If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve built a thriving ecommerce business — kudos to you! The world of online retail can be a rollercoaster, filled with changing trends that are unpredictable for the most part… and, yet, your store is steadily growing. It might be time to take things up a notch, but how do you know when to make that leap? There are some unmistakable signs we’ll explore, so you’ve come to the right place.

Keep reading to learn when it’s the perfect moment to spread your wings. 

Sign #1: You See Steady Revenue Growth

This one is obvious, but the most compelling sign it’s time to expand your ecommerce business is steady revenue growth. If your online store has been increasing its earnings over a sustained period, it’s a strong indicator that you’re onto something worth scaling up. Recognize any of these key points?

• Consistency: A one-time spike in revenue is great, but it’s not the same as sustained growth. Look at your financial data over several quarters or years to identify a consistent upward trend.
• Profitability: While revenue growth is essential, make sure to stay focused on profitability. If your margins remain healthy and your business generates enough profit to support expansion, you’ll be well on your way.
• Market Validation: Consistent revenue growth can also be a form of market validation, which shows your business model is viable and that there is room for expansion.

Steady revenue growth means your business is not just surviving, but thriving. It signifies customers are responding positively to your products, your marketing campaigns and your sales strategies are effective. Once you recognize this sign and manage it smartly, you can set the stage for a successful expansion that leverages your existing success and brings your online business to new heights.

Sign #2: Your Customer Base Has Increased

Another strong indicator that it might be the right time to expand your ecommerce business is the growth of your customer base. As an online retailer, you know your customers make or break your business, and a burgeoning number of them signifies your offerings are resonating with your target market. Use this as the foundation for long-term success and expansion.  

To harness the potential of an increased customer base for expansion, focus on strategies that nurture and engage your customers:

• Personalization
• Excellent customer service
• Loyalty programs

We go in depth about each of these topics in the linked guides, so don’t miss out! These methods can help solidify your relationship with existing customers and attract new ones. 

As your customer base continues to grow, it sets the stage for not just increased revenue, but also the chance to explore new markets, enhance your product offerings and scale your ecommerce business to greater heights. Speaking of scalability… 

Sign #3: Your Operations Are Scalable

When contemplating an expansion of your ecommerce business, one critical factor to consider is the scalability — the ability to accommodate growth without compromising quality — of your operations. 

This one requires an especially close attention to detail because there are so many aspects to consider, including:

• Efficiency: A scalable ecommerce business can seamlessly adapt to increased demand, whether that means a higher volume of orders, a broader customer base or more diverse product offerings. This efficiency in accommodating growth minimizes disruptions and allows you to capitalize on opportunities.
• Tech Infrastructure: Your ecommerce platform, inventory management systems and order fulfillment processes should be equipped to handle greater volumes without bottlenecks and also flexible enough to integrate new features and functionalities as your business expands.
• Workforce: Scalability doesn’t just apply to technology; it extends to your team as well. Be ready to hire and train new employees if necessary — whether for customer support, order processing or marketing — to maintain a high level of service as your business expands.
• Inventory Management: A scalable operation has efficient inventory management. You should be able to increase your product catalog or order more stock without facing overstocking, understocking, or excessive holding costs.
• Supply Chain: Can your supply chain handle an increase in orders, or is it dependent on a single supplier? Diversifying suppliers and building contingency plans can help ensure a robust, scalable supply chain.
• Fulfillment and Shipping: Consider how your fulfillment and shipping processes can scale with the increased volume of orders, such as upgrading your warehousing and shipping solutions. 

Perhaps most importantly, scaling cannot come at the cost of your customer experience. Be sure you can offer the same quality of product and service before embarking on an expansion — and if you can confidently say you’d scale seamlessly, it’s time to enter your next growth phase. 

Sign #4: You See Opportunities for Diversification

Exploring diversification opportunities is a promising sign your ecommerce business may be ripe for expansion. Diversification involves broadening your offerings to cater to a wider range of customer needs or preferences, and it’s a surefire way to know you’re ready for a step up. 

Why diversity? Here’s what you can do with more variety in your catalog:

• Appeal to more consumers, attract different market segments and increase total reach.
• Mitigate risk from market fluctuations and reduce negative impacts to demand. 
• Encourage customer loyalty and repeat business.
• Cross-sell and upsell products, especially once you implement product recommendations.
• Gather market research into customer preferences and emerging trends via sales data.
• Gain a competitive advantage over businesses with slim offerings. 
• Enhance brand recognition by generating more awareness. 

Diversification is a proven strategy for smart growth, but it requires due diligence. First, analyze your current market and customer base to identify unmet needs, trends or related product categories that align with your brand. This might come from customer feedback or from competitor research. Next, evaluate your relationships with suppliers and potential partners, as they may have suggestions for new product lines or services that complement your existing offerings. Finally, look at your financials to determine if diversifying is feasible — and smart. 

Deciding to expand your ecommerce business is a pivotal decision, but the signs above point to a major opportunity to level up and maximize your growth potential. By recognizing these signals, you can take your next step with confidence, well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-changing landscape of online retail.   

In today’s digital landscape, online retailers like you have a never-before-seen opportunity to connect with your audience, showcase your products and ultimately drive sales using social media. With so many platforms and ever-evolving trends to follow, social media marketing has become a critical component of every savvy e-tailer’s digital strategy. But to navigate the landscape effectively, you have to understand the nuanced art of social media — and of each platform — regarding engagement, advertising and content creation.

Let’s dig into the dos and don’ts of social media marketing for ecommerce so you can take away actionable insights and thrive in the hyper-competitive world of online retail. Whether you’re a seasoned ecommerce professional or brand new to the business, this guide will help you boost your online presence and foster customer trust so you can create a memorable brand that supplements your amazing catalog. 

Do: Know Your Audience

When you know your audience, you can create the content that’s going to resonate with them, which then leads to more engagement and more followers down the line. Because social media is a space to build brand awareness and direct users to higher-converting channels, engagement really does matter. So, understand your target audience’s demographics, interests and behaviors to tailor your content and advertising accordingly. 

Don’t: Ignore Data Privacy 

At the start of your social media journey, it can be tempting to build a following at whatever cost. However, it’s better to play the long game and respect data privacy laws and your customers’ privacy concerns. Be transparent about your data usage and ensure you comply with relevant regulations.

Do: Create High-Quality Visuals 

Even on the smallest of cell phone screens, blurry visuals make a brand look unprofessional. There are plenty of resources where users can access crystal-clear stock images and graphics for free, and you can mix in some visuals from your own catalog to showcase products to your followers. For your product shots especially, high-quality photos and videos help shoppers get a sense of what they’re considering purchasing because they can’t see your products in real life. High-quality visuals can significantly impact your audience’s perception, meaning better imagery = better chances to make sales. 

Don’t: Over-Promote 

Avoid making every post about your products. Instead, provide value, entertainment and information to your followers. The 80/20 rule is a good guideline: 80% non-promotional content, 20% promotional.

Do: Leverage Multiple Platforms 

There’s no need to put all your eggs in one basket — or limit yourself to just one social media platform. With a multitude of options, from the widespread appeal of Facebook to the artist-friendly Behance, posting to multiple platforms will help you reach more people and then find where your target audience is spending their time.   

Don’t: Overextend Yourself

It’s better to really crush it on a few platforms than to be mediocre on many. The key is to identify the platforms that resonate with your audience and focus your efforts there. For example, if you are a DTC brand selling products for a wide audience, you probably don’t have to maintain a LinkedIn presence. But if you sell products for the business crowd, LinkedIn might be worth your time.  

Do: Use Consistent Branding

In today’s retail landscape, consumers are looking to buy from a brand, not just any store. Research shows businesses with brand-loyal customers grow revenue 2.5 times faster than their competitors, proving it’s worth elevating your online store into a personified entity — a true brand. This is somewhat simple to do on social media by maintaining a consistent brand identity, including colors, logos and messaging, across all your social media profiles.

Do: Engage with Your Audience 

Social media is supposed to be social, after all, not just a way to broadcast information to your followers. Keep it a two-way street by responding to comments, messages and mentions promptly (even the negative ones.) Engaging with your fellow social media users builds trust and loyalty, which reflects positively on your brand and inspires consideration when these users go online to shop. 

Don’t: Ignore Negative Feedback 

When you receive negative comments or reviews, don’t ignore them. Negative feedback is actually a great way to showcase authenticity: 68% of consumers want to see both negative and positive reviews to believe the latter are real. Therefore, take it in stride, address concerns professionally and seek solutions.

Don’t: Automate Everything 

While automation can be helpful, especially as a brand with a larger social presence and more interactions than your team can handle, avoid automating all your social media interactions. Personalized, authentic interactions are crucial.

Do: Use Hashtags and Trends Wisely 

Employ relevant and trending hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts, but don’t go overboard. Using too many hashtags comes off as inauthentic and spammy. Instead of casting a too-wide net, target your existing or desired audience. The same principles apply to social media trends — you don’t need to jump on every bandwagon to get noticed, but if participating in a trend makes sense, go ahead. 

Don’t: Neglect Trends

On the flip side, don’t ignore trends altogether. A well-executed post that follows a social media trend can get your brand in front of thousands of new users and give you a competitive edge.

Do: Promote User-Generated Content 

One of the best social proof strategies that converts is UGC, or user-generated content. UGC is the pinnacle of authenticity, as it usually comes from customers who aren’t professional content creators. They simply want to share their experience with your products. To collect more user-generated content, encourage your customers to share photos and videos of their purchases. Then, repost or share (once you have their consent) and watch as your customers turn into brand advocates. 

Don’t: Rush It

Building a strong social media presence takes time, especially in today’s fast-moving digital realm. Be patient and focus on consistent growth and engagement rather than quick wins. 

Remember that successful social media marketing for ecommerce involves a mix of creativity, strategy, and responsiveness. It’s an ongoing process, and adapting to changing trends and consumer behaviors is essential for long-term success.

In the fast-paced ecommerce world, capturing and retaining the attention of prospective customers is a constant challenge. Imagine this all-too-common scenario: A shopper lands on your website, browses your product offerings and clicks that dreaded “X” button, disappearing into the digital abyss. Now imagine that same scenario, but instead of losing the shopper, a well-timed popup appears, offering them a compelling deal or an enticing newsletter subscription, all while avoiding costly clicks of retargeting that can add up fast. 

That’s the magic of exit-intent popups, the game-changer savvy online retailers are leveraging to turn hesitant exits into engaged conversions. Today we’ll delve into the world of exit-intent popups, unraveling why they work wonders for online retailers and detailing how. Read on to learn more. 

