Valentine’s Day, a celebration of love and affection, also marks one of the busiest times of the year for ecommerce businesses. With Cupid’s arrow set to strike this February 14th, it’s prime time for online retailers to capture the hearts and wallets of consumers looking for the perfect way to express their love. But how can you help your online shop shine amidst a vast array of love-themed products? 

Let’s dive into the key strategies and trends that will help you charm your customers with this complete and in-depth breakdown of ecommerce facts for Valentine’s Day 2024.

Catering to the Heart’s Desires Virtually

Valentine’s Day isn’t just another day on the calendar for ecommerce businesses—it’s a goldmine of opportunity to showcase your understanding of consumer desires and trends. Success during this love-filled holiday hinges on your ability to anticipate and cater to the varied needs of your customers.

Here are more detailed strategies and key stats to help you do just that:

Understanding Consumer Preferences

Research shows that certain products rise to the top of the shopping list during Valentine’s Day. The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that the most popular gifts include:

• Chocolates and Candy: Sweets and treats for your significant other is a tried and true formula. NRF expects 57% of Valentine’s Day purchases to include some kind of candy.  Finding a way to feature some unique sweet treats, like gourmet chocolates, candy bouquets, and limited-edition Valentine’s Day treats, can be a straightforward way to sweeten your sales this year.
• Jewelry: With spending expected to be more than $6.4 billion this year, jewelry remains a top choice for Valentine’s Day gifts. Ecommerce stores specializing in jewelry should emphasize their most romantic pieces, offer customization options, and highlight any Valentine’s Day specials or gift-wrapping services.
• Flowers: Flowers, particularly roses, are synonymous with Valentine’s Day. The floral industry sees a significant portion of its annual sales around this time. Ecommerce businesses can capitalize on this by offering a range of floral arrangements, easy online ordering, and guaranteed delivery dates.
• Clothing: Clothing purchases are also expected to reach record levels this year.  While it’s too late for online clothing brands to craft any new items, it’s a good reminder that this is a great time of year to feature your products most likely to be given as a gift and include ways for them to make sure their order gets delivered before the holiday.
• Greeting Cards: Despite the digital age, greeting cards maintain their charm, with millions exchanged each year. Offering personalized or unique cards can help your store stand out.

Even if your products or services don’t include any of these offerings, there is no reason your business couldn’t offer some creative ways to include some or all of them when a customer buys one of your promoted items.  

Whether you simply purchase some of these options to include as part of a promotion or find ways to partner with companies that do sell some of these popular items, there are always creative ways to tap into these trends.

Leveraging Data for Personalized Recommendations

Leveraging data analytics offers a window into consumer habits and tastes, enabling you to customize your product lineup and promotional content with greater precision.

Consider implementing tools that track browsing and purchasing behavior on your site to make personalized product recommendations. For instance, if a customer previously purchased a pendant necklace, you might recommend matching earrings for Valentine’s Day.

In the digital age, where love and commerce intertwine online, leveraging data effectively becomes your most powerful strategy. The use of analytics to understand browsing and purchasing behaviors allows you to craft personalized experiences across your platforms.

For instance, a customer who has previously indulged in gourmet chocolates from your store might be intrigued by a special Valentine’s edition or a luxury chocolate gift box. 

Similarly, someone who spent time browsing watches could be enticed back with a timely reminder or an exclusive discount, making their decision-making process easier and more rewarding. You can set automated SMS and email targeting options that help you upsell and cross-sell to win over new customers this season. Consider using a tool ReadyCloud offers called Action Alerts to do just this!

Timing is Everything

One key statistic to remember is that nearly half of all Valentine’s Day shoppers plan to finish their gift purchases in early February, with a significant number starting as early as January. This early bird behavior underscores the importance of having your Valentine’s Day promotions and products ready to go well before February 14th. Early marketing efforts should include:

• Email Campaigns: Targeted email campaigns launched in late January can catch those early planners. Divide your email subscribers to present tailored product suggestions, drawing on their previous buying patterns or browsing activity.
• Social Media Teasers: Start teasing your Valentine’s Day specials on social media to build anticipation. Use hashtags, romantic visuals, and interactive content like polls or quizzes to engage your audience.
• Highlight Shipping Speeds: Clearly communicate the shipping speeds and deadlines for Valentine’s Day orders. This transparency can be the deciding factor for shoppers weighing their options.
• Offer Next-Day Shipping: To capture the attention of last-minute shoppers, prominently offer next-day shipping options. This can be a game-changer for those making eleventh-hour purchases.

Understanding the critical role of shipping speed and options during holiday seasons cannot be overstated. Fast and reliable shipping is not just a convenience but a necessity for many shoppers looking to make their celebrations special. 

Offering next-day shipping options caters to procrastinators and those with unexpected plans, ensuring that every customer can find something perfect, even at the last minute. This emphasis on expedited services not only meets customer expectations but significantly enhances the overall shopping experience, making your ecommerce store a reliable destination for holiday shopping.

Key Stats to Guide Your Strategy

• Increased Spending: The average Valentine’s Day spending per person has been on the rise, with the latest figures from the NRF indicating an average spend of more than $185 per consumer expected this year. This suggests that consumers are willing to invest in higher-quality or more meaningful gifts, presenting an opportunity for premium product offerings.
• Free Shipping Threshold: Building off the importance of offering shipping options that meet customer holiday demands, it can be an effective strategy to offer free shipping past a certain threshold order amount.  Maybe even include an additional tier for expedited shipping during the holidays.
• The Power of Experience: Experiential gifts are becoming increasingly popular, with consumers looking for unique and memorable ways to celebrate. Offering gift cards for experiences, such as dining, wine tasting, or virtual classes, can cater to this growing trend.
• Online Shopping Dominance: With more than 1/3 of Valentine’s Day purchases made online, ensuring your website is optimized for a seamless shopping experience is crucial. This includes mobile optimization, easy navigation, and clear calls-to-action.

By diving deep into consumer preferences and leveraging key stats, ecommerce businesses can more effectively cater to the heart’s desires this Valentine’s Day. Understanding the importance of timing, personalization, and the types of gifts consumers are looking for can transform your Valentine’s Day strategy from good to great. 

Remember, the goal is not just to sell but to connect with your customers by helping them express their love through the perfect gift.

Digital Romance: Mastering Valentine’s Day Ecommerce

It should not be a surprise that more than one-third of all consumers will make their Valentine’s Day purchases online. This significant shift towards online shopping demands an ecommerce presence that’s not just present but captivating, intuitive, and responsive to the last-minute needs of love-struck consumers. Here’s how to ensure your online store is ready to capture the hearts and clicks of Valentine’s Day shoppers:

Enhancing Online Presence for the Season of Love

Your online storefront is where the magic happens, and making it Valentine’s-ready is key. This means updating your website with themed graphics, romantic product bundles, and clear calls-to-action that guide shoppers to your Valentine’s specials. High-quality images, engaging descriptions, and an easy checkout process are non-negotiables to keep the romance with your customers alive.

