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4 New Trends Shaping Online Businesses
Online businesses have been on the rise over the last decade. This has been contributed to a larger extent by modern consumers’ rapidly changing needs. Above everything else, the modern consumer is looking for convenience and an excellent experience when shopping. Online businesses have come in handy in satisfying these needs. That is why any business that is centred on increasing online traffic can’t afford to ignore this growing trend.
For your business to fully leverage the benefits of eCommerce, however, you must stay updated on upcoming trends in this sector. Moreover, with the pace set by eCommerce giants such as Amazon and eBay, competition is now steeper than ever.
Here are some of the new trends in online businesses that you can incorporate in your business to set yourself apart.
1. Podcasts
Podcasts present an effective way to reach millions of audiences from all over the world. The good thing about podcasting is that it allows you to share your expertise on topics regarding your niche. That way, you are able to build authority and create credibility around your brand. In addition, you are able to pull a community and connect deeply with your audiences.
However, you need to know the loops of creating a podcast if you are to succeed in this area. For starters, you need to choose a topic that you are knowledgeable in, find a podcast hosting service