What Are Exit-Intent Popups?

Exit-intent popups are a powerful conversion optimization tool online retailers can use to engage website visitors at a critical moment: right before they leave the site. These popups are strategically timed to appear when a user shows signs of exiting the webpage, such as moving their cursor toward the browser’s close button or toward another navigation tool like the “Back” button. Instead of letting these shoppers slip away, exit-intent popups try to capture their attention and provide them with compelling offers, information or incentives that encourage them to stay longer for either a purchase or another action.  

These unobtrusive yet effective popups have become a staple in the arsenal of ecommerce businesses looking to reduce bounce rates and boost conversions, and they’re saving abandoned carts across the web.

Why You Need to Save the Sale

Cart abandonment costs online retailers $3 billion every year, so it’s no wonder why exit-intent popups and other recovery tactics are so popular. Even with the lengths sellers go to boost conversions, roughly 70% of carts are abandoned, which proves you need a strategy for how to save the sale. Here’s a quick look at the numbers for further detail:

• Cart abandonment rates are highest on mobile devices at 78%, followed by 70% on tablets and 67% on desktops and laptops.
• The top reasons for cart abandonment are extra costs (47%), account required (25%), slow delivery (24%) and untrustworthy site (19%).   
• 44% of abandoned cart recovery emails are opened.
• 30% of shoppers who are served a retargeting ad will return to the site where they abandoned a cart. 

Although there’s no denying the high abandonment rates, there is still hope for getting consumers back to your online store and completing the sale.

Exit-Intent Popups in Action: How They Work

Exit-intent popups employ a clever combination of tracking user behavior and timely presentation to engage website visitors just before they leave a webpage.

Here’s a basic breakdown of how they work:

1. Behavior Tracking: Exit-intent popups rely on tracking user behavior. They monitor mouse movements, cursor position and scrolling patterns to detect when a visitor is about to leave the site.
2. Trigger Detection: When the tracking mechanism identifies an exit-intent behavior (like moving the cursor toward the browser’s close button or back button) it triggers the popup to activate.
3. Popup Display: The exit-intent popup displays on the user’s screen, typically overlaying the page but not obstructing the view entirely. The content of the popup — whether it’s a special offer, discount, email signup or product recommendation — is carefully crafted to capture the visitor’s attention and entice them to stay or take a specific action.
4. Engagement and Conversion: If the popup successfully grabs the user’s attention and offers something of value or interest, it encourages them to reconsider their decision to leave. However, visitors should have the option to close the popup if they’re not interested, ensuring a non-intrusive experience.

Online retailers often track the outcomes of exit-intent popups with analytics tools, which allow them to measure the effectiveness of different popup strategies and refine their approach to improve conversion rates. When done right, these popups can significantly boost conversions and enhance the overall user experience.

Why Are Exit-Intent Popups Effective?

Exit-intent popups have proven to be effective for several reasons, making them a valuable tool for online retailers looking to increase engagement and conversions. These are some of the factors that make them successful:

• Timely Engagement: Exit-intent popups appear at a critical moment when a shopper is about to leave the website, so online retailers can re-engage those who might otherwise have slipped away.
• Personalization: Effective exit-intent popups are often personalized based on user behavior and preferences, which is a proven strategy for delivering engaging customer experiences. 
• Incentives and Offers: Exit-intent popups commonly include compelling incentives, such as discounts, promotions or freebies that motivate users to stay longer.
• Reducing Abandonment: They can remind users of items in their shopping cart or offer discounts to encourage them to complete their purchase.
• Building Email Lists: Many exit-intent popups capture email addresses by offering newsletter subscriptions or downloadable resources. 
• Data Collection: Exit-intent popups can collect valuable data on user preferences, behavior, and intentions. Online retailers can then use this data to refine marketing strategies and product offerings.
• Conversion Tracking: Analytics tools help you track the effectiveness of these popups so you can measure conversion rates and make data-driven decisions to optimize campaigns.

Here’s the scoop: Exit-intent popups work effectively because they’re strategically timed, personalized and enticing. They provide a means for online retailers to get a second chance with hesitant shoppers, reduce cart abandonment rates and ultimately drive conversions while providing a positive user experience.

Exit-Intent Popup Statistics for 2023

We’ll wrap up our time here today with a roundup of the most essential exit-intent popup statistics you need to know as an online retailer:

• Online retailers can convert an additional 2% to 4% of site visitors using exit-intent popups.
• Exit-intent popups can save abandoned carts and boost revenue up to 30%.
• Popups have a 10% click-through rate on mobile devices. 
• Adding images to your popups increases click-through rates by 29%.
• Free shipping popups can recover 44% of shoppers who intended to exit. 
• 72% of consumers will only engage with a brand that personalizes its messages, so a tailored popup can capture new users.

By harnessing the power of timely engagement, personalization and can’t-miss incentives, savvy e-tailers can turn the tide in their favor with this nifty tool!

The ecommerce industry is rapidly growing and evolving, and staying informed is key to success. To help keep you in the know for what’s pertintent this year and beyond, we’ve created the most in-depth and comprehensive Bible of important ecommerce statistics you need to know for 2023 and beyond. From general ecommerce trends to mobile shopping and social media, we’ll cover everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. So let’s dive in!

General Ecommerce Statistics

Ecommerce has been growing at an astounding rate, with online sales continually breaking records each year. With the increasing importance of ecommerce in the global market, it’s vital for businesses to stay informed on the latest trends, statistics, and strategies.

• According to Statista, global ecommerce sales are projected to reach $3.53 trillion in 2019. This growth can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of mobile commerce, social media integration, and advancements in technology that make online shopping more accessible and convenient for consumers.
• A study by Accenture revealed that 77% of consumers participate in at least one retail loyalty program.
• Invesp reported that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one.
• According to a study by KPMG, 81% of consumers are more likely to continue doing business with brands that offer loyalty programs.
• A Marketing Dive report found that 57% of consumers are more likely to spend more on brands to which they are loyal.
• Statista predicts that by 2023, mobile ecommerce will account for 72.9% of total ecommerce sales.
• A report by Google found that 73% of consumers would switch to a better-designed mobile site if they encountered a poorly designed one.
• OuterBox reported that 40% of all online purchases made during the holiday season are done on smartphones.
• According to Adobe, 61% of email users prefer to read emails on their mobile devices.
• BigCommerce reported that online stores with a social media presence have an average of 32% more sales than those without one.
• A study by Kinsta found that 74% of consumers rely on their social networks to make purchasing decisions.
• According to Shopify, 85% of orders from social media sites come from Facebook.
• Neil Patel reported that social media posts with photos receive 53% more likes, 104% more comments, and 84% higher click-through rates.
• OptinMonster found that email marketing yields a 4400% ROI, with 1 spent.
• Campaign Monitor reported that segmented email campaigns drive a 760% increase in revenue.
• According to Experian, transactional emails generate 8x more opens and clicks than other types of email campaigns, making 6x the revenue.
• A study by OptinMonster revealed that 60% of consumers have made a purchase as a result of an email marketing message they received.
• Baymard Institute found that the average cart abandonment rate across all industries is 69.89%.
• Disruptive Advertising estimated that ecommerce sites could be losing a total of $3 billion a year due to cart abandonment.
• According to the Baymard Institute, ecommerce sites can gain a 35% increase in conversion rates with an optimized checkout design.
• OptinMonster reported that mobile devices have the highest cart abandonment rate at 78%, followed by tablets (70%) and desktops/laptops (67%).
• Mar Tech reported that 44% of consumers say they will likely become repeat buyers after a personalized shopping experience.
• According to Salesforce, 57% of online shoppers are willing to share personal data in exchange for personalized offers or discounts.
• A study by Accenture found that 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations.
• McKinSey reported that 74% of customers feel frustrated when website content is not personalized.
• Statista predicts that the number of digital buyers worldwide will reach 2.14 billion by 2023.
• According to eMarketer, China is the largest ecommerce market in the world, accounting for over 50% of global ecommerce sales.
• Statista estimates that ecommerce will account for 21.8% of total retail sales worldwide by 2023, up from 14.1% in 2019.
• Shopify reported that global retail ecommerce sales are expected to reach $7.6 trillion by 2025.
• A Seller App stury found that 73% of consumers use multiple channels during their shopping journey.
• According to Forbes, synthesized retail, which focuses on integrating all customer touchpoints into a single, unified experience, is the future of retail.
• A study by the CMO Council found that 85% of marketers believe that a cohesive customer experience across all channels is critical to their success.
• Soft Tec reported that businesses with omni-channel customer engagement strategies retain 89% of their customers, compared to 33% for companies with weak omni-channel engagement.
• Gartner predicts that by 2023, over 60% of companies will rely on AI-driven personalization to deliver tailored customer experiences.
• Business Insider estimates that by 2023, there will be over 64 billion IoT devices worldwide, presenting new opportunities for ecommerce businesses to leverage connected devices for sales and marketing.
• Forbes predicts that voice commerce will become a major player in the ecommerce landscape, with voice-activated purchases expected to reach $40 billion by 2023.
• Walker Sands reported that 79% of consumers expect to see drone deliveries in the next five years, indicating a potential shift in ecommerce logistics and fulfillment.
• Global ecommerce sales are expected to reach $6.3 trillion by 2024, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% from 2023.
• By 2023, the number of digital buyers worldwide is projected to reach 2.14 billion, accounting for over 25% of the global population.
• The Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for 60.5% of global ecommerce sales by 2023, with China being the largest market.

Ecommerce Market Share and Competition

The ecommerce landscape is rapidly evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and consumer behaviors shaping the industry’s future. As we head into 2023, understanding the market share and competition dynamics is crucial for businesses looking to succeed in the digital space. Unsurprisingly, Amazon leads the pack, and for many solid reasons.