If revamping your homepage for each holiday feels like too much of a commitment, consider creating simple, holiday-themed landing pages as a flexible and efficient alternative. These dedicated pages can host all your Valentine’s Day specials, providing a focused environment for shoppers to explore your offerings. 

Utilize easy-to-use website builders or templates to design these pages with the same romantic and engaging themes mentioned earlier, ensuring they’re visually aligned with the holiday spirit. Once your landing page is live, direct all your promotional and advertising traffic to it. This strategy involves using targeted social media ads, email marketing campaigns, and even PPC ads with keywords related to Valentine’s Day gifts and specials. 

By funneling visitors directly to a page that’s optimized for conversion and festively decorated, you maintain a cohesive holiday marketing strategy without overhauling your main site, making it easier to capture and convert the interest of holiday shoppers.

Leveraging SMS Marketing for Last-Minute Love

SMS marketing has emerged as a powerful tool in the ecommerce arsenal, especially for capturing the attention of last-minute shoppers. These consumers are looking for quick, easy, and thoughtful gift solutions, and personalized, time-sensitive deals delivered right to their phones can be irresistible. 

Consider segmenting your SMS list to offer more personalized recommendations, such as “Top Gifts for Him” or “Romantic Experiences for Two,” ensuring your messages resonate with the recipient’s needs.  

Most popular email marketing platforms include options for SMS/text messaging (like our popular Actions Alerts feature that lets you marketing right from inside of the ReadyCloud dashboard!) and there are many affordable options if your current system does not support it. 

This is a trend that isn’t likely to change anytime soon and will improve your ability to capture consumer attention at the right time with the right offer.

Crafting a Playbook for Holiday Success

The core strategies for winning Valentine’s Day sales mirror those for other major holidays but with a romantic twist. Consider incorporating the following strategies into your game plan:

• Effective Cross-Selling: Use product pages to suggest complementary items. If a customer is looking at a necklace, recommend a matching set of earrings or a beautiful jewelry box. This approach not only boosts the value of the average order but also elevates the overall experience of giving gifts.
• Special Discounts and Free Shipping: Whether you are buying something for yourself or a gift for someone special, most people just love to get a great deal. Offer special Valentine’s discounts or bundle deals to entice buyers. Free shipping remains a powerful incentive, and highlighting this offer can significantly reduce cart abandonment rates.
• Creative Last-Minute Promotions: Procrastinators need love too! Offer free expedited shipping in the days leading up to Valentine’s to capture those last-minute sales. Flash sales or “Deal of the Hour” promotions can also create urgency and boost conversions.

The rise of online shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts offers a unique opportunity for ecommerce businesses to flourish during this romantic season. By enhancing your online presence, leveraging the immediacy of SMS marketing, and employing a solid holiday success playbook, you can ensure that your ecommerce store becomes a preferred destination for those looking to express their love. 

Remember, the key is to provide value, convenience, and a touch of romance, making every shopper’s experience unforgettable.

Crafting Curated Experiences with the Power of Data

With special occasions like Valentine’s Day, the ultimate key to unlocking a customer’s heart—and loyalty—is through delivering curated shopping experiences. This strategy goes beyond mere product recommendations; it involves a deep dive into understanding and anticipating the unique needs and desires of your customers, thereby making their gift-buying journey as seamless and personal as possible.

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Value

Curated experiences do more than just meet customer needs—they exceed expectations. By suggesting complementary products or bundling items based on data-driven insights, you’re not just facilitating the gift-selection process; you’re enhancing the overall shopping experience. This approach not only increases customer satisfaction but also boosts the average order value, creating a win-win scenario for both parties. 

Imagine a shopper looking for a romantic gift, and your site suggests a beautifully curated gift set that includes a personalized piece of jewelry, a box of artisan chocolates, and a bouquet of roses, all wrapped up in one elegant package. Such thoughtful recommendations can turn a simple purchase into a memorable shopping expedition.

Building Long-Term Relationships

The benefit of crafting such personalized and curated experiences extends beyond immediate sales. It establishes the groundwork for fostering enduring connections with your clientele. When shoppers feel understood and valued, they’re more likely to return, not just for another holiday but as loyal patrons. 

This Valentine’s Day, let your ecommerce store be the cupid that not only matches customers with the perfect gifts but also nurtures lasting connections through the thoughtful use of data and personalized touch.

Keeping Customer Demands at the Forefront

As Valentine’s Day approaches, remember that the most successful ecommerce strategies are those that put the customer’s desires and experiences at the forefront. Utilizing data to craft curated shopping experiences isn’t just a tactic for the season of love—it’s a year-round commitment to understanding and serving your customers better. 

By doing so, you’re not just selling products; you’re creating moments of joy and connection, proving that in the world of ecommerce, a little data-driven love goes a long way.

Maximizing Holiday Sales: Leveraging Ecommerce Shipping, Returns, and CRM Solutions

As we’ve explored, the key to unlocking Valentine’s Day success in the ecommerce realm lies in understanding and catering to consumer desires with a blend of timely offerings, personalized marketing, and curated shopping experiences. Leveraging data to enhance online presence, utilizing SMS marketing for last-minute engagements, and implementing strategic holiday playbooks with special discounts, free shipping, and dedicated landing pages are essential tactics. 

Creating tailored experiences not only satisfies customer demands but also surpasses their anticipations, nurturing lasting loyalty and boosting the typical order size. This comprehensive approach ensures that your ecommerce business is not just a temporary stop for holiday shopping but a memorable destination for customers seeking thoughtful gifts for their loved ones.

Major holidays and their unique demands always shine a bright spotlight on the necessity of having a solid shipping, returns, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. It is vital to have these core systems ready to handle the surge in orders, ensuring timely delivery, and managing returns efficiently, all while maintaining excellent customer service. A robust CRM system aids in gathering and analyzing customer data, enabling more targeted and personalized marketing strategies. 

Together, these tools equip your business to creatively target the opportunities and demands associated with each holiday and ensure that operations run smoothly, customer satisfaction remains high, and your ecommerce store stands out as a reliable, customer-centric brand capable of turning seasonal shoppers into loyal, long-term customers.

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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 today’s competitive online retail landscape, standing out and connecting with your target audience has never been more critical — or more difficult. Consumers have thousands of options, privacy laws add obstacles in marketing and the average attention span has never been shorter. 

Enter: influencer marketing. This game-changing strategy can increase your brand’s visibility, engage shoppers, drive sales and generate long-term customers. If you’re looking to explore new avenues to give your ecommerce business a boost, this could be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Read on to discover how influencer marketing can become an MVP in your ecommerce playbook.

