Ecommerce marketing is the practice of using promotional tactics and technologies to drive traffic to your online store, converting that traffic into paying customers, and retaining those customers post-purchase.
Here are the top 10 technologies which can help you to boost your ecommerce business:
1. Chatbots – New Virtual Support Service:
A chatbot is also called a conversational agent. This software technology emulates actual human interaction in a written or verbal way. It can be work as a website bot, chatbot app, social media chatbot, and also as a voice assistant.
The usage of this technology automates customer support in an ecommerce space round the clock, hence saves time as well as money. It also allows you to gather introductory data about a client which means it generates leads and, thus, revenue.
2. Voice Assistants – Modified Word of Mouth:
Voice assistants are becoming increasingly popular. Voice search is used by:
- Apple’s Siri
- Google Now
- Cortana from Microsoft.
Voice command is used to order products directly from Amazon. Customers, especially millennials, have started using voice assistance before they shop. A sort of “word of mouth” would be the customers’ first connection with a product as there is increasing adoption of smart speakers such as Amazon Echo and Google Home.
3. Blockchain Technology – New Data Security And Payment Method:
The revolutionary use of blockchain technology has changed ecommerce. Blockchain helps to develop trust in online payments with its concept of a distributed, genuine ledger of all digital transactions. The need for a third-party is eliminated with the notion of transactions using digital assets.
It also eliminates scams and offers a new way of payment with the help of cryptocurrency. Experts are currently working on the future of ecommerce marketplace, which is known as ECoinmerce, and will be blockchain-driven to deal with some of the problems related to ecommerce.
4. Drones And Droids – Next-level Delivery System
People and processes are limited, e.g in a delivery system as artificial intelligence and machine learning evolve. Right now, human operation is required by automated vehicles. It is likely though that even this requirement is eliminated by the drones and droids. Despite several complications in drone delivery, retailers can benefit a lot from the adoption of drones. Costs in logistics operations will also be reduced considerably.
5. Conversational Commerce For Customer Service:
People are spending more time on messaging apps, and the popularity of platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp is making businesses turn to digital messaging to interact with customers. This strategy is known as conversational commerce and it takes advantage of the immediacy of digital messaging to offer personal and highly responsive customer service. You can build customer loyalty and maximize customer retention rate provided you successfully implement a conversational commerce strategy.
6. Augmented And Virtual Reality – Innovative Shopping Experience:
Similar technology is applied by both augmented reality (AR) and Virtual reality (VR) which is why many confuse the two. Virtual reality develops a completely new artificial reality while some virtual elements are added into the real world by augmented reality.
Industries that are benefitting from AR include:
- Fashion
- Beauty
- Furnishing
- Auto industries
Google, Apple, Facebook have made huge investments in AR. AR is becoming dominant and is being driven by its increased usage on mobile devices.
7. Engage Customers via Video Content:
Businesses can use video content to engage customers and help them to make decisions. One of the most common online activities for mobile and internet users is watching videos for music, entertainment, information, and DIY tips. You can make your brand seem more approachable and personable and invite customers behind-the-scenes with the help of videos.
8. Cross-Channel Marketing Is A Must:
Be present on several channels and your chances of connecting with customers will increase. It does not mean you need to be present on every single channel but your focus needs to be on platforms that are visited by your target audience frequently. It will increase your visibility and creates opportunities to connect. You can use an email campaign, online ads, and product demos on YouTube, and collaborate with an influencer to implement a multi-channel strategy.
9. Growth Of AI And Machine Learning:
As far as marketing is concerned, you can analyze data about consumer behavior by Artificial intelligence (AI) and use that to make informed business decisions. Algorithms become more accurate as more data is gathered. AI can predict group behavior by using data about a particular section of customers.
Brands can target similar customers, set price points that are almost certainly to convert and regulate marketing campaigns to audiences that are most likely to respond with the help of this information. Individual customer can be analyzed, relevant product recommendations and search results can be delivered with the help of AI
10. Smart Retargeting Ads Are Effective:
This ad strategy is highly effective and is used to engage consumers who have interacted with your website. It will keep your brand at the front of the customers and encourages them to return to your ecommerce shop. You can customize your retargeting depending on the pages customers viewed and the actions they took.
Conclusion:
More technological innovations will be brought to the online shopping industry every year. Find out the latest tech solutions that acquire loyal clients and offer an exceptional e-shopping experience to stay visible. The journey of buying products might exceed our imagination considering the successful cases of virtual reality, drones for delivery, voice assistants, and crypto-payments in the e-business spheres.
Deepak Wadhwani has over 20 years experience in software/wireless technologies. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies including Intuit, ESRI, Qualcomm, Sprint, Verizon, Vodafone, Nortel, Microsoft and Oracle in over 60 countries. Deepak has worked on Internet marketing projects in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange Country, Denver, Nashville, Kansas City, New York, San Francisco and Huntsville. Deepak has been a founder of technology Startups for one of the first Cityguides, yellow pages online and web based enterprise solutions. He is an internet marketing and technology expert & co-founder for a San Diego Internet marketing company.