• Ecommerce market share is dominated by a few key players that have established themselves as industry leaders. In 2023, Amazon is expected to maintain its position as the largest ecommerce platform, with a 38.7% share of the US ecommerce market. Globally, Amazon’s market share is estimated at around 14%.
• China’s Alibaba Group, which includes platforms like Alibaba, Taobao, and Tmall, holds a significant share of the global ecommerce market. In 2023, Alibaba is expected to account for 56% of China’s ecommerce market, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the industry as it competes with Amazon for marketplace dominance.
• Other notable ecommerce platforms include eBay, Rakuten, and Walmart, each commanding a smaller yet significant share of the market. As competition intensifies, these platforms are continually innovating to attract and retain customers.
• As consumers demand more personalized experiences, ecommerce platforms are leveraging technologies like AI and machine learning to create customized product recommendations, tailored marketing messages, and dynamic pricing strategies.
• Social media platforms are increasingly becoming integral to the ecommerce ecosystem, with features like shoppable posts, buy buttons, and integrated payment solutions. In 2023, global social commerce sales are expected to reach $1.2 trillion, making it a critical channel for ecommerce businesses to leverage.
• As voice-assistant technology improves, more consumers are using voice commands to search for products, make purchases, and track orders. By 2023, voice commerce is predicted to account for over $80 billion in sales.
• Eco-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking out sustainable products and environmentally friendly packaging. Ecommerce businesses that prioritize sustainability are likely to gain a competitive edge in the market.
• In 2023, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to account for 62.6% of global ecommerce sales, fueled by the rapid growth of China, India, and Southeast Asia. North America and Europe will follow, with 19% and 12.7% of global sales, respectively.
• Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are expected to experience significant growth, albeit from a smaller base. As internet penetration and smartphone adoption increase in these regions, ecommerce businesses have significant opportunities to tap into these emerging markets.
• Mobile commerce (mcommerce) is a rapidly growing segment within the ecommerce industry. By 2023, mcommerce is expected to account for 72.9% of global ecommerce sales, amounting to over $3.5 trillion. Factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, improved mobile internet connectivity, and the development of mobile-optimized websites and apps are driving this growth.
• Cross-border ecommerce is gaining popularity as consumers seek out unique products and competitive prices from international sellers. By 2023, cross-border ecommerce sales are expected to reach $1 trillion, accounting for 22% of global ecommerce sales. Businesses looking to expand their global reach should consider investing in cross-border ecommerce strategies, including localized websites, multi-currency payment options, and efficient logistics and shipping solutions.
• Emerging markets represent significant growth opportunities for ecommerce businesses, as increasing internet penetration, rising middle-class populations, and improving digital infrastructure drive online shopping adoption. By 2023, ecommerce sales in emerging markets are expected to grow at a CAGR of 25%, with India, Indonesia, and Mexico among the fastest-growing markets.
• Ecommerce has disrupted various industries, with some sectors experiencing more significant shifts towards online sales than others. In 2023, the following industries are expected to have the highest ecommerce market share:
  • Fashion and Apparel: 36% of global sales
  • Consumer Electronics: 22% of global sales
  • Health and Beauty: 11% of global sales
• The top 10 ecommerce retailers account for 63.2% of total US ecommerce sales.
• There are an estimated 12 million to 24 million ecommerce sites worldwide, but less than 1 million of these sell more than $1,000 per year.

Consumer Behavior and Ecommerce

Understanding consumer behavior in the context of ecommerce is essential for businesses looking to excel in the online retail landscape. As we move into 2023 and beyond, it’s crucial to stay informed in order to make data-driven decisions and optimize your ecommerce marketing strategy.

• As more and more consumers embrace online shopping, there has been a significant shift in their preferences and behavior. A 2023 Forrester report suggests that 63% of consumers now prefer to shop online rather than in physical stores. This preference is driven by factors such as convenience, variety, and the ability to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.
• The rise of smartphones and mobile devices has had a significant impact on consumer behavior and ecommerce. Statista reports that 82% of internet users in the United States have used a mobile device to shop online, and this number is expected to grow. As a result, optimizing ecommerce websites for mobile devices has become a priority for online retailers.
• Despite the growing popularity of mobile shopping, conversion rates on mobile devices tend to be lower than those on desktops and laptops. According to Marketing Land, mobile apps have a 3x higher conversion rate than mobile websites. This highlights the importance of investing in mobile app development and optimization for ecommerce businesses.
• Personalization plays a crucial role in shaping consumer behavior and driving ecommerce success. An Accenture study found that 91% of consumers are more likely to shop with brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations. This demonstrates the value of using personalized marketing strategies to engage and retain customers.
• 54% of consumers say they prefer shopping online over in-store, citing convenience, better prices, and a wider selection
• Approximately 49% of consumers shop online at least once a week, while 30% shop online multiple times per week.

Ecommerce User Experience

Ecommerce user experience (UX) has become a critical factor in determining the success of online businesses. As the ecommerce landscape continues to evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest UX trends and best practices is essential for driving sales and customer satisfaction that can help you notch more wins while avoiding common ecommerce mistakes that can detract from performance metrics.

• A well-designed ecommerce UX can have a significant impact on conversion rates. In fact, Forbes estimates that a well-executed UX design could increase conversion rates by 200-400%. This underscores the importance of investing in UX improvements to drive sales and revenue growth.
• Effective ecommerce UX also plays a crucial role in fostering customer loyalty and retention. A Forbes report found that 73% of customers cite a positive experience as the main driver of their brand loyalty. By providing a seamless and enjoyable online shopping experience, businesses can build long-lasting relationships with their customers and encourage repeat purchases.
• Site navigation and search functionality are critical for helping customers find the products they need quickly and easily. Poor navigation can lead to frustration and may ultimately result in customers abandoning their shopping carts. In fact, Baymard Institute reports that 50% of ecommerce websites have issues with their main navigation, which can hinder the user experience.
• With Statista reporting that over 50% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, ensuring that your ecommerce site is mobile-responsive is more critical than ever. A mobile-optimized site should load quickly, have easy-to-use navigation, and display content in a visually appealing and easy-to-read manner on smaller screens.
• High-quality product pages and descriptions are essential for helping customers make informed purchasing decisions. A study by Retail Dive found that 40% of consumers have returned an item they purchased online due to inaccurate product descriptions. To avoid this, ensure that product pages include detailed descriptions, high-resolution images, and user-generated content such as reviews and ratings.
• A seamless and efficient checkout process is crucial for reducing cart abandonment and driving conversions. According to Baymard Institute, the average cart abandonment rate is 69.8%, with 21% of users citing a long or complicated checkout process as the primary reason for abandoning their carts. Streamlining the checkout process by reducing the number of steps, offering guest checkout options, and providing multiple payment options can significantly improve the user experience and lead to higher conversion rates.
• Voice-activated shopping is on the rise, with Venture Beat predicting that voice shopping will reach $40 billion in the US alone by 2022. Integrating voice search and voice-activated purchasing capabilities into your ecommerce site can provide a more seamless and convenient shopping experience for customers.
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are becoming increasingly popular in the ecommerce space, offering customers immersive and interactive shopping experiences. Entreprenuer predicts that by 2023, 25% of digital workers will use a virtual employee assistant daily, up from less than 2% in 2019. Integrating AR and VR features into your ecommerce site, such as virtual try-ons or 3D product visualizations, can help enhance user experience and drive sales.
• 88% of online shoppers say they wouldn’t return to a website with a poor user experience, emphasizing the importance of a well-designed ecommerce site.
• Offering free shipping can increase ecommerce conversion rates by up to 50%.

Mobile Ecommerce (Mcommerce) Statistics

As we rapidly approach 2023, the world of ecommerce continues to evolve, with mobile ecommerce (mcommerce) taking center stage. With the increasing number of smartphone users and advancements in technology, mcommerce has become an essential aspect of online shopping for both consumers and businesses. These facts about mobile commerce can help you better position your brand to notch new wins in 2023 and beyond.

• According to Statista, the global mcommerce market is expected to reach $3.56 trillion in 2021, accounting for 72.9% of total ecommerce sales. With this rapid growth, it’s crucial for businesses to understand the latest trends and statistics in order to remain competitive in the market.
• The global mcommerce market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25.5% between 2021 and 2028, reaching a value of $58  trillion by 2028.
• Asia-Pacific leads the global mcommerce market, with a 64% share in 2021, followed by North America and Europe.
• In 2022, an estimated 2.14 billion people worldwide will have made at least one purchase via mobile device, representing 27.3% of the global population.
• By 2023, it is projected that 91% of internet users in the United States will have made a purchase using a mobile device.
• 79% of smartphone users have made a purchase online using their mobile device in the last six months, and mobile devices accounted for 65% of all ecommerce traffic in 2021, with 35% coming from desktops.
• In 2021, mobile devices accounted for 54% of total ecommerce sales, while desktops accounted for 46%.
• 85% of mobile users prefer native mobile apps to mobile websites when shopping online.
• Mobile apps have a 3x higher conversion rate compared to mobile websites.
• By 2023, there will be an estimated 1.31 billion mobile wallet users worldwide, up from 950 million in 2019.
• Social commerce, the integration of social media and ecommerce, is expected to account for 4.3% of total ecommerce sales in the United States by 2023, up from 1.8% in 2019.
• In 2021, 43% of global internet users aged 16-64 purchased a product they discovered on social media.
• Slow-loading mobile sites lead to a 106% increase in bounce rates, with 53% of mobile users abandoning a site if it takes longer than 3 seconds to load.
• 88% of consumers are less likely to return to a mobile site after a poor user experience.
• Augmented reality (AR) is expected to play a significant role in mcommerce, with 61% of consumers saying they prefer retailers that offer AR experiences.
• Voice commerce is projected to reach 8 billion in the United Kingdom by 2023.
• Mobile commerce is expected to account for 72.9% of total ecommerce sales by 2023.
• In 2022, mobile devices were responsible for 68% of total ecommerce traffic.
• The global mobile payment market is projected to reach $12.06 trillion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 30.7% from 2023.

Returns

The ecommerce industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with more and more businesses embracing online selling. As a result, ecommerce return policies and practices have become a crucial aspect of the customer experience. Here are some important statistics on ecommerce returns to know in 2023.