What Is Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing is a strategic tactic where businesses partner with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media platforms. These individuals, known as influencers, have the ability to sway the opinions and behaviors of their followers due to their perceived expertise, credibility or popularity within a specific niche or industry. It’s essentially the celebrity endorsement TV commercial for the digital age.

In ecommerce specifically, influencer marketing involves collaborating with these influencers to promote products to their audiences. Rather than using traditional advertising methods, you leverage the influencer’s connection with their followers to co-create content that showcases your online store’s offerings in a more relatable and engaging way. This approach helps brands tap into the influencer’s established trust with their audience, thereby increasing brand visibility, driving website traffic and ultimately influencing purchasing decisions.

Influencer marketing comes in various forms, ranging from sponsored posts and product reviews to unboxing videos and affiliate partnerships. The key to successful influencer marketing lies in finding influencers whose values, personal branding and audience align with your business’ identity, ensuring that the content created feels organic and resonates with both the influencer’s followers and your potential customers.

Why Influencer Marketing Works

Influencer marketing works because it taps into the psychology of consumer behavior and the dynamics of social media. In short, people trust other people far more than they trust brands, and they’re more likely to follow the crowd (buy from a recommended brand) than seek the unknown. But we’ll break it down further — here are some reasons why influencer marketing is effective:

• Trust and Credibility: Influencers have built strong relationships and trust with their followers over time. Their authenticity and relatability make their recommendations feel more genuine and credible than traditional advertising methods.
• Targeted Audience: Influencers often specialize in specific niches or industries. This allows brands to reach a highly targeted audience that is already interested in the type of products or services being promoted, increasing the likelihood of conversions.
• Social Proof: When an influencer endorses a product, it provides social proof that the product is worth trying. As mentioned, people tend to follow the crowd and seeing an influencer they admire using a product can influence their own purchasing decisions.
• Creative Content: Influencers are skilled content creators who understand their audience’s preferences. Their ability to craft compelling, visually appealing, and entertaining content makes the brand message more engaging and shareable.
• Native Advertising: Influencer marketing seamlessly blends into the influencer’s content feed, making it feel less like an intrusive ad and more like a genuine recommendation from a trusted source. Three-quarters of consumers don’t trust paid ads, so influencers can help you bridge that gap.
• Reach and Amplification: Some influencers have a larger reach than businesses’ social media accounts, depending on the person and the brand. This expanded reach helps increase brand awareness and extends the prospective customer base.
• Adaptability: Influencer marketing can work for businesses of all sizes and budgets. Brands can collaborate with influencers ranging from mega-celebrities to micro-influencers, making it accessible to a wide range of companies.

As you can see, there are clear benefits to working with influencers. It’s a proven strategy for getting noticed by your store’s target demographic and being promoted in a natural, authentic way.

Influencer Marketing Statistics for 2023

Over the past few years, the success of influencer marketing has gone gangbusters. Just look at the must-see influencer marketing statistics for 2023:

• The influencer marketing industry is forecasted to be worth $21.1 billion by the end of the year.
• Nearly two-thirds (61%) of consumers say they trust product recommendations coming from influencers.
• 72% of millennial and Gen Z shoppers follow at least one influencer. 
• TikTok, used by 56% of brands, has become the most popular influencer marketing channel and overtook Instagram (51%) for the first time. This is followed by Facebook (42%) and YouTube (38%).
• 93% of surveyed marketers have tried some form of influencer marketing.
• The top objectives for influencer marketing are brand awareness (86%), reaching targeted audiences (74%) and improving brand advocacy (69%). 
• Over 83% of survey respondents still view influencer marketing as an effective form of marketing.
• 23% of respondents plan to allocate 40% or more of their marketing budget to influencer campaigns.
• One-third of Gen Z consumers have bought a product at an influencer’s recommendation in the last three months.

How to Leverage Influencers for Your Online Store

After seeing these numbers, are you ready to tap into the power of influencers — or, more specifically, the buying power of their audiences? Here’s a quick guide to getting started in influencer marketing. 

1. Define your goals and audience. Clearly outline your objectives, whether it’s increasing sales, brand awareness or engagement. Identify your target audience to ensure alignment with potential influencers.
2. Research and identify influencers. Explore social media platforms within your niche, or invest in an influencer search tool. Look for people who resonate with your brand’s values and have an engaged following (rather than bots and followers they paid for.) Consider their content quality, authenticity and audience demographics. 
3. Establish genuine relationships. Reach out to the influencers you found with personalized messages. Build authentic connections by showing genuine interest in their content. Nurture these relationships before discussing collaboration.
4. Craft compelling campaigns. Collaborate with influencers to develop creative and engaging content that integrates your products seamlessly. You can even give them full creative control, but be sure the content resonates with both the influencer’s style and your brand’s messaging before posting.
5. Monitor, analyze and optimize. Keep track of campaign performance using KPIs like engagement rates, reach, and conversions. Analyze the data to understand what’s working and optimize future campaigns for better results.

Embracing influencer marketing can unlock a world of authentic connections, targeted reach and elevated brand engagement with invaluable social proof. By harnessing the power of influencers, you’re not just tapping into a marketing technique; you’re embarking on a journey that resonates with today’s digital-savvy consumers, paving the way for lasting success.

One of the main challenges of ecommerce is getting prospective customers to connect with your catalog. If they can’t physically touch, feel or try products before purchasing, how can you convince them that your offerings are worth their hard-earned money? The answer lies with social proof, which leverages existing customers’ opinions to tip the scales in your favor. 

Read on to delve into social proof, exploring strategies that not only validate your brand but also nudge hesitant visitors toward becoming loyal customers.

What Is Social Proof?

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon of people relying on the actions, opinions and behaviors of others to guide their own decisions, especially when faced with an uncertain or ambiguous situation. Essentially, it’s the idea that if others are doing something or making a particular choice, then it must be the right thing to do. 

In ecommerce, social proof is harnessed as a powerful tool to influence prospective customers by showcasing evidence of previous buyers’ positive experiences. This can include reviews, ratings, testimonials, user-generated content, influencer endorsements and various other forms of validation that highlight the credibility and popularity of a product or brand. By leveraging social proof effectively, online retailers can build trust, reduce uncertainty and ultimately drive conversions and sales.

Ready to dig in? Let’s explore these social proof strategies so you can get some inspiration for how you can tap into consumer psychology and give your ecommerce business a lift.   

Product Reviews

One of our must-haves for any online store, product reviews are unfiltered opinions provided by customers who have purchased and used a particular product. These reviews offer insights into the quality, performance, features and overall satisfaction of the product from an actual customer’s perspective. In other words, they’re social proof gold. 

Consider this:

• 95% of shoppers consult product reviews before making a purchase. 
• Nearly half (49%) of consumers trust online reviews as much as word-of-mouth recommendations from loved ones. 
• Reviews encourage trust in a company, according to 74% of consumers. 

