Are you looking for ways to promote your Ecommerce website? Want to know the key trends you should take advantage of this year?

In the ever-evolving world of e-commerce, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses looking to thrive in the digital marketplace. As we delve into 2017, there are several exciting marketing trends that e-commerce websites can take advantage of to boost their online presence, engage customers, and drive sales.

This blog post will explore the most significant trends that were prevalent in 2017, offering valuable insights for e-commerce businesses aiming to succeed in the digital landscape.

Biztech share their Ecommerce marketing trends for 2017 in this infographic.

 

Mobile-First Approach

The rise of mobile devices has transformed the way consumers shop online. In 2017, mobile e-commerce sales accounted for a significant portion of total online sales, making it imperative for e-commerce websites to adopt a mobile-first approach. This trend emphasized the importance of responsive design, fast-loading pages, and user-friendly navigation on mobile devices.

To capitalize on this trend, e-commerce websites should prioritize mobile optimization, ensuring that their sites are accessible and user-friendly on smartphones and tablets. This includes implementing responsive design, optimizing page load times, and simplifying the checkout process for mobile users.

Personalized Shopping Experiences

Personalization was a key trend in e-commerce marketing throughout 2017. Consumers expect a tailored shopping experience, and e-commerce businesses that deliver on this expectation can gain a competitive edge. Personalization involves analyzing customer data and using it to provide personalized product recommendations, content, and marketing messages.

To leverage personalization effectively, e-commerce websites can employ data analytics tools to gather insights into customer behavior and preferences. This information can then be used to create personalized product recommendations, email marketing campaigns, and targeted advertisements. By delivering relevant content and product suggestions, e-commerce businesses can increase customer engagement and drive sales.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing continued to gain momentum in 2017 as a powerful strategy for e-commerce websites. Influencers are individuals who have a significant following on social media platforms, and they can help e-commerce businesses reach a broader audience and build trust with potential customers.

To utilize influencer marketing effectively, e-commerce websites should identify influencers whose values align with their brand and products. Collaborating with influencers for product reviews, sponsored posts, or social media takeovers can help generate buzz and increase brand visibility. In 2017, many e-commerce businesses found success by leveraging the reach and credibility of influencers to promote their products.

Content Marketing

Content marketing remained a vital component of e-commerce marketing in 2017. High-quality, informative content not only helps e-commerce websites establish authority in their niche but also attracts and engages potential customers.

To excel in content marketing, e-commerce businesses should focus on creating valuable and relevant content, such as blog posts, product guides, and how-to videos. Additionally, optimizing content for search engines (SEO) is essential to improve visibility in search results. Content that addresses customer pain points, provides solutions, and educates readers can drive organic traffic and boost conversions.

Social Commerce

Social media platforms continued to evolve as a major driver of e-commerce sales in 2017. The integration of shopping features into social media platforms, known as social commerce, made it easier for users to discover and purchase products directly from their favorite social networks.

E-commerce websites should take advantage of social commerce by setting up and optimizing their social media profiles, incorporating buy buttons, and running targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. By seamlessly integrating social commerce into their marketing strategy, e-commerce businesses can tap into the vast and engaged audiences on social media.

Chatbots and AI-Powered Customer Service

Customer service is a critical aspect of e-commerce, and in 2017, chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) played a significant role in enhancing the customer experience. Chatbots are AI-powered virtual assistants that can provide real-time support to customers, answer common questions, and assist with inquiries.

E-commerce websites can leverage chatbots to provide immediate assistance to customers, streamline the buying process, and handle routine tasks like tracking orders and processing returns. By offering efficient and personalized customer service through chatbots, e-commerce businesses can enhance customer satisfaction and build trust.

Video Marketing

Video marketing gained traction in 2017 as a highly engaging and shareable form of content. E-commerce websites that incorporated video into their marketing strategy reaped the benefits of increased engagement and conversions.

To harness the power of video marketing, e-commerce businesses can create product videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content. Platforms like YouTube and Instagram Stories are excellent channels for sharing video content. Video marketing allows e-commerce websites to showcase their products, demonstrate their use, and connect with their audience on a more personal level.

User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) refers to content created by customers, such as product reviews, testimonials, and social media posts. In 2017, UGC continued to be a valuable asset for e-commerce websites, as it provides social proof and builds trust among potential buyers.

E-commerce businesses can encourage customers to generate content by implementing review and rating systems, running contests, or featuring customer photos on their website and social media profiles. UGC not only helps in establishing credibility but also serves as authentic marketing material that resonates with potential buyers.

Augmented Reality (AR)

Augmented reality (AR) technology gained prominence in e-commerce in 2017. AR allows customers to visualize products in their real-world environment before making a purchase decision. This technology is particularly useful for industries like fashion, furniture, and cosmetics, where visualizing the product’s fit or appearance is crucial.

E-commerce websites can implement AR features, such as virtual try-on tools or interactive product previews, to enhance the shopping experience. By allowing customers to interact with products in a virtual space, e-commerce businesses can reduce the uncertainty associated with online shopping and boost sales.

Email Marketing Automation

Email marketing continued to be a reliable and cost-effective strategy for e-commerce websites in 2017. However, the trend shifted towards automation, allowing businesses to send personalized and timely emails to their subscribers.

E-commerce websites can leverage email marketing automation platforms to send targeted messages based on customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history. Automated email sequences, abandoned cart reminders, and personalized product recommendations can help e-commerce businesses nurture leads and drive conversions.

Conclusion

In 2017, e-commerce marketing witnessed several noteworthy trends that reshaped the way businesses engaged with their customers and drove online sales. From adopting a mobile-first approach to embracing influencer marketing and leveraging the power of AI, e-commerce websites had a wide array of tools and strategies at their disposal.

While these trends were significant in 2017, it’s essential for e-commerce businesses to stay agile and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape. As we move forward, the e-commerce industry continues to evolve, with new trends and technologies shaping the future of online retail. By staying informed and embracing innovation, e-commerce websites can remain competitive and continue to thrive in the digital marketplace.