Few sectors of business have enjoyed the level of growth that is currently being enjoyed in e-commerce. In little more than a few decades, this form of online business has grown from a niche marketplace to a worldwide form of commerce. Today, billions of people will routinely shop online. The rise of smartphone ownership and the availability of fast and reliable internet access has made the e-commerce sector boom.
Customers can buy an almost unlimited range of products from local and international companies simply by making a few clicks and gestures on their smartphones. The sheer ease and accessibility of this form of shopping is the key reason for its success.
However, e-commerce is in a constant state of evolution. The leading e-commerce firms are constantly searching for new ways to improve their customer offering and provide a site that encourages repeat customers. In this article, there will be a discussion of some key ways in which this vital sector of the global economy continues to evolve.
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Providing exceptional websites
Modern e-commerce sites are extremely complex in design. They need to function smoothly and be accessible on a range of tech devices (including the smaller screens of smartphones). In an age where over 53% of customers use a smartphone to shop online, e-commerce sites need to be intelligently designed to offer a flawless experience on a smaller screen. In addition, modern sites need to offer secure payment pages utilizing the latest encryption technologies to ensure that customer information is kept safe.
When it comes to web design and ongoing website development, it is little surprise that the leading e-commerce firms will seek the services of professional design firms such as the magecloud Shopify agency in London. These specialist web design firms are experts in the field of e-commerce. They can collaborate with e-commerce companies to design and update their websites so that they offer the best possible customer experience.
From site audits that evaluate the performance of each web page to SEO optimization, these third-party experts are vital in the evolution of e-commerce sites. Put simply, such expert web design firms allow online companies to continue to improve their customer offerings and keep up to date with the latest best practices in the industry.
Personalized recommendations
As an online consumer, you may have noticed that you receive personalized recommendations when you revisit certain e-commerce sites. For example, if you recently bought a bike from an e-commerce site, you may be offered bike equipment and maintenance products on your next visit. These personalized recommendations are unique to your shopping and site viewing habits. They are created by using advanced AI and a range of algorithms that track your activity on the site.
This technology aims to create a unique and tailored shopping experience for every customer. Ultimately, when successfully incorporated into an online site, it can result in repeat customers and improved revenue streams. As e-commerce continues to evolve, AI and algorithm use likely will increase to offer a unique shopping experience.
Emerging VR tech in e-commerce
Virtual reality technology has been around for decades. However, in the last few years, it has played a more prominent role in entertainment and e-commerce. VR headsets are now commonly used in gaming and they can provide truly immersive environments that cannot be matched by flat screen monitors. In e-commerce, VR technology is starting to take hold, especially when it comes to viewing products.
Today, customers can use this technology to get a better idea of how new furniture would look in their homes or to “try on” clothes in a virtual environment. It is expected that in the coming decade, VR tech will become a common part of the online shopping experience, giving customers a better idea of the suitability of products in which they are interested.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.