It doesn’t just apply to positive reviews, either. Negative reviews can offer insights into areas where the product might fall short, which can help shoppers make informed decisions. Two-thirds of shoppers actually want to see a mix of positive and negative opinions. 

By encouraging customers to leave honest reviews and actively showcasing these reviews on product pages, online retailers can leverage the power of social proof to influence purchasing decisions and improve customer satisfaction.

Case Studies

If your online store sells products that drastically impact users in a positive way, you may want to explore creating case studies for social proof. Case studies are in-depth breakdowns that illustrate the “before” and “after” of implementing a product, and they offer a level of detail that can convince a hesitant shopper. Think of a case study like a more thorough and collaborative product review. 

Case studies can be written, but the beauty of selling products online is you can capitalize on interesting imagery and video to tell your stories. For example:

• Showcase room makeovers if you sell furnishings, decor, paint or wallpaper.  
• Document the progress of a weight loss journey if you sell healthy food, workout equipment or wearable fitness trackers. 
• Display the differences in skin or hair if you sell skincare or hair care products.

Case studies serve as valuable tools for online retailers to demonstrate the effectiveness of their products or strategies. They provide evidence of real-world success, helping potential customers understand how a particular product or service can address their needs or pain points. By sharing case studies, retailers can showcase their expertise, build credibility, and influence purchasing decisions through the power of social proof.

Influencer Marketing

In case you missed our recent guide to influencer marketing, here’s the scoop: Influencer marketing is the practice of partnering with someone who has an engaged social media following and reaching that person’s audience through collaborative marketing. The person in question has influence over their followers because they’re seen as an authority or are otherwise trusted and respected.

As an online retailer, it’s important to do your due diligence when choosing influencers to work with — you want to choose creators whose personal brands and values align with that of your business. You’ll get greater results from a campaign with a micro-influencer (someone with 10,000 to 100,000 followers) who is the perfect spokesperson for your brand than from a mega-celebrity who isn’t relatable to their followers. 

Why is this? You guessed it: social proof. By sharing their real lives with their followers, influencers build trust with their online communities. People feel like they truly know these creators, and they often look to them for guidance. Therefore, when an influencer endorses a product or brand, their loyal followers will also flock to it.

User-Generated Content

User-generated content, often shortened to UGC, is fairly self-explanatory. Users (in this case, customers) create their own descriptions, images and videos of your products and distribute them online. The result is an authentic message that serves as incredibly powerful social proof. 

UGC may seem risky at first, especially for companies that prioritize strict brand guidelines. But the real-life showcase of your products is far more valuable than any stock photo or professionally lit product video could ever be. At the end of the day, people trust other people far more than marketing messages, so user-generated imperfect content is what you want.

Additionally, sellers can leverage UGC for their own marketing campaigns with permission from the creators. You’ll see more conversions with less work from your in-house team, which is a huge win.   

Recent Sales Pop-Ups

Recent sales pop-ups, also known as sales notifications or recent purchase notifications, are small notifications that display real-time information about the purchases other customers have made on your website. Shoppers will typically see details like the product purchased, the name of the customer and where the customer is generally located. These notifications are designed to create a sense of urgency and social proof, suggesting high demand and possibly running out of stock. 

When shoppers are casually browsing your online store and see others are actively buying products, they’re more likely to perceive your brand as popular and trustworthy. Therefore, they’re more likely to follow the trend and make purchases themselves — social proof in action.    

Recent sales pop-ups can be effective in boosting conversions and sales, especially during high-traffic periods or promotional campaigns. However, it’s important to strike a balance and keep the notifications brief and accurate, not aggressive or misleading.

The landscape of ecommerce is constantly evolving, and one trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is social commerce. Retailers are recognizing the potential of social media platforms to drive sales and engage with their audience in a more personalized manner.

As we approach 2023, it is crucial for online retailers to stay informed about the latest social commerce statistics and trends to stay ahead of the competition. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore various aspects of social commerce, from general statistics to platform-specific data, and provide insights on how businesses can leverage these facts for growth.

Why Social Commerce Statistics Matter

Understanding the latest statistics on social commerce can help online retailers adapt their strategies and improve their business models. By staying informed about the most pertinent facts and trends, businesses can make informed decisions about which platforms to invest in, how to engage with their target audience, and how to optimize their marketing efforts. Additionally, staying up-to-date with social commerce trends can help businesses identify new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition.

General Social Commerce Statistics for 2023

1. The Growth of Social Commerce

   Social commerce sales are predicted to eclipse $605 billion by 2027, with revenues estimated to exceed $3.4 billion in 2028. In the US, over 5% of total ecommerce retail sales are expected to be from social commerce by 2025. This rapid growth highlights the increasing importance of social commerce in the ecommerce landscape, and the need for businesses to adapt their strategies accordingly.

2. Impact of Social Commerce on Online Retail Sales

   Social commerce is becoming an integral part of the online shopping experience, with an increasing number of consumers relying on social media platforms for product discovery and purchasing. By 2023, it is estimated that 80% of small businesses will have adopted social commerce strategies, further cementing the significance of this trend in the ecommerce sector.

3. Investment in Social Commerce

   As social commerce continues to gain momentum, businesses are investing heavily in advertising and marketing on social media platforms. Advertisers are anticipated to spend $82 billion to promote their products on social networks by 2025, reflecting the growing importance of social commerce in the overall marketing strategy.

Social Commerce Statistics by Demographic

1. Generational Differences

   When considering the impact of social commerce on different age groups, it is evident that younger demographics are more receptive to this trend. A 2021 survey found that 75% of Gen Z respondents were influenced by social media ads in their purchasing decisions, compared to 35% of the overall population. This highlights the importance of tailoring social commerce strategies to cater to the preferences and habits of younger audiences.

2. Influencer Marketing and Social Commerce

   Influencers play a significant role in driving social commerce sales, with 70% of internet users in the US who regularly watch live streams by influencers stating that they are likely to buy products recommended by them. Furthermore, 86% of marketers and agency professionals in the US reported enabling shopping functions in their influencer marketing campaigns, indicating the growing influence of social media personalities in shaping consumer behavior.

3. Product Discovery and Social Commerce

   Social media platforms play a crucial role in helping consumers discover new products, with 78% of US social network users discovering new products through Facebook, and 59% doing so through Instagram and Pinterest. This highlights the importance of maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms to capture the attention of potential customers and drive sales.

Social Commerce Statistics by Platform

1. Facebook

   Facebook continues to dominate the social commerce landscape, with over 30% of internet users in the US expected to make at least one purchase through the platform in 2023. Furthermore, there were one million active Facebook Shops with over 250 million active participants every month by Q1 of 2023.

2. Instagram

   Instagram has emerged as a strong contender in the social commerce space, with nearly 13% of US internet users expected to shop on the platform in 2023. Over 36% of B2B decision-makers use Instagram to find information on new products or services, and 70% of shopping enthusiasts look to the platform to discover new products.

