As the world was forced inside in 2020, the way we shop inevitably changed. No longer did we browse online for just token, luxury, hard to obtain items, but for safety, we utilized online shopping for our basic everyday necessities.
Now in today’s modern world, for most, E-commerce is more than just a way of life; it currently serves as the basic functionality of everyday living.
So how has this influx of people who have subsequently become reliant on eCommerce shopping for their everyday necessities changed the landscape of online shopping?
Below, we have gathered 4 ways from the experts from an e-commerce marketing agency to understand this new online behavior, trends, and habits.
1. Keeping It Easy
Mobiles and smartphones have undoubtedly not only fastened the way we shop online but just generally made it less hassle and almost too easy.
You can have whatever you want at literally the tap of a button, and the brands that can ensure a seamless shopping experience will most definitely retain your custom.
As time progresses, brands continue to create an even more seamless mobile experience as well as continue to fully optimize their mobile content. New AI technology now means you no longer need to be in-person to see what you buying simply view products in the comfort of your own home.
Gen-Z and Millennials won’t go on to their computers to shop unless necessary. After all, why bother grabbing your laptop when you can do it with your mobile already in your hand!
2. The Undeniable “Power of Social Media”
It is indeed undeniable that social media has changed the way we live our lives forever. Furthermore, it has now changed the way we shop. The number of social shoppers is rapidly increasing.
Social media knows how to capitalize on this, with the introduction of specific shopping functions to its sites, such as the “Buy” button on Facebook and Instagram Checkout. Social media plays a significant role in the ever-changing eCommerce landscape.
Suppose you are a brand that’s looking also looking to capitalize on this, you should look to ultimately increase your online social presence as well as partner with platforms such as Shopify that enable your customer to buy directly through social media.
3. Be Green Conscious
The newer generations care more about the planet than ever before, and rightly so. Nearly four in ten digital consumers say that poor environmental records impact their purchasing decisions.
If you are looking to be successful online, you need to ensure that your business practices are not only environmentally friendly but sustainable as well as ethical.
Online businesses are expected to step in and make sure that their practices are environmentally friendly wherever possible. This includes practices of sourcing products from fair-trade organizations to help create a greener eCommerce environment and other green practices such as vegan-free, cruelty-free products and free-range meat.
Millennials and Gen-Z are not afraid to voice their contempt for businesses and institutions that do not uphold the same moral standards that they do, so to avoid “cancel culture” and, more importantly, do the right thing, you should look to improve and incorporate greener consumerism habits.
4. The Desire to Shop with Independent Business
As well as the desire to shop with sustainable and environmentally friendly brands, due to the COVID pandemic, more and more people are looking to shop with independently run businesses.
Due to the effects of COVID and a full-scale nationwide lockdown, small independent businesses were severely affected. To counter, more than one-third (37 percent) of consumers who shop with independent businesses say they’re doing so now more than during pre-COVID-19 times to help counteract the effects.
Even more so, people who shop with independent businesses have stated they do so due to the excellent customer service, high-quality products and want to support entrepreneurship.
Ultimately, the way we shop online is unpredictable. The practices and methods a business can achieve success are ever-changing due to the introduction of new technology and new ideologies of more recent generations.