Web development and eCommerce development go hand in hand. Now that more and more consumers are making their purchases online, eCommerce web development has taken on an added level of importance. Web development professionals need to consider all of the eCommerce development trends that are going to affect the creative process.
Any business that is looking to get in on the eCommerce web development revolution will definitely want to read on and learn more about the following trends. These trends are going to define eCommerce development going forward and the top businesses will want to get on board.
The 5 Emerging eCommerce Trends For Web Development Professionals
1. Online Retail Experiences
Brick and mortar stores are not being eliminated by the advent of eCommerce web development. Web development professionals that view eCommerce as a perfect replacement are missing the point. Big box stores are starting to fade away, for sure. These types of bankruptcies are not indicative of the future and they should not be treated as such.
The retail experience is not dying, it is simply migrating online. Web development professionals must take the time to adapt to this new reality. No form of technology is able to fully replicate the experience of walking into a brick and mortar store. Brands are now creating an online experience that is able to rival the feeling of relying on a brick and mortar store.
eCommerce development is centered around the creation of online stores that offer customers the chance to interact with the products before buying. Employees are not as readily available but the user’s visit is more personalized. The level of interaction that is offered in these settings keeps clients coming back over and over again. There are also a wide range of hosting providers to select from, allowing for a more personalized final product.
2. Interactive Product Visualization
When shoppers are looking at online products, they need to know that they are making the right choice during the purchasing process. One of the most crucial eCommerce web development trends is centered around the importance of interactive product visualization. Deciding whether a product is of the highest possible quality is not always easy.
The average consumer has no shortage of options when they are looking to make online purchases. An eCommerce store that is able to develop a strong relationship with their clientele provides the necessary product visualization. Gone are the days when a company of this nature could simply rely on the usage of high quality images.
Virtual reality, augmented reality and three dimensional imagery are key aspects of any well designed eCommerce store. Web development professionals who are able to remain on the cutting edge of these trends will also be able to design engaging visualization tools. The more tools that are put in place, the less hesitation the consumer experiences.
3. B2B eCommerce Is Here To Stay
There are some developers who may believe that B2C brands are the only companies that can benefit from eCommerce development. On the contrary, those who have paying close attention to the current trends are well aware of the fact that is B2B eCommerce is here to stay. These companies have already figured out how to leverage the current climate in their favor.
It is believed that the sales generated by B2B eCommerce will soon reach well into the billions. Those who are responsible for running these organizations must get on board now. Otherwise, they are taking a major risk of being left behind in the years to come. Web development teams that are unable to provide B2B eCommerce assistance are signaling that they are behind the times.
Forward thinking developers realize that four out of every five B2B businesses accept online payments. Creating an environment where these payments can be made more easily is crucial. Shoppers will also want to see that the proper level of personalization is taking place. Shoppers are always going to prioritize the personal touch when these relationships are being built.
4. Chatbots
Chatbots are the new customer service staff. The modern consumer does not want to be stuck on the phone waiting for a real, live staffer. They do not want to wait for a reply to an e-mail either. Chatbots must be added to any eCommerce web development plan. They are designed to provide the necessary enhancements to the shopper’s experience.
Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in the creation of these chatbots. They will carry out a wide range of processes that were once the responsibility of a customer service staff. Not only do these chatbots free up valuable capital to invest in other areas of the business but they are also valuable from a time saving standpoint.
5. More Emphasis on Customer Engagement
Traditional retail shopping might have been able to thrive for many years for a number of reasons. However, now that traditional retail is not the only game in town, eCommerce developers need to consider the importance of customer engagement. There is only one chance to make a first impression.
The design of the eCommerce shop will go a long way towards encouraging customer management. Purchase histories need to be saved. This allows the store to recommend various products to their customers that are based on past items bought. An e-mail list is also necessary. These lists give a store the chance to make offers that directly benefit the consumer.