3. Pinterest

   With more than 5% of US internet users estimated to shop on Pinterest in 2023, the platform has solidified its position as a key player in social commerce. People who use Pinterest on a weekly basis are 7x more likely to say it’s the most influential platform in their purchase journey when compared to other social media platforms.

4. YouTube

   YouTube is also capitalizing on the social commerce trend, making its ads more shoppable by allowing video action campaigns on connected TVs in Q3 of 2021. Approximately 51% of consumers in the US and UK use YouTube to research or find products to buy, indicating the potential for further growth in this area.

Using Social Commerce Statistics to Your Advantage

Armed with these social commerce statistics, online retailers can make strategic decisions to optimize their operations and leverage social media platforms for growth. Here are a few ways businesses can utilize these insights:

1. Identify the most suitable platforms for your target audience and invest in advertising and marketing efforts accordingly.
2. Implement influencer marketing campaigns to tap into the power of social media personalities and drive sales.
3. Develop a social media content strategy that focuses on product discovery and showcases your offerings to potential customers.
4. Monitor the latest social commerce trends and adapt your strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

Even More 2023 Ecommerce Trends to Know

The social commerce landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses need to stay informed about the latest trends and statistics to succeed in this competitive space. By leveraging the insights provided in this guide, online retailers can make informed decisions about their social commerce strategies and drive growth in the coming years. Need even more tips? Take a look at our related guides below!

• The Ultimate Bible of Ecommerce Statistics for 2023
• 2023’s Ecommerce Trends Explained
• How Ecommerce Returns in 2023 Will Affect Your Business
• What is Ecommerce AI and How is it Changing Everything?

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.

Is it the catchy slogan or the famous icon behind the product? If you’re anything like most consumers, you said the latter. While “Be Like Mike” is a great slogan, it didn’t sell the shoes. Jordan did.

No matter how you slice it, influencers are, well, influential.

Influencer marketing forms a solid foundation for increasing your brand’s visibility online. Read on to discover how influencer marketing can boost your eCommerce Brand.

What Is Influencer Marketing?

Influencer marketing is a form of digital marketing. They often promote a brand’s products on social media for eCommerce sites. They also promote major corporations. Influencers provide credibility and awareness for your brand.

The growth of influencer marketing has been increasing over the past several years. Projections for ad spend on influencer marketing expect to reach $13.8 billion in 2021.

Consumers respect influencer opinions and trust their recommendations. Forty-nine percent of users rely on influencer recommendations on Twitter for buying decisions.

Let’s put that into perspective. Influencers are almost as trusted as a close friend when it comes to buying online. That’s a HUGE advantage for eCommerce brands.

Consider these statistics:

• 17 percent of brands spend over half their marketing budget on influencer marketing. (MediaKix)
• 89 percent of brands say influencer marketing ROI is as good or better than other content. (BigCommerce)
• The average influencer marketing campaign returns six dollars for every dollar spent. (Kalypso)

So how can you get influencers to promote your eCommerce products?

Step 1: Find an Ideal Influencer for Your eCommerce Brand

The first step is to find an influencer for your brand. The right influencers should be someone who is popular within your niche.

Your best bet is to generate a pool of like-minded influencers in your niche. Compile your list by searching brand-related keywords on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.

After that, you’ll want to whittle the list down to your top five.

Then, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this influencer part of our target audience?
• If so, would they use our brand?
• Does their personality match our brand’s image?
• Is there content suitable for your brand?
• Do they have experience creating high-quality sponsored content?
• Would they be easy to work with?
• Could their followers or subscribers become potential customers?

With these questions in mind, you’ll be able to narrow down your top five list further. You may decide to run a campaign with the top three on your list. That, of course, depends on your budget.

You can contact most smaller influencers through their social media account. Smaller accounts with less than 25,000 followers go by the name micro-influencers.

Take this time to conduct some further research. You can check in on metrics for sponsored posts (if they have any).

Single Grain suggests looking for a 5% like ratio for influencers with less than 20,000 followers. For influencers with audiences greater than 20,000 followers they suggest a like ratio of 3%.

As you contact influencers, keep these things in mind:

1. Don’t spam hundreds of influencers with the same message.
2. Be targeted in your research and personal in your approach.
3. Have a plan.

Step Two: Build Effective Relationships With Influencers in Your Niche

Whether you decide to go with your top five list or your top three list is up to you. With your list of well-researched influencers, it’s time to start building relationships.

Here are some ways to develop your business relationship:

• Introduce each influencer to your brand’s products. Reaching out with the intent to share your brand’s products creates trust from the very start. It also shows the influencers on your list that you value their time.
• Provide some details about your campaign and what it entails. Include influencers in your plan for your campaign. That way, influencers won’t have to guess how they can help. You may already have ideas for contests, product reviews, or referral programs. Let them know.
• Provide fair, market-value compensation. If you’re a small eCommerce store with great products, tell them. Be up front with compensation. If you can’t pay much, be generous with free products from your brand. Building a solid business relationship starts with finding win-win agreements.

You may want to work with high-profile influencers. If so, you should consider the costs along with the benefits. Here is a short breakdown of what influencers can charge per sponsored post.

Keep in mind that these figures reflect averages based upon research. Even so, it gives you a sense of the pay-to-play system that influencer marketing has become.

It’s beneficial to diversify your influencer marketing budget. Split the money that would go to one macro-influencer between several micro-influencers. Studies show that usings an army of micro-influencers may provide more value.

Step Three: Use Influencers to Increase Brand Awareness and Trust

There are almost 8 million etailers worldwide.

To remain competitive, your content marketing strategy must be original, engaging, and buzz-worthy. Half of the battle is getting your consumer’s attention.

Influencers are the gateway to a larger, more engaged audience. Here are three ways influencers can help increase your brand awareness:

1. Allow Influencers to be content creators

Influencers get followers for their ability to create unique, engaging, and valuable content. As a brand, you can leverage that. It should be one of your social media marketing strategies for eCommerce.

Influencers aren’t only great at getting shares and likes. They know how to craft content that builds traction on social media. That means giving your influencer some creative freedom can be a good strategy.

2. Run Contests Using Influencers

Influencers are pros at social engagement. It should be a part of every social media marketing strategy for eCommerce. After all, a contest is only as good as its engagement.

Contests can build hype around a new product. That can lead to increased site traffic, social media followers, or conversions. Effective contests can engage followers in conversations or build curiosity.

The right influencer can increase the engagement of a contest.

3. Leverage Influencers for Referral Programs

One of the best ways to use influencers is through referral programs. Influencers mention your brand on all their social media platforms with a promo code. It uses eCommerce and social media as a marketing tool.

The code is then linked to the influencer to gauge the success of the campaign. Here’s an example of a referral program for H&M.

Need Even More Tips?

Need even more tips? We’ve got you covered with our related guide: Ecommerce Social Proof & Why You Need It.