• Studies have found that return rates for ecommerce are increasing, with the average return rate for online purchases being around 16%. This is significantly higher than the average return rate for brick-and-mortar stores, which hovers around 8%.
• The cost of processing returns can be quite high for ecommerce businesses. In the United States alone, the total cost of processing returns was $369 billion in 2018. This figure is expected to increase as ecommerce continues to grow.
• According to a study by Retail Wire, the average cost of processing a return is 8 per item. These costs can quickly add up, particularly for businesses with high return rates.
• One of the most common reasons for returns in the ecommerce industry is incorrect sizing or fit. A study by ReadyReturns found that most returns (22%) are due to products not fitting as expected, making it essential for online retailers to provide accurate sizing information and guides.
• Another common reason for returns is dissatisfaction with the product itself. Whether it’s due to poor quality, not meeting expectations, or simply not liking the product, and 19% of returns can be attributed to product dissatisfaction.
• A study by ReadyReturns found that 49% of online shoppers check the return policy of an ecommerce store before making a purchase. Moreover, 72% of shoppers are more likely to shop with a retailer that offers a hassle-free returns process.
• 90% of customers cited free returns as a major factor in their overall satisfaction with an online retailer. Offering free returns can encourage customers to make a purchase, knowing they can return the item without incurring additional costs.
• To combat the issue of sizing and fit, some retailers are experimenting with virtual try-on technology and personalization. Companies like True Fit and Fits.me offer solutions that help customers find the right size and fit before making a purchase, reducing the likelihood of returns.
• As the ecommerce industry continues to expand, so does the volume of returns. According to Statista, global ecommerce sales are projected to reach 4.28 trillion in 2020. This growth is expected to result in a corresponding increase in the number of returns.
• The fashion industry is particularly affected by high return rates, with Statista reporting that clothing, shoes, and accessories account for 56% of all online returns in the US. This is due to factors such as sizing issues, color discrepancies, and the tactile nature of these products, which make it difficult for customers to assess them accurately online.

Mobile Shopping Behavior

Mobile shopping behavior has seen a significant shift in recent years, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and advancements in mobile technology. As consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to browse, research, and purchase products, businesses must adapt to meet the evolving needs and preferences of their target audience.

• Mobile ecommerce, or mcommerce, has been growing rapidly and is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. According to Statista, global mobile ecommerce sales are projected to reach $3.56 trillion in 2023, accounting for 72.9% of total ecommerce sales. This represents a significant increase from 58.9% in 2018, highlighting the growing importance of mobile shopping for businesses.
• As mobile ecommerce continues to grow, more consumers are using their smartphones to shop online. Research by eMarketer estimates that in 2023, 90.8% of internet users worldwide will have made at least one purchase via a mobile device. This indicates that businesses must prioritize optimizing their online stores for mobile devices to capture this large and growing audience.
• Mobile devices have also been surpassing desktops in terms of online shopping activity. A study by Adobe Digital Insights found that in 2018, mobile devices accounted for 58% of site visits and 39% of revenue for online retailers during the holiday season. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and beyond, with mobile devices playing an increasingly dominant role in ecommerce.
• Consumers are increasingly turning to their mobile devices to research products before making a purchase. According to a recent study, 82% of smartphone users consult their phones while in a store, and 45% read reviews to make informed purchasing decisions. Businesses must ensure that their online presence is optimized for mobile devices to provide these potential customers with the information they seek.
• As mobile shopping increases in popularity, so too does the use of mobile wallets for making purchases. According to Juniper Research, the number of mobile wallet users worldwide is expected to reach 5 billion by the end of 2026. This represents a significant opportunity for businesses to adopt mobile wallet payment options to cater to this growing audience.
• In-app purchases are becoming an increasingly popular method of payment for mobile shoppers. Global consumer spending on in-app purchases will reach $156.5 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.6% from 2018 to 2023. This highlights the need for businesses to offer seamless in-app payment solutions to facilitate mobile shoppin
• Alternative payment options, such as cryptocurrency and biometric payments, are also gaining traction among mobile shoppers. A study by Worldpay found that by 2023, digital wallets will account for 40% of online payments, with alternative payment methods making up an additional 17%. Businesses should stay informed about these emerging payment options to cater to consumers’ evolving preferences.
• Despite the growing popularity of mobile shopping, cart abandonment rates remain a significant challenge for businesses. Research by Hot Jar indicates that the average cart abandonment rate on mobile devices is 85.65%, compared to 73.07% on desktops. This suggests that businesses must prioritize improving the mobile shopping experience to reduce cart abandonment and increase conversions.
• Slow-loading mobile websites can negatively impact the user experience and contribute to higher cart abandonment rates. A study by Google found that if a mobile page takes more than three seconds to load, the probability of a user abandoning the site increases by 32%. Businesses must optimize their mobile websites for speed to ensure a seamless shopping experience for their customers.
• Security concerns also factor into consumers’ mobile shopping behavior. More than 55% of consumers are concerned about the security of their personal information when shopping on mobile devices. Businesses must prioritize mobile security and communicate their commitment to protecting customer data to build trust and encourage mobile shopping.
• As mobile shopping continues to grow, businesses are investing more in mobile advertising to reach their target audience. According to eMarketer, mobile ad spending is expected to reach $247.36 billion in 2023, accounting for 67% of total digital ad spending. This highlights the importance of mobile advertising in driving ecommerce growth.
• Effective mobile marketing strategies are essential for businesses looking to capitalize on the growth of mobile shopping. A study by Smart Insights found that personalized mobile messaging, location-based marketing, and mobile-first content are among the most effective tactics for engaging mobile shoppers. Businesses should consider implementing these strategies to enhance their mobile marketing efforts.
• Social media plays a crucial role in influencing mobile shopping behavior. Shopify reports that 85% of orders from social media sites come from Facebook. Businesses should leverage social media to drive mobile shopping and boost sales.
• Augmented reality is emerging as a powerful tool for enhancing the mobile shopping experience. According to Gartner, 100 million consumers will use AR to shop by 2023. By incorporating AR into their mobile shopping platforms, businesses can provide a more immersive and engaging experience for their customers, potentially leading to increased sales.
• Voice shopping is another trend to watch in the coming years, as more consumers become comfortable using voice-activated assistants to make purchases. A report by Voicebot estimates that voice shopping will reach $40 billion in the United States by 2022. Businesses should consider integrating voice shopping capabilities into their mobile ecommerce platforms to cater to this growing audience.
• Artificial intelligence is expected to play an increasingly prominent role in mobile shopping, with AI-powered chatbots and personalized product recommendations becoming more prevalent. AI can potentially increase global ecommerce revenues by $439 billion by 2023. By leveraging AI technology, businesses can offer a more personalized and streamlined mobile shopping experience for their customers.

Email Marketing and Ecommerce

The ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce demands that businesses stay abreast of the latest trends to maintain a competitive edge. One such trend is the increasing reliance on email marketing as a powerful tool for driving customer engagement and generating sales. Use these statistics on email marketing to improve your strategy and enhance your brand’s reach.

• According to Statista, the number of email users worldwide reached 4.258 billion in 2022, highlighting the massive potential audience for email marketing campaigns.
• As per Statista, global email marketing revenue is projected to reach $9.62 billion in 2022, further illustrating its importance to the ecommerce sector.
• A study by Mail Chimp reveals that 69% of businesses use email marketing as a digital marketing strategy, proving its widespread adoption and effectiveness.
• Email marketing campaigns account for 9% of the total traffic on ecommerce websites, according to Statista. This highlights the significant role email marketing plays in driving online sales.
• A Digital Commerce 360 survey of retailers found that 36% of them invest more than 11% of their digital marketing budget into email marketing, demonstrating its priority in their overall marketing strategy.
• Ecommerce emails boast one of the highest deliverability rates at 96%.
• MailChimp reports that the average open rate for ecommerce marketing emails is 15.68%, while the average click rate is 2.01%. These figures indicate that customers are highly engaged with well-crafted email campaigns.
• Another interesting statistic from MailChimp is that only 0.19% of ecommerce marketing emails get hard-bounced, suggesting that businesses have become more efficient at managing their email lists and avoiding undeliverable emails.
• According to Campaign Monitor, emails with personalized subject lines see a 26% increase in open rates, proving that personalization is crucial for capturing the attention of recipients.
• Hubspot reveals that mobile-friendly email is the second most popular strategy email marketers use to boost their performance, highlighting the importance of optimizing emails for different devices.
• Retail Dive found that 47% of consumers prefer email as their pre-purchase method of contact, and 75% of them like to receive emails on discounts and offers. This demonstrates the potential of email marketing in influencing consumer behavior.
• Research by Omnisend finds that welcome messages have the highest conversion rate of 51.94% among all automated emails in ecommerce.
• A recent study reveals that 58% of the top 1,000 US ecommerce businesses send welcome emails, further emphasizing their importance in nurturing customer relationships.
• More than half of customers say that emails affect their purchasing decisions. 
• OptinMonster found that 60% of respondents claimed to have made a purchasing decision due to receiving a promotional email, highlighting the power of email marketing in driving sales.
• Campaign Monitor reports that marketers see a 760% increase in returns from email when moving to segmented campaigns, emphasizing the importance of targeting and personalization in email marketing.
• Segmented email campaigns drive a 760% increase in revenue.
• Personalized subject lines can increase email open rates by 26%.
• Email marketing has the highest ROI of all marketing campaigns.
• Personalized subject lines can increase email open rates by 26%.

Abandoned Cart Statistics

Cart abandonment is a prevalent issue in online retail, with a significant impact on businesses. Understanding the reasons behind cart abandonment and implementing strategies to address these issues can help businesses recover lost sales and improve their overall conversion rates.

By focusing on streamlining the checkout process, offering transparent shipping costs, building trust with security measures, optimizing the shopping experience for mobile devices, and utilizing retargeting and email marketing strategies, businesses can effectively reduce cart abandonment rates and enhance their overall online shopping experience. Use these recent shopping cart abandonment statistics to improve your checkout process and attract new sales.

