves the use of game elements such as points, rewards, leaderboards, and other incentives to engage customers and boost sales. It's a powerful tool that retailers can use to increase customer engagement and build brand loyalty.
Understandably, gamification is becoming increasingly important in ecommerce. Customers are no longer merely looking for products, they want an experience. Gamification offers just that by creating a more immersive shopping experience that helps customers have fun while encouraging them to complete desired actions, like making purchases.
Customers are naturally drawn to games and activities that offer rewards. By incentivizing customers through gamification techniques, you can keep them engaged and interested in your store. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, as they feel valued and appreciated for their engagement with your brand.
Livestream ecommerce
We have all seen television home shopping channels at some point in our lives. This popular sales medium has been reinvented to cater to the shoppers in this digital era. Wonder how? Welcome to the world of livestream ecommerce where businesses use live video streaming to sell their products online.
Live streaming allows customers to ask questions about products in real-time and get immediate answers. This can help build trust between the customer and the seller, which is especially important for online businesses where customers can't physically see or touch the product before purchasing. By offering an interactive and immersive shopping experience, businesses can encourage consumers to make purchases with confidence.
According to a report by ET, livestream ecommerce has grown by 1800% in China in the last five years!. Statista pegged the gross merchandise value (GMV) of live-streaming commerce in China at 3.5 trillion yuan in 2022, an eight-fold jump since the coronavirus health crisis.
Final words
Ecommerce has come a long way since its inception. With the advent of new technologies and changing consumer habits, it is likely to continue evolving in the years to come. It offers businesses new ways to reach customers and provides consumers with greater convenience and access to products and services.
Whether you're a business owner or a consumer, it's important to stay up to date with the latest ecommerce trends. These emerging technologies are definitely changing the future of ecommerce, and it’s exciting to observe how they will shape the industry.