There are several social media channels, and each has its own set of advantages for anyone that’s selling online. Now is the perfect time to explore previously unfamiliar platforms and cast a wider net in the social space.

Read on to learn why your online store should invest in multiple social media channels.

Reach More Consumers (for Free!)

The main draws for social media are cost and exposure, meaning that brands can reach up to 3.1 billion people for free. Every major social media site is free to join, and from there, you can upgrade (again, for free) to a business account that gives you analytics to track the performance of your posts.

Social media ties especially well into ecommerce, driving more than $30 billion in online sales annually. The various social channels are also discovery hubs, with SmartInsights reporting that 28% of web users are researching brands and finding new products to buy. There are also platforms with built-in commerce functions, so users don’t have to leave the app to make a purchase.

At the end of the day, the more consumers you can reach as a business, the more prospective customers you can bring into your sales funnel. They’re already out there; you just have to go meet them!

Avoid Dependency on One Channel

As discussed above, reliance upon one or two marketing channels can prove disastrous if there’s ever an issue with the platforms. But with a diverse presence online, your store will continue to generate sales, even if there are issues with one platform.

This applies to any social media site, as well as other forms of marketing. If your online store’s email marketing provider made major changes, for example, that could impact your ability to reach your customers. Similarly, digital marketers and SEO’s are affected when Google makes an algorithm change that significantly changes search results.

It’s evident that spreading out across marketing channels will minimize the impact of any channel’s changes or temporary failure, and an easy way to ease in is to use multiple social media platforms.

Use Different Voices

Part of the fun of social media is to use the appropriate networks to be informal and humanize your business. People would rather buy from other people than a faceless corporation, so many brands have taken the opportunity to share candid content. The Stories feature, available on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, is a good place to start because the content shared disappears after 24 hours.

Informal tones extend beyond the Stories, especially on Twitter. Most notably, fast food brands have transformed their Twitter presences and act as snarky, humorous personas that often interact with both competitor brands and average users.

By only using one social media platform, you’re missing out on the chance to showcase a different side of your brand. You might also be alienating different demographics by sticking to one voice. Millennials and Gen Z stay away from overly robotic tones, while Boomers and older generations don’t often embrace slang. Actively posting across multiple social channels allows you to speak formally on LinkedIn but then make jokes on Tumblr. Both are practices that are welcomed.

Split Ad Tests Across Channels

Running split tests, also known as A/B tests, is one of our top ecommerce social media strategies. It’s the process of slowly optimizing an advertisement by testing its different elements against a control to determine what has the best response. Eventually the tests reveal a set of ad elements that you can use going forward for the highest conversions.

As kitchen and homeware e-tailer YuppieChef found when running a split test on their homepage, the navigation bar, thought to be vitally important, only distracted consumers and did not result in as many clicks.

Online sellers that are using multiple social channels have the edge because they can run many A/B tests at once across platforms.

See More Data

More marketing campaigns automatically means more data gathered. It’s simple. A diverse ecommerce social media strategy uses the analytics from the various channels to supplement data gathered elsewhere. E-tailers can then get a better snapshot of how to move forward with their marketing efforts and make smarter business decisions.

At ReadyCloud CRM, we know that data is everything. It helps you make your next moves and gives you an objective look at your online store’s performance. That’s why we advocate for cross-channel selling as well as cross-channel social media marketing.

Marketing on a variety of social media channels doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Social media is a low-cost, low-risk place to start, and diversifying across channels is the first step to reaching a worldwide web of current and prospective customers. There are even several ecommerce social media tools that will streamline your workflow and let you concentrate on the business side of your online store. So what are you waiting for? Your next big marketing move is just a few clicks away!

Popularized by Robert Cialdini in his book Influence, social proof refers to our belief that other’s actions are the correct behavior in a given situation. It relies on the human tendency to follow the pack and it’s a tactic used by ecommerce marketers to build trust and increase sales.

Social proof can take many forms when it comes to ecommerce, and it’s easy to incorporate into your online store and marketing strategy. Simply put, social proof is any mention of your products “in the wild” that you can use to your advantage.

Read on for examples of social proof and how they’ll help you build consumer trust and skyrocket sales.

Product Reviews

One of the most popular forms of social proof are product reviews written by customers who want to share their experience with a purchase. In fact, product reviews are so widely sought out that 92% of prospective shoppers will take the time to read a product review before making a purchasing decision and 90% will read 5-10 reviews.

Product reviews also build trust around your brand and products. A Deloitte study found that consumers are just as likely to trust a customer review as they are to trust family and friends.

In case you missed our extensive guide to ecommerce product reviews, these are some of the most compelling statistics.

• 54% of the time, consumers will click over to an online store from a positive review.
• 87% of consumers place as much trust in a product review as they would word-to-mouth.
• 87% of consumers agree that they won’t do business with an entity that has an unfavorable rating.
• 73% of consumers consider aged reviews (90 days or older) to be irrelevant.
• 68% of consumers want to see mixed negative and positive reviews to believe they are real.
• 78% of consumers who bought after reading a review report being satisfied.
• 31% of consumers increase spending when an online business has positive reviews.
• Consumers are 124% likelier to buy a product from a smartphone after reading a positive review.
• 50 or more reviews on a product can lead to an average increase of 4.6% in revenue.
• 63% of customers are likelier to buy from an online store that features user reviews.
• Customers are 110% likelier to buy from an online store that features reviews and Q&A.
• Online product reviews yield and average sales uplift of 18%.

It’s clear that product reviews have a massive impact on your online store. E-tailers may be avoiding adding a review feature for fear of negative feedback, but studies show that even negative reviews bolster your credibility and offer a more holistic experience for your products.

If you’re running your ecommerce business on a popular platform like Magento, Shopify or others, adding reviews is as simple as adding an extension or plugin from the respective App Store. There are several options out there, and most of them won’t blow your budget. As you can see, the addition will offer you high returns on your investment.

User-Generated Content

Another increasingly popular form of social proof is user-generated content (or UGC). It’s just like it sounds: UGC is digital content created by a common person, not a brand representative or someone affiliated with the business, who is sharing their experience. Product reviews fall into this category to some extent, but ecommerce in particular is an industry with a wealth of UGC because customers use their blogs and social media channels to distribute images and videos that feature their purchases.

User-generated content has gained so much traction because it adds authenticity that’s often missing from marketing messages. Stackla recently found that 90% of consumers say authenticity is important when deciding which brands they like and support (up from 86% in 2017) which highlights the growing need.

Stackla also found that brands who utilize UGC see a 50% lift in social engagement, a 73% increase in email click-through-rates and a 10% increase in conversions when included in an online purchase path. Similar to product reviews, this shows that people are drawn to content created by peers, rather than by professional marketing teams.