• According to recent studies, the average cart abandonment rate stands at 69.82%. This means that more than half of all online shopping carts are abandoned at any given time. However, it’s important to note that this figure is an average, and the actual rate may vary significantly among different industries and businesses.
• A complicated checkout process is a major deterrent for online shoppers. In fact, 18% of potential customers would rather not purchase than go through a complex checkout process. Streamlining the checkout flow and reducing the number of steps can help mitigate this issue.
• Shipping costs have a significant impact on cart abandonment, with up to 70% of shoppers abandoning their carts when they see high shipping fees. Offering free shipping or providing transparent shipping costs upfront can help alleviate this issue.
• Technical issues such as website crashes or errors can lead to a 12% abandonment rate. Ensuring a smooth and error-free browsing experience is crucial in retaining potential customers.
• 17% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to concerns about the security of their payment information. Building trust by implementing secure payment gateways and displaying security badges can help mitigate this concern.
• Forcing shoppers to create an account before checking out is another significant reason for cart abandonment, with 24% of shoppers leaving their carts for this reason. Allowing guest checkouts can help reduce cart abandonment in this regard.
• Cart abandonment rates can vary significantly across different industries. For example, the automotive industry has the highest cart abandonment rate at 89.11%, followed by the airline and fashion industries at 88.87% and 88.57%, respectively. On the other hand, the grocery industry has the lowest rate at 61.13%, followed by consumer electronics at a rate of 70.65%.
• Cart abandonment rates also vary depending on the device used for shopping. In Q2 of 2021, the cart abandonment rate was 80.6% on mobile phones and 66.1% on desktops. This highlights the importance of optimizing the shopping experience for mobile devices to reduce cart abandonment.
• Retargeting ads can be an effective strategy to bring back non-converting shoppers to your website. These ads include display ads and Facebook ads, which allow advertisers to show specific ads to specific groups of people. Retargeted ads result in 30% of non-converting shoppers returning to the website where they abandoned their carts.
• Email marketing can be a highly effective tool for recovering abandoned carts. Sending a strategic series of reminder emails, followed by incentives such as coupons or free shipping codes, can help bring customers back to complete their purchase. The average open rate for abandoned cart emails is 44%, with a click-through rate of 21%. Furthermore, the average conversion rate for these emails is 10.7%, making it a valuable tool for recovering lost sales.
• Offering free shipping and returns can significantly influence purchase decisions, especially for customers under 25. Over 50% of this demographic cites same-day shipping as the number one factor driving them to make an online purchase. In addition, 54% say they are more likely to shop online when free returns or exchanges are guaranteed.
• Enhancing user experience can play a crucial role in reducing cart abandonment rates. For instance, 63% of online shoppers who use mobile apps prefer them because they are more convenient than mobile sites. Retail apps are perceived as faster, offer better benefits and rewards, and improve the user experience by storing settings. Focusing on improving the overall user experience can significantly impact cart abandonment rates.
• Abandoned cart emails have an average open rate of 45%.
• Sending three abandoned cart emails can result in 69% more orders compared to a single email.

Influencer Marketing and Ecommerce

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, influencer marketing has emerged as a powerful tool for brands to reach their target audience. As e-commerce continues its steady growth, understanding the impact of influencers on consumer behavior is essential for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve.

• According to a report by Business Insider, the influencer marketing industry is projected to reach 8 billion in 2020. This considerable growth demonstrates the increasing importance of influencer marketing in the overall advertising landscape.
• Research by HubSpot found that 86% of marketers plan to include influencer marketing in their marketing mix in 2023. This high percentage shows the growing recognition of influencer marketing as a valuable and effective strategy for brands.
• Influencer marketing has proven to be an effective investment for many brands. According to research by Smart Insights, 51% of marketers say influencer marketing has helped them acquire better customers. Additionally, influencer marketing achieved 11x the ROI of banner ads, further emphasizing its effectiveness.
• Eight out of 10 consumers have purchased something after seeing it recommended by an influencer. This demonstrates the power of influencer recommendations and their impact on consumer purchasing decisions.
• According to a survey by Stackla, 90% of consumers say authenticity is important when deciding which brands they like and support. This underscores the need for brands to collaborate with influencers who can deliver authentic content that resonates with their target audience.
• Influencer marketing has the potential to significantly increase e-commerce sales. New research finds that 60% of marketers believe influencer-generated content performs better than branded posts, leading to higher conversion rates.
• Mobile e-commerce is expected to dominate the online retail space in the coming years. According to eMarketer, mobile e-commerce sales will account for over 70% of total e-commerce sales by 2023. Influencers play a crucial role in driving this growth, as their content is primarily consumed on mobile devices.
• 60% of fashion and beauty brands have an influencer marketing strategy in place, with many seeing impressive results from their campaigns.
• Influencer marketing is also transforming the travel and hospitality industries. 40% of millennials would choose a travel destination based on an influencer’s recommendation. This highlights the power of influencers to shape consumer behavior and preferences in the travel sector.
• 49% of consumers depend on influencer recommendations to make purchase decisions.
• The global influencer marketing market size is projected to reach $13.8 billion in 2021.

Ecommerce Payment Methods

As the ecommerce industry continues to grow exponentially, understanding the latest trends and insights in ecommerce payment methods is crucial for businesses looking to stay competitive and cater to consumer preferences. Here are the most important statistics that you need to know in 2023.

• Digital wallets have become an increasingly popular payment method in ecommerce due to their convenience and security features. According to FIS Global, digital wallets accounted for 49% of global ecommerce sales in 2021. This trend is expected to continue, with digital wallets potentially surpassing credit and debit card usage in the coming years.
• As of 2022, the top digital wallets in the U.S. market, according to Civic Science, were:
  1. PayPal (36%)
  2. Apple Pay (20%)
  3. Venmo (16%)
  4. Google Pay (11%)
  5. Samsung Pay (3%)
• Digital wallets are not only dominating ecommerce sales but are also becoming a popular choice for point of sale (POS) transactions. FIS Global reported that digital wallets accounted for 29% of global POS sales in 2021, surpassing credit cards (24%) and debit cards (23%).
• Although digital wallets are gaining popularity, credit and debit cards remain a significant payment method in ecommerce. FIS Global found that credit cards accounted for 21% of global ecommerce sales in 2021, while debit cards made up 13%.
• In North America, credit cards remain the top payment method for ecommerce transactions, at 31%. Digital wallets follow closely, with 29% of transactions. Debit cards account for 21% of ecommerce payments in the region.
• Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options have emerged as a popular payment method in ecommerce, allowing customers to defer payment or spread it over a series of installments. FIS Global reported that BNPL accounted for 3% of global ecommerce sales and 4% of North American ecommerce sales in 2021.
• Several BNPL providers have emerged in the market, with some of the most prominent ones being:
  1. Afterpay
  2. Klarna
  3. Affirm
  4. Sezzle
• BNPL options have been particularly popular among younger consumers, with McKinsey & Company reporting that 60% of BNPL users in the U.S. were aged between 18 and 34.
• Bank transfers accounted for 7% of global ecommerce sales and 8% of North American ecommerce sales in 2021, according to FIS Global.
• According to Insider Intelligence, global retail ecommerce sales reached $6.310 trillion in 2023, with mobile commerce accounting for a significant portion of this figure.
• World Bank Group reported that 76% of adults worldwide had a bank account or used a mobile money provider in 2021, indicating a growing adoption of mobile payment methods globally.
• Despite the growth in digital payment adoption, a significant portion of the global population remains unbanked. The World Bank Group found that 1.4 billion adults worldwide were unbanked in 2021.
• Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) represent a potential future development in digital payment methods. According to the Bank for International Settlements, 9 in 10 central banks are actively exploring CBDC projects.
• 42% of US online shoppers prefer to use credit cards, while 29% prefer PayPal.
• Digital and mobile wallets are expected to account for a 50% marketshare of all ecommerce payments this year and beyond, increasing to a predicted 55% by 2025.

Cryptocurrency and Ecommerce

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain traction worldwide, their impact on various industries becomes increasingly evident. One such industry experiencing significant change due to the rise of digital currencies is ecommerce.

• According to Pew Research, as of November 2021, only 16% of U.S. consumers had used cryptocurrencies. This figure indicates that while digital currencies are becoming more mainstream, widespread adoption has yet to occur.
• In a survey conducted by U.S.-based Software Advice in May 2022, 596 U.S. consumers who had used crypto as a form of payment for online shopping were polled. The study revealed that all respondents had used cryptocurrency for online purchases at least monthly from June 2021 through May 2022.
• Despite the growing enthusiasm among some users, many U.S. consumers remain skeptical of cryptocurrencies. A Bloomberg “MLIV Pulse” survey conducted from July 5 to 8, 2022, revealed that retail investors are more skeptical of cryptocurrencies than institutional buyers. This skepticism may slow the adoption of digital currencies in ecommerce, potentially affecting the industry’s future growth.
• Cryptocurrencies often have lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods, making them an attractive option for both consumers and merchants. As more ecommerce platforms begin to accept digital currencies, it’s expected that the overall transaction costs associated with online shopping will decrease, leading to increased savings for both parties.
• 21% of US consumers have used cryptocurrency to make an online purchase.

Ecommerce Shipping

In the era of online shopping, ecommerce shipping has become a crucial aspect of any successful business. As an online retailer, staying updated with the latest industry trends and statistics is crucial for making informed decisions and optimizing your shipping strategy.

• Free shipping has become an essential offering for online retailers, with Walker Sands reporting that 79% of US consumers say free shipping would make them more likely to shop online. This highlights the importance of incorporating free shipping into your ecommerce strategy to attract and retain customers.
• High shipping costs are a leading cause of cart abandonment, with Baymard Institute reporting that 50% of online shoppers abandon their carts due to expensive shipping fees. Offering free shipping can help reduce cart abandonment rates and improve your overall sales.
• As consumer expectations evolve, the demand for faster delivery options is on the rise. A PwC survey indicates that 41% of online shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day or next-day delivery. This presents an opportunity for ecommerce retailers to differentiate themselves by offering expedited shipping options.
• Offering same-day or next-day delivery can significantly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. A Dropoff survey found that 89% of customers are more likely to shop with a retailer that offers same-day delivery, and 83% are more likely to recommend that retailer to others.
• As ecommerce continues to grow globally, cross-border shipping has become increasingly important for online retailers. A DHL report estimates that cross-border ecommerce will grow at an annual rate of 25% between 2020 and 2023. This highlights the potential for online retailers to expand their international customer base and increase sales.
• As environmental concerns become more prevalent, consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable products and shipping practices. A Nielsen study found that 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. This presents an opportunity for ecommerce retailers to adopt eco-friendly shipping practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
• 87% of online shoppers consider delivery time before making a purchase.
• Offering same-day delivery can increase ecommerce sales by 20%.
• According to a recent Walker Sands report, 45% of US consumers receive one or two Amazon parcels weekly, on average. This figure is even higher for younger consumers, with around 55% of respondents aged 18-25 and 60% of those aged 26-35 receiving at least one parcel from Amazon weekly. As an Amazon seller, it’s crucial to be aware of faster shipping options that can help you stay ahead of the competition.
• Nobody likes to see unexpected shipping fees in their shopping carts, and studies show that almost 85% of US consumers are more likely to shop online if free shipping is available. To capitalize on this trend, consider incorporating shipping costs into each product’s retail price or setting a minimum spending threshold – known as a free shipping threshold – to encourage customers to complete their purchase.
• One of the main reasons consumers still shop in physical stores is the ability to have the product immediately. This preference is reflected in online shopping, with over 60% of shoppers aged 18-34 expecting same-day delivery. Not only do they expect it, but a considerable percentage are willing to pay extra for the service. If you don’t believe same-day shipping is essential, consider that more than 30% of shoppers would abandon an online cart if same-day shipping or next day shipping wasn’t available.
• While most online shoppers want speedy access to their products, recent research reveals that only 20% of US consumers are satisfied with the shipping options currently available. Among those who desire same-day shipping, 65% expect their packages to arrive within three hours of placing an order. The remaining percentage believes most ecommerce retailers, including Amazon, fall short in meeting their expectations.
• Consumers don’t just want regular communication about their orders; they also demand overall transparency, including clear delivery terms and conditions. In a related report, 55% of respondents said they would not purchase from a retailer if they didn’t know when their package would be shipped. In contrast, 57% claimed they would make repeat purchases if the retailer could accurately predict when the package would arrive. By partnering with reliable shipping companies, online retailers can enhance their businesses.
• A PayPal study found that 50% of shoppers abandon their carts if shipping fees are too high. This trend is linked to the “surprise fees” mentioned earlier. To retain customers and minimize cart abandonment, online retailers should consider offering free shipping or keeping shipping fees low.
• No one likes delivery delays, especially Millennials and Gen Z consumers who expect their orders to be delivered within 24 hours or less. Package exceptions are situations when a delivery is delayed for various reasons. However, another Convey study found that 97% of customers anticipate these exceptions to be resolved while their packages are in transit.
• In addition to consumers, Convey also examined retailer responses to customer expectations. The results revealed that 40% of respondents are concerned about shipping times, specifically how quickly their customers anticipate orders to be delivered. Additionally, 38% of online retailers worry about shipping costs and customer expectations surrounding free or low-cost shipping.

Ecommerce Personalization

In the rapidly expanding world of ecommerce, personalization has emerged as a critical factor for businesses striving to stay ahead of the competition. As consumer demands and expectations continue to evolve, businesses must remain agile and adaptive in order to provide unique, engaging experiences tailored to the individual needs of their customers. These ecommerce personalization statistics can help your brand gain (and keep) the upper hand over your rivals.

• According to a Forrester study, 77% of consumers have chosen, recommended, or paid more for a brand that provides a personalized service or experience.
• A Salesforce report reveals that 66% of consumers want businesses to understand their specific requirements and expectations, yet only 32% of retail executives believe they can transform data into tailored pricing, offers, and items in real-time.
• As per Super Office, 71% of customers feel frustrated when a shopping experience is impersonal, indicating that failing to deliver personalization can negatively impact customer satisfaction levels.
• Research by Epsilon indicates that 80% of shoppers are more inclined to make a purchase when companies provide tailored experiences.
• A Netcore study shows that personalization leads 44% of customers to become more loyal to a company.
• According to Accenture, 91% of customers are more likely to buy with brands that deliver relevant offers and suggestions to them.
• Invesp states that 56% of online customers are more inclined to return to a site that offers product recommendations, and 44% of customers who experience personalized shopping experiences say they’ll become repeat buyers.
• 46% of brands use machine learning for personalization, marking a 186% increase from 2018.
• Retail Dive estimates that retailers’ adoption of AI in personalization is set to save $348 billion per year in the 2020s.
• According to a Salesforce study, 60% of customers are open to the use of AI in customer engagement, including 66% of millennials.
• A Deloitte report shows that 22% of consumers are willing to share some information in exchange for more tailored product recommendations.
• Adobe states that 92% of online shoppers consider it crucial that brands respect the privacy of their personal information.
• An Accenture study reveals that 83% of consumers are willing to share their data to create a more personalized experience.
• Salesforce reports that 57% of online shoppers are ready to give their data for personalized offers and discounts.
• According to a Retail TouchPoints study, 38% of customers want personalization but don’t want to share too much data.
• A study by Aberdeen reveals that only 27% of businesses are completely satisfied with their capacity to create genuinely tailored customer experiences using data acquired across digital channels.
• Netcore reports that 96% of retailers have faced some obstacles in their personalization efforts, such as limited IT capacity, difficulty selecting the right partner, and issues aligning internal teams.
• According to Netcore, 41% of retail executives think their ecommerce platform is somewhat personalized, while 13% claim it provides a totally tailored experience.
• A SmarterHQ study states that 79% of businesses in the retail sector invest in personalization tools, which is higher than any other sector and may indicate that retailers stand to benefit the most from personalization.
• Netcore reveals that 77% of customers demand a more personalized customer experience.
• According to an Instapage study, 79% of customers are more inclined to engage with an offer if it is tailored to reflect past experiences with the brand.
• A Salesforce report shows that customers now expect offers to be tailored 52% of the time, up from 49% in 2019.
• Oracle states that 65% of shoppers believe tailored offers and incentives are the most significant aspects of their shopping experience.
• A Netcore study shows that 91% of shoppers would abandon an online retailer over a poor shopping experience.
• Research by Accenture reveals that a lack of trust and inadequate personalization costs $756 billion in sales each year.
• Smart Insights states that 63% of consumers will abandon firms that deploy bad personalization strategies.
• 47% of customers will turn to Amazon if the company they’re buying with doesn’t provide relevant product suggestions.
• A study by Evergage reveals that 98% of marketers believe personalization improves customer relationships.
• Adobe states that 43% of organizations with extensive personalization see significantly greater retention improvements from personalization.
• A Monetate study shows that 79% of organizations that exceeded revenue goals have a documented personalization strategy, compared to 31% of those that met revenue goals and 8% of those that missed revenue goals.
• Research by Aberdeen reveals that personalization resulted in a demonstrable increase in sales for 88% of organizations.
• A Netcore study shows that personalization increases average order value (AOV) for 98% of online retailers.
• According to Instapage, personalized shopping cart recommendations influenced 92% of shoppers online to buy products.

Customer Loyalty Programs

Customer loyalty programs are an essential component of a successful business strategy in today’s competitive market. By staying informed about the latest trends and statistics related to customer loyalty, businesses can make informed decisions about their loyalty programs, driving customer engagement, retention, and revenue growth. As we move into 2023 and beyond, businesses must continue to innovate and adapt their loyalty programs to meet the evolving needs and preferences of their customers.

• A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% to 95% increase in profits. This highlights the importance of investing in customer loyalty programs to keep customers coming back.
• Repeat customers tend to spend more than first-time buyers. In fact, repeat customers spend up to 67% more than new customers. This highlights the potential revenue gains from implementing a successful loyalty program.
• Acquiring new customers can be expensive. According to Harvard Business Review, it can cost five to 25 times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one. This further emphasizes the importance of customer loyalty programs in reducing acquisition costs and increasing profitability.
• 79% of consumers are more likely to continue doing business with a brand that offers a loyalty program. This demonstrates the impact of loyalty programs on customer retention and overall business success.
• 80% of consumers are more likely to do business with a brand that offers personalized experiences. This underscores the importance of tailoring loyalty programs to individual customer preferences and behaviors.
• 77% of consumers prefer using technology to engage with loyalty programs. This highlights the need for businesses to invest in digital solutions to deliver seamless, engaging loyalty experiences.
• 70% of consumers would be more likely to use a loyalty program if they could access it through a mobile app. This emphasizes the importance of offering a mobile app to enhance customer engagement and loyalty.
• Integrating loyalty programs with mobile payment solutions can drive customer engagement and repeat purchases. 57% of consumers have used a mobile wallet to make a purchase, and 94% of these mobile wallet users have participated in a loyalty program.
• Starbucks Rewards is a prime example of a successful customer loyalty program. The program boasts over 16 million active members and contributed to 40% of Starbucks’ US sales in 2018. Starbucks Rewards effectively leverages a mobile app, personalized offers, and a tiered rewards structure to drive customer engagement and loyalty.
• Amazon Prime has become a powerhouse in the world of customer loyalty, with over 200 million members worldwide. The subscription-based program offers a wide range of exclusive benefits, including free shipping, access to streaming content, and special discounts. Amazon Prime’s success demonstrates the potential of subscription-based loyalty programs to drive customer loyalty and revenue growth.
• 72% of US consumers belong to at least one loyalty program.

Even More 2023 Ecommerce Trends to Know

With these essential ecommerce statistics in your arsenal, you’ll be better equipped to understand the current market trends and make informed decisions for your online business. Remember to stay up-to-date with industry news and research, as the ecommerce landscape is ever-changing. Take a look at this illustrated infographic we’ve created that outlines and details all of the most important ecommerce trends you should be paying attention to in 2023 and beyond.

The problem is that there is so much research out there that hunting it all down is time-consuming. Because of this, we’ve compiled the most important and reliable content marketing statistics available online, expert tips that today’s leading fractional CMOs and marketers use as an ace up their sleeve to create winning content that drives targeted, organic traffic and conversions.

Statistics on Content Marketing Usage

The ability to reach your target audience online is one of the most important benefits of content marketing.

Before we dig in, here are some statistics that drive home the need to have an efficient ecommerce content marketing plan in place:

  25% of US adults are online almost all the time (Statista).

  77% of adult US citizens use the internet every day. The majority of them go online at least once. (Statista).

  4 billion people have access to the internet globally. This includes 3.7 billion active mobile users and about 3 billion people using social media (Statista).

  91% of B2B marketers use content marketing to reach customers, according to Content Marketing Institute (CMI).

  Content marketing is a key strategy for 86% of B2C marketers (CMI).

Content Strategy Statistics

Can effective content marketing and strategy yield viable results? The simple answer is: YES.

According to the latest content marketing industry statistics, approximately 77% of B2C marketers dedicate themselves to content marketing, which results in a procured ROI that’s as high as 24%.

Meanwhile, a staggering 63% of businesses lack an official content strategy, according to Marketing Profs and the CMI. In a related report, just 36% of marketers said they are happy with the way they create content.

According to Zazzle Media, 60% of people find it difficult to consistently create content because the content they produce may not satisfy them, even when they produce it. All said and done, about 65% of people have trouble creating engaging content for their online brand.

Content Marketing ROI Statistics

Of course, the content you create should have a solid ROI that you can back it up with. After all, why else are you spending so much time and effort if you are not drawing in organic traffic and rankings that help encourage your target market to engage with your brand?

Here are some content marketing ROI statistics that you can glean from to get a better idea of what’s working and what’s not:

  72% of marketers say that digital content marketing boosts engagement (CMI).

  72% say it has increased lead generation (CMI).

  Video content marketing can increase engagement by as much as 60% (Tiger Marketing).

According to Twitter’s metrics, the platform offers great content marketing ROI:

  Twitter has been helpful to 66% of people in finding a new business.

  69% of people have purchased something thanks to Twitter.

Stats on SEO and Content

SEO and content strategy are hard to separate. This is because search engine optimization determines how your content will appear on search engines. The visibility and click-through rate of your ad also determines whether people see your ad and go to your website. They both can work in synergy, though.