UGC has made such a big impact that 79% of people say it highly influences their purchasing decisions. This is a statistic that e-tailers can’t ignore. Fortunately, you can integrate user-generated content into your marketing strategy with just a few steps. Use hashtags and monitoring tools to gather UGC, ask permission from the creator before posting and watch what happens. Online sellers will boost their store’s reputation as authentic while also saving time that would have been spent creating marketing materials.

For more tips on UGC, don’t miss our guide.

Brand Collaborations

Brand collaborations are similar to influencer campaigns but are on a larger scale. Instead of an individual’s followers, the relationship introduces your brand to another brand’s following and customer base. It is mutually beneficial because the introductions go both ways and bring new customers to each brand.

The collab campaigns often make a huge splash because they show household names working together (such as Nike and Apple) but can be done no matter how small the business.Another way to incorporate a brand’s approval is to add media mentions to your site. For example, we’re proud to display that ReadyCloud has been featured in highly respected publications and media and have added the social proof to our site.

Consumers trust their peers more than they trust the messages that come directly from brands. So, it’s important for online retailers to offer some sort of social proof of their products. Whether you add the ability for verified customers to leave product reviews or seek reputation boosting from an influencer or brand, every bit helps add authenticity so shoppers can feel good about purchasing from your online store.

Today, ecommerce and social media drive more than $30 billion in online sales annually, proving that there’s a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship between the two. It also presents a huge opportunity for e-tailers because social media presents a low-risk, high-reward potential.

Read on for 28 reasons why social marketing for ecommerce should be in your playbook.

1. Social Media is a Fast Way to Reach Billions of People

In this interconnected digital world, social media is like a giant messaging board where everyone can see your brand’s message. There are more than 3.1 billion social media users globally, with at least 1.47 billion users logging in daily.

2. Consumers Spend Hours on Social Media

The average web user spends about 2 hours and 15 minutes on social media each day. Multiply that by the three billion users, and you have a lot of screen time to take advantage of for social media marketing. According to SmartInsights, 28% of web users are using at least some of that time to research brands and find new products to buy.

3. All Your Marketing Strategies Converge on Social

Sharing posts is the backbone of social network, and the platforms allow several types of content. This means social media is the fastest and simplest way to aggregate your marketing strategies into one conglomerate of outbound channels.

4. Business Accounts Are Free

Social media sites are nudging their users toward opening business accounts, and there’s no wondering why. Business accounts can run paid ads, which directly benefit the networks. But the upside is that opening and managing a business account is free and comes with added perks like native analytics to track your page’s performance.

5. Social Media Profiles Are Multipurpose

Your social media profiles can do triple duty as a showroom, an advertisement and a storefront. Those are the channels to put your best foot forward and visually show off your products while providing helpful information about them at the same time. By using the ecommerce tools that are built into social networks, consumers don’t even have to leave the apps to make a purchase. Social media has enhanced the online shopping experience by streamlining it from exposure to click all the way through to purchase.

6. Social Ads Are Low-Cost, High-Impact

Excluding Reddit—which requires a minimum spend on certain campaign types—social advertising is as low-cost as you need it to be. The reduced spending risk involved is especially appealing to small businesses that don’t have massive marketing budgets.

Once you have run a few campaigns, you can easily determine the most effective ways to reach your target market and further optimize your advertising. Then, you can simply run the numbers through an ROI calculator for a fairly accurate report on your ad’s conversions.

7. You Can Automate Your Campaigns & Social Channels

If you plan to advertise your online store using social media, the ad platforms on the major sites are intuitive. They guide you through the steps of budgeting and targeting, so launching your campaign is only a few clicks away. There are even “Start” and “Stop” features so the platforms will run your ads exclusively during a predetermined period. Simply set it, forget it and come back to it later when the time comes to track progress and make tweaks.

For e-tailers who don’t yet want to take the plunge into spending money on social ads, there are still ways to automate and remain active on social. Publishing tools like Buffer let you queue posts to be sent out at the times you set. Your channels will be full of fresh content with little effort on your part.

8. Brands Can Reach Customers Through Facebook Messenger 

Email still reigns supreme as the way consumers prefer to be contacted by businesses—72% of respondents gave this answer in a recent MailChimp survey. But promotional emails often go unopened and get lost among all the others. Through a relatively new feature, Facebook solved this pain point and introduced advertising with Messenger.

There are more than 1.3 billion people using Facebook’s instant messaging service, and it’s the top mobile app by number of downloads. Messenger ads are served to users and look just like messages from their friends, which increases open rates. Keep in mind, though, that the hyper-direct nature of these ads requires personalization and proven value to the recipient. Otherwise, it just looks like spam.

9. Social Media Ads Drive Sales

Social media drives 5% of ecommerce sales overall. The sites influence shopper behavior in a big way:

• 87% of customers say social media has helped them make a purchasing decision in the past.
• 25% of consumers look to social networks for advice when they go clothing shopping.

Some sites, like Pinterest, are associated with purchase planning, and marketers see a $4.30 return on every ad dollar spent on Pinterest. Other platforms have also turned into shopping hubs and see average order values upwards of $50.

10. Facebook Influences 52% of Online Purchases

In 2015, Facebook influenced 52% of consumers’ online and offline purchases, up from 36 per cent in 2014, per The Drum

11. 33% of Online Purchases Start Social Media

As reported by Business Insider, just by having a social presence more shoppers will make purchases from your online store. Users who see your products in a social ad, elsewhere online or even in store want to be able to visit your social media profiles for more information and to get a feel for your brand.

Consumers also get introduced to new products on social media. 60% of users discover products on Instagram, per a Hootsuite study. Those discoveries, with some additional marketing and touchpoints, lead to purchases down the line.

12. Being Actively Social is Lucrative

The whole point of social media is to converse with consumers, rather than to talk at them. Traditional advertising is out its way out and being replaced with relationship building between brands and consumers, and the businesses that adopt that trend are seeing the results. Brands that engage with customers via social media gain 20-40% more revenue per customer as compared to companies that do not.

13. Attention-Grabbing Ads Don’t Require In-House Assets

When e-tailers think of creating a visually stunning advertisement, they may immediately jump to conclusions and stress about finding a photographer or videographer to create original content. But with the tools available online today, it has never been easier to create visuals that will pop on social media.

Free options like Canva and Pexels Video are two of our must-have social media tools for ecommerce, but there are seemingly endless options to choose from.

Visuals are a necessity for social media. Video is a surefire way to grab a consumer’s attention with product videos showing a healthy 16.85% conversion rate. Studies show that marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than non-video users, and 64% of consumers make a purchase after watching branded social videos. However, even still images outperform text-only ads.

14. User-Generated Content Shows Social Proof

UGC serves two main purposes: It showcases your products “in the wild,” and it builds trust by acting as visual positive product reviews. As a bonus, sourcing user-generated content saves you the time it would take to create original content that may not perform as well.

How do we know UGC is effective? Take a look at these statistics:

• UGC posts shared to social channels see a 28% higher engagement rate than standard brand posts.
• 93% of consumers find UGC to be helpful when making a purchasing decision.
• UGC-based ads get 4x higher click-through rates and a 50% drop in cost-per-click than average.
• 48% of customers say that UGC is a great way to discover new products.
• UGC is 20% more influential than any other type of media when it comes to influencing Millennial purchases.

Tools like Stackla are built to find UGC, but social monitoring tools and hashtag research will yield equally high-quality results, too.

15. You Can Monitor Social Media for Mentions of Your Brand

Speaking of social media monitoring tools, you should be keeping an eye on the conversations happening online surrounding your industry and brand. This is an easy way to jump in on relevant threads, either to speak from your authority voice or to address a complaint. 78% of customers believe that social media is the future of customer service, so proactively monitoring brand mentions will elevate your online store’s customer service efforts.

Pro tip: You can (and should) also monitor mentions of your competitors to quickly offer your solution to their customers’ issues.

16. Contests and Giveaways Build Followings

Consumers want to engage with the brands that have something to offer them, which is a big reason why contests and giveaways consistently produce spikes in engagement and following on social media. This is a popular tactic with event pages, which commonly give away tickets, but you can customize the “prize” to your online store’s offerings. As long as it gets followers involved, there is value in the eyes of the consumer.

Don’t forget, after the contest or giveaway is over, only high-quality and valuable content will retain followers; you have to be able to keep their interest.

17. Exclusive Content Retains Followings

We wouldn’t leave you hanging without any ideas about how to keep your newly-built social media audience. One tactic is to offer exclusive content only on your social channels. This could be digital coupons, which more than two-thirds of consumers say build brand awareness and generate loyalty. You could also use Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat Stories to show behind-the-scenes content.

Staying active, engaged and interesting is the key to winning over online shoppers on social channels. Social media is meant to be informal (except for LinkedIn) and low-key, so there is total creative freedom.

18. Social Media Drives Recommendations

In 2019, online shopping is centered around the consumer experience, and social media facilitates the best parts of shopping in a store. There are visual cues to how products fit into lifestyle, there is valuable information and there is an ability to quickly get answers when needed. Therefore, e-tailers who use social media to their advantage will reap the reward of recommendation. 71% of consumers who have had a good experience with a brand on social media will recommend the brand to others.

19. Influencers Live on Social Media

Influencer marketing is a popular tool for industries such as apparel, beauty and travel, but it is not limited to e-tailers with glamorous products or services. There are individuals with highly engaged followings in nearly every niche, and their followers trust them as they would a close friend.

Marketers have tapped into this opportunity and enlisted people from celebrities to micro-influencers to showcase their products to reach a new audience. 84% of marketers call it an effective strategy, and 67% find it so effective that they plan to increase their budget for it.

The common thread between most of these influencers is that they live on social media. Because ecommerce is built on convenience, it’s imperative for your online store to have social media profiles that can be tagged in posts, so consumers can easily follow the trail to your site.

20. Competition is Fierce & Cutthroat

In 2017, social networks saw $41 billion in advertising revenue – Facebook alone claimed $10.14 billion of this. It’s a pay-to-play world, but it’s not too late to join. Surprisingly, there are still 9% of businesses that aren’t using social media for marketing.

21. You’ll Significantly Out-Do Businesses not Using Social

According to BigCommerce, online stores that have a social presence get 32% more sales on average than stores that don’t. Social media is all about access to brands, and consumers who feel like they can easily connect with the businesses they follow are more likely to trust those businesses.

In a way, brands have become more like peers than large corporations, and it’s because of the engaging, two-way street that is social media. As e-tailers who use an ecommerce CRM have found, building relationships with customers and potential customers results in higher sales and improved long-term retention and loyalty.

22. Buzz-Worthy Brands Got their Start on Social Media

A few years ago, we were in the middle of the “Age of Disruption,” and there were startups emerging left and right to significantly change their respective industries. Now, some are established brands that withstood the test of time. Something they have in common is their use of social media as their primary advertising channel.

Glossier is a notable example, as are Warby Parker and Allbirds. In the digital age, social media sharing is the new word-of-mouth, and these businesses got the word out using their social channels.

23. Pixels Retarget for You

In today’s option-overloaded market, online shoppers are savvier than ever. They check for promo codes and price compare before even thinking of buying a product. That’s why it takes anywhere from six to eight touch-points to create a legitimate sales lead. But without social media, e-tailers have to create those touch-points organically.

Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Pinterest all have pixels that retarget web users who have already taken interest in your site or products. Simply insert the pixel code into your site and watch as the pixels do the work for you.

24. There Are Built-In Reviews on Facebook

Similar to UGC, showing reviews on social media builds consumer trust. 92% of consumers are more likely to trust recommendations from individuals they don’t personally know over brand recommendations. That’s why Facebook users often check the Recommendations section of a brand’s page for reviews before making a purchase.

Recent reports have found that a whopping 92% of prospective shoppers take the time to read a product review before making a buying decision. Having the information readily available on your social media channels makes consumers’ search hassle-free.

25. “Share to Social” Capabilities Increase Reach

The easiest way to reach new potential customers is to let your current customers and followers do the work for you. It’s free, too. By consistently posting educational and/or entertaining content on your social channels, you are simultaneously encouraging consumers to share your content and give it new reach. Another option is to add “Share to Social” buttons to your product pages, so visitors can easily show family and friends their purchases or additions to their Wish Lists.

26. Live Video is Available on Social Media

Video has taken social media by storm, and live video is even more impactful. 80% of people prefer watching a live video rather than reading a blog post, and 82% of people would choose live video over any other type of social post.

By using live video via social media, you can instantly reach billions of people in nearly every age category who are eager to tune-in. As a bonus, users who follow your social channels are alerted when you start a live broadcast, further increasing incentive to join in.

27. Consumers Are Most Likely to Follow Your Brand via Social

According to MarketingSherpa, online adults aged 18-34 are most likely (95%) to follow a brand via social networking. Even though you might regularly post to your company’s blog or send weekly emails, social media is where consumers expect to keep up with your online store.

28. Social Media Updates Are Expected from Ecommerce Sites

A survey conducted by BigCommerce reveals that the average e-commerce site is publishing 4.55 posts a week on their Facebook page. The survey also found that the average ecommerce site’s Facebook community is growing by 8% each month, and of the ecommerce sites that have a Facebook account, 60% are also using Twitter.

Social Media Marketing Pays Dividends

Social media’s marketing power can’t be ignored, especially by online retailers. Ecommerce and social media go hand-in-hand, and social media influences and enhances the shopper experience. In a time of consumer-first focus, the shopper experience is your most priceless asset.

Looking for tools to up your social media game? Don’t miss our guide: 5 Ecommerce Social Media Tools That Give You the Upper Hand

Need even more tips? We’ve got you covered with this infographic about social media shopping statistics.