Research by Skyword suggests that the best content marketers pay more attention to engagement and conversions rather than focusing just on traffic. This is because the only type of traffic you really want coming to your ecommerce site is engagement traffic, or something called “transactional traffic.” This type of traffic is the most likely to convert into a new sale or subscription.

When it comes to content marketing effectiveness, images are a great place to start. Images get more views than content without them, so they are a great way to reach a wider audience. Content with images also gets shared more, so images can help spread your message further.

Several different types of images are available, but the most popular is an infographic. In fact, infographics are the most shared type of content, according to OKDork. Even Forbes agrees: infographics are effective for 84% of marketers that use them.

Pro Tip: Scroll to the bottom of this blog… you’ll see an awesome infographic we added because it drives more engagement and helps us get more shares and back links. 

Video Content Marketing Statistics

Marketers are increasingly using videos in content marketing. The Content Marketing Institute’s content marketing statistics show that 72% of B2B marketers use video, and 76% of B2C marketers. More stats include:

YouTube video is a priority for 48% of marketers.

46% plan to prioritize Facebook videos.

The majority of millennials trust video, while half of those between the ages of 18-and 34 would stop what they’re doing to watch a new video.

To learn more about how videos increase ecommerce conversions, read our related guide: 7 Reasons to Use Ecommerce Product Videos.

Mobile Content Marketing Statistics

It’s no mystery, the Mobile Commerce revolution is well underway. More searches are now being conducted on mobile devices than on desktop computers, with statistics finding that more than 50% of all searches – including for ecommerce products – are conducted from a mobile device.

79% of all media content is consumed on mobile phones (Statista).

70% of social media is consumed on smartphones (Statista).

Mobile email opens increased by 30% in the last year (Optin Monster).

Over the last two years, Google’s research has found an 80% increase in “best” searches (Google).

53% of visitors leave your site if the content doesn’t load within three seconds on a mobile device (Google).

62% of companies have yet to optimize for Voice search (Google).

It’s always a good idea to take a look at your ecommerce operation from top to bottom to ensure that your online store is as optimized as possible for mobile commerce. To help you get a head start, have a look at our related guide: 50 Facts About Mobile Commerce for 2022.

Need Even More Tips?

We leave you with this illustrated infographic to better help you understand some of the most pertinent statistics you should know about mobile commerce in 2022 and beyond.

This has created both opportunities and threats for E-Tailers. The potential market size of online shoppers has increased dramatically. But competition among E-Tailers has also become fiercer. This means that to be successful, E-Tailers must deploy a range of effective digital marketing strategies to make their business stand out.

This short article outlines some proven digital marketing strategies for E-Tailers to strengthen their brands and bring in leads.

What do you want people to do?

Before we launch into how to get your business in front of potential buyers, think about what you want people to do. For E-Tailers selling broadline, volume products, the most obvious goal is to get traffic to your website and for them to “buy now” without the need for too much consideration. The key aspects of that conversion are product, price, and the ability to read positive customer reviews.

For E-Tailers selling more value-based products or high-ticket items with a long consideration phase, it is important to be clear about objectives. Expecting customers to buy a high-end sauna, for example, after a single visit to a website is unrealistic.

In this instance, it is important to help the potential buyer through the consideration phase by offering calls to action such as free trials, demonstrations, call-backs, or virtual tours, depending on the product in question. This will help progress the buyer by offering validation at different stages.

Paid Channels

Google Ads are the bread and butter of search engine advertising (SEA). Not only can they be configured to focus on an E-Tailers main keywords and products, but the target audience can be tightly targeted. Budgets can be pre-set and planned, and Google’s dashboard allows for constant tweaking and refining depending on the results.

In short, Google Ads are a must.

Depending on your business segment, it is also wise to consider other paid platforms. For B2C E-Tailers, Instagram and Facebook are two obvious social networks to consider using for paid advertising. This will depend on your target demographic, but detailed profiling is possible on both platforms to ensure that advertising budgets are always optimized.

For B2B E-Tailers, LinkedIn is the most logical solution to get visibility with buyers and influencers in your target organizations. In addition to standard paid advertising, LinkedIn also offers the ability to send sponsored InMail messages to individual contacts. To do so, it is possible to define those contacts on an account or industry-based level or the individual’s job title or function.

Think carefully about your pitch because people receive a lot of this cold approach every day, so success depends on being concise and offering a demonstrable value from the outset while using an omni channel approach to maximize brand saturation and exposure.

Landing pages

Paid advertising campaigns will all need to feature a strong call to action, ultimately bringing people to where you want them to land.

Sometimes it will make sense to take people directly to the product page to buy. But if you are running a special offer for a higher value product or a package deal, for example, optimized landing pages can be a great way to improve the conversion rate of your paid ads.

Landing pages are specifically designed to focus the reader on one single call to action. This can be anything from “buy now” to “try it out” or “request a demo.” But for the page to convert well and steer your potential buyers to a positive next step, the call to action needs to be clear and attractive. Use a button to make it stand out and catch the viewer’s eye.

You can also measure the conversion rate of landing pages by analysing and evaluating the page visitors alongside the number of people that click the call-to-action button. This will help you refine the landing pages and your ads to ensure you are getting the right traffic and catering the customer journey to the page; and that the call to action is sufficiently compelling.

Search engine optimization

There are also organic ways of bringing traffic to your website. One of these is to start a blog to create SEO-optimized content to bring people to your site.

Aim to publish as much content as possible to get your website near the top of potential buyers’ search results but try to aim for at least two blogs every week as a baseline.

Identify a couple of priority keywords for each article and use them several times to capture the attention of search engines. Also, optimize your title, meta description, and subtitles for maximum effectiveness. Articles of around 500-1000 words are perfect and can be spun up in a short space of time.

Tools such as Semji are perfect for getting the key aspects of your article optimized quickly and easily.

Organic social media

Organic social media is another “free” way of getting your company in the feeds of potential buyers.

Keep your posts short and sweet, and use around 2-3 hashtags in each post to show up in more users’ feeds. Using imagery in your post makes it statistically much more likely to convert, and simple but effective banners and graphics can be created for free with tools such as Canva. Look to our related guide for more tips on social commerce and marketing.

Email marketing

Last but by no means least, good old-fashioned email marketing can still be effective. Take into account local data privacy laws but encouraging your visitors and customers to subscribe to a newsletter or product updates is an effective tool for generating sales.

To optimize conversion rates, make emails crisp and concise with a single click-through to a landing page or product page. Keep your subject line short and to-the-point, and experiment with A/B tests to measure the effectiveness of different tactics to keep your SMS and email marketing fresh, and improve your conversion ratesa cross the board.

Need Even More Tips?

Digital marketing for ecommerce isn’t rocket science. The more tools that you have in the shed, all the better. Looking for even more tips. We’ve got you covered in this related guide: These Email Marketing Statistics Prove This Niche is Very Much Alive.

Staying relevant has never been more important.

The pandemic opened a floodgate of potential customers shopping online. Now is the best time to build a digital marketing strategy for your ecommerce business.

You’ve got to strike while the iron’s hot, right?

Looking for ecommerce digital marketing strategies to grow your ecommerce business in 2021? You’re in luck! For the best ecommerce digital marketing tips, stay tuned. We’ll help you crush your sales projections in 2021.

Read on to learn more.

1. Use Google Shopping Ads

Implementing Google Shopping ads is an excellent way to boost your ecommerce store. It adds to your visibility, brand awareness, and sales.

Google Shopping allows people to see targeted products related to their search. They appear at the top of the page, which gives you massive visibility. The brand, GOAT, looks like they may be killing it in the Nike Jordan niche. They take up the first six spots alone. Impressive!

Google shoppers will click on your product. The ad takes them straight to your ecommerce product page. Here’s what it looked like when I clicked on GOAT’s first product.

Gil Gildner of Discosloth says use targeted ads on Google Shopping. It’s the easiest way to target a small group of customers to get more sales for your ecommerce store. GOAT must have gotten the memo.

Setting up a Google Shopping Ads account is super easy with Shopify or Woocommerce.

Do they work? They work very well.

Nikki Bisel of Seafoam Media says target customers who have experienced your brand. With that strategy, Google Shopping has increased their conversions and CTR by 200%!

She suggests narrowing her audience. It helps you increase CTR and conversions without harming your budget. That’s a definite win-win!

2. Go for Personalization

A customer can shop anywhere, especially online! What makes them go to your store over another is the customer experience and your brand.

If you’re starting out, your brand awareness may be minuscule. One way to build your brand r is through personalization. Companies that install a personalization strategy for customers increase profits by 6-10%.

Instead of sending a generalized email, create email personalization by sending one with the customer’s name. Use the customer’s buyer behavior to recommend other products especially for them. The right personalization can move your customer through the buyer’s journey quicker.

Rather than having them search your site for what they need, you can put it right in front of them. It makes it easier for your customer to take that desired action. Cha-ching!

Another great tool for personalization is Vidyard.

With Vidyard, you can make personalized videos for email. Choose between a screen capture or a unique personalized video from your webcam. It provides an excellent, personalized touch. It’s an excellent option to add to your ecommerce digital marketing strategies.

3. Inspire Your Customers to Make User-Generated Content

How would it feel if you had customers who market your product for free? User-generated content is a type of marketing that’s done by your most loyal customers. Sounds too good to be true, right?

It’s not! It’s all about finding ways for your most loyal customers to share your business. One of the most unique approaches to UGC didn’t come from a company but a country. Sweden, to be exact.

The campaign was for Swedish tourism, and the design was simple. A customer interested in vacationing in Sweden would call a number. On the other end, a random Swede would share their views on visiting Sweden.

The campaign culminated with the 250th anniversary of abolishing censorship in Sweden. It was a brilliant campaign. It connected individuals in the most powerful way possible. People got direct human contact via a phone call. We could all learn some ecommerce digital marketing tips from Sweden.

Here are the statistics from the campaign from the tourism site:

The campaign reached 190 different countries and received almost 200,000 calls.

4. Create a Loyalty Program

One of the more powerful digital marketing strategies for ecommerce is loyalty programs. It is much easier to sell an existing customer than it is a new customer. Creating a loyalty program that encourages repeat business is essential for ecommerce stores.

Here’s how some ecommerce brands increased their sales with loyalty programs.

Looking for a few companies to use for your ecommerce brand? Here’s a list:

• ai
• Dealyze
• Open Loyalty
• io
• Swell by Yotpo

These companies help offer incentives to your most loyal customers. It keeps them coming back for more. Some have incentives for referring friends and followers on social media.

Before starting a loyalty program, there are a few things you’ll want to consider. Find ways to diversify how customers can earn points. You may consider sharing on social media, buying more products, or referring a friend.

You’ll also want to consider how you pay them for their loyalty. Will you have customers redeem points, receive coupon codes, etc.? There are a variety of ways that you can improve ecommerce customer loyalty — it’s up to you to tinker around and A/B test them all to find the best formula for your business.

5. Use Chatbot Features on Your Site

Adding a chatbot feature to your site can improve customer service and retention. When customers have a question, they want an answer now, not a day from now.

Chatbots automate part of your customer service experience. That gives you time to focus on other matters. Depending on the size of your business, you might use a live person or a regular chatbot.

Each one is effective with taking care of minor issues. Every bit of time you save is more time you can spend on increasing the profitability of your business. So consider a chatbot as part of your ecommerce AI solution for improving customer service.

Need Even More Tips?

Digital marketing for ecommerce isn’t rocket science. The more tools that you have in the shed, all the better. Looking for even more tips. We’ve got you covered in this related guide: 6 Ways to Improve Your Ecommerce Marketing Strategy Right Now.

Curious yet? Let’s walk you through the basics and show you just how valuable these ads will be for your business.

What Are Interactive Streaming Ads?

You may not have realized it at the time, but there’s a chance you’ve already encountered interactive streaming ads. Hulu, the video streaming service that is a major Netflix competitor, hosts them. Subscribers get access to thousands of popular movies, TV shows and live programs, and higher tier members can experience them without ads. Those using budget plans, however, are served ads while streaming.

It is not all bad news, however. Interactive streaming ads are one of the newer forms of advertising and are designed to fit seamlessly into consumers’ streaming experiences. For example, Hulu users can opt to interact with a 60-second “commercial” and bypass the standard five minutes of commercials that break up every 24 minutes of airtime.

Here are some of the ad types users can interact with:

• Playable Ads: Viewers get a quick run-through of a game and then can start playing it for themselves. They can either opt to download or skip through to resume their streaming content.
• Lead Ads: Viewers turn into leads once they fill out your brand’s contact form. This is a great way for meal delivery companies to find new customers who input their diet preferences and household sizes to interact with the ad.
• Quizzes: BuzzFeed quizzes were once the most popular content on the internet. You can easily engage viewers with a short quiz that will highlight your products and encourage shopping at the end.

The ability to play a game, browse a photo gallery, personalize a product or take other action makes that ad more memorable than a simple graphic or video. These ads also force consumers to remain engaged rather than use their commercial breaks to grab snacks or leave their devices.

Unfortunately, the brilliance of interactive streaming ads makes them expensive. E-tailers who are ready to shell out can certainly reap the rewards, but it’s going to cost them a great deal.

Interactive Ad Statistics

Interactive streaming ads are still in their infancy, so there are very few statistics on the ad type as a whole. However, there is early data about some past successful interactive ad campaigns that may just set a precedent for other ecommerce brands moving forward.

For example, Nissan’s 2016 World T20 tournament campaign is fairly well-known amongst marketers because of its impressive results. Nissan used media-rich display ads that showed teams’ scores in real time, so users could still keep up with the tournament while on the go. They also voted for their favorite teams before each match, driving ad engagement as they did so. In fact, the campaign’s engagement was 10 times the average rate, and website visits increased fourfold.

Another early example of a high-performing interactive ad was BMW’s panoramic view ad that showed a design update and new features of the cars. Per the results, more than 18,000 unique viewers saw the ad and spent over a minute interacting with it. It also lifted brand favorability by 111% and decreased neutral and unfavorable opinions of the brand by 83%. This showed that consumers like to be informed and appreciate when a brand gives them that opportunity.

Finally, let’s look at some recent information from YouTube, which launched shoppable videos back in June. We saved the best for last: Interactive streaming ads are already working for ecommerce sellers. Apparel brand Aerie was an early tester of the new YouTube platform and saw great results. There was a 25% return on ad spend year-over-year, plus nine times more conversions than the average driven by their other advertising efforts.

Why Use Interactive Streaming Ads?

Interactive streaming ads are a new trend, one that 88% of marketers agree will put you ahead of your competitors. After all, if your ad is more memorable, your store is the one getting shoppers’ business. These ads can help you reach your marketing goals: building brand awareness, generating leads, boosting sales, gaining customer insights and encouraging social shares.

According to early research from Magna, IPG Media Lab, and Tremor Video DSP, interactive video ads drive a 47% increase in time spent engaging with the ads, as compared to their non-interactive counterparts. The researchers found this ad type to be 32% more memorable among viewers and multiply their purchase intent by nine times.

Why is this? Well, to no one’s surprise, consumers say interactive ads are more fun, engaging, creative and stimulating than static ads. That’s why interactive ads have a 90% completion rate. Even better for e-tailers, they increase click-through rates (CTR) by 300% and are three times more effective at driving conversions than non-interactive video ads.

The richness of interactive streaming ads also gives you more data points when measuring results. You can get incredibly granular and see how long viewers spent engaging, what they clicked on, whether or not they played the game or which questions they answered. With all this consumer feedback, you’ll be able to slowly tweak aspects of your ads until they are fully optimized.

Let’s recap—interactive ads supercharge ecommerce by supercharging marketing efforts:

• 47% increase in time spent with the ad.
• 32% more memorable than non-interactive ads.
• 90% complete the interaction period.
• 300% higher CTR.
• 3X the conversions of non-interactive video ads.

If you have the means, why wouldn’t you use interactive ads?

How Original Video Content Boosts Ecommerce SEO

Did you know that 63% of all internet searches begin on Google? The world’s favorite search engine is 300 times more effective at driving traffic than social media, and 93% of users choose one of the first three results of their searches. Most (80%) ignore the PPC ads at the top. These statistics are very telling, and they show why you need to invest some of your time and resources into optimizing your online store for organic search.

Original content is one of the pillars of ecommrce SEO, or search engine optimization. Google bots crawl the web looking for sites that have created original content, which is categorized as more valuable to readers than copied content. If one site has a surplus of content about one topic, Google recognizes it as an “authority source” and rewards that site with a higher ranking in the search results.

How does this apply to ecommerce? Think of it this way: If you sell leather wallets, you want Google to recognize your store’s website as an authority source on all things pertaining to leather wallets. Then, when consumers visit Google looking for leather wallets, your store is in the top three results.

Video is some of the most valuable content to feed to the Google beast when trying to boost your rankings. It is more difficult to create than written content, so the logic is that the video creators are truly authority sources. Video is also one of the most powerful tools for boosting ecommerce conversions.

Take a look at these statistics if you’re not convinced:

• Video conversion rates are a staggering 16.85%, far surpassing the conversion rate of standard banners (2.14%) and mobile (1.62%). (eMarketer)
• 58% of consumers find brands with videos to be more trustworthy than brands without. (Retail Touch Point)
• 59% of website visitors will take the time to watch a video that is already part of your online content. (Reach Engine)
• 96% of shoppers rely on product videos to help them make their purchase decisions. (Animoto)
• 6% of shoppers rely on visuals when making a buying decision. (VoucherCloud)
• Watching product videos makes consumers 1.7 times likelier to convert than those who don’t. (Invodo)
• 12% of shoppers will watch a video on an online store. (MediaPost)
• 57% of shoppers buy in confidence when product videos are offered, resulting in fewer returns. (MediaPost)

The proof is in the pudding. Video drives ecommerce conversions, but there are plenty more reasons to try out this type of content that is almost as engaging as interactive ads.

Why Invest in Ecommerce Video?

Video is a powerful medium that captures consumers’ attention and engages them better than any static banner ad ever could. In fact, over 80% of consumer traffic is from video content, so if you’re not already investing in it, you’re behind the pack. It’s what the people want and expect.

Product videos give shoppers sufficient information about the items they’re interested in buying. For example, an image of a shirt does not always show how it fits, but a video featuring models with different body types wearing the shirt is much more helpful.

Per Multichannel Merchant, 71% of online shoppers agree that videos help them understand products better. This also makes your brand more trustworthy because shoppers see the products in action rather than relying on two-dimensional photos.

Here’s another advantage of video: It helps you decrease webrooming, the phenomenon where shoppers research products online before purchasing them in store, by up to 46%. Shoppers stay on your site for longer, increase the likelihood they purchase and lead to a better conversion rate. It’s an all-around win.

Adding “Shoppertainment” to Your Arsenal

Before the pandemic, ecommerce brands were launching in-store experiences at pop-up shops or within big box stores to better connect with existing and prospective customers. Now, the focus is returning to the online environment and providing experiences there.

Hulu’s shoppable ads were being tested as early as 2017, and Walmart-owned streaming service Vudu debuted interactive streaming ads last year in an effort to grow their slice of the ecommerce pie. As the ads play, shoppers can purchase the products in a pop-up window without leaving their video content behind. (This is similar to social commerce, which lets consumers shop within their social media ads so they can get back to scrolling as soon as possible.) It’s the fusion of shopping and entertainment: “shoppertainment.” YouTube, which we mentioned earlier, is the latest video platform to adopt this technology.

Let’s not overlook the the rise of mobile commerce, either, which is significantly contributing to interactive advertising’s growing popularity. We predicted back in January that based on past numbers, 60% of all internet traffic and 47% of online sales will come from mobile phones. Shopping is the fastest-growing segment for mobile, but entertainment is a close second. It’s only natural to try and hit two birds with one stone and make online shopping an entertaining experience so consumers will come back again in the future.

Ecommerce brands can begin adding their own interactive ads to YouTube by syncing their Google Merchant Center feed with their video ads. Then, simply add your bestsellers to the call to action so consumers will be compelled to visit your site.

The Future of Streaming Ads

Interactive streaming ads have been slow to get adopted by the mainstream, but marketers are already discussing the potential for this type of advertisement to change how we consume video.

Picture this: You’re binging your favorite TV show on Netflix or Hulu, and you see one of the show’s characters wearing an outfit you love. Without ever leaving the streaming platform, you click on that outfit and purchase it. The “ad” is so integrated with your streaming experience, you don’t even notice it. Now, you have a new outfit on the way after one of the easiest purchasing processes you’ve ever had.

This future isn’t so far away, especially considering how much ground interactive streaming ads have covered in the last two years. Savvy e-tailers would do well to get in on the trend now before it becomes a necessity.

For more trends that shook up the ecommerce world, don’t miss our related guide: 19 Things that Changed Ecommerce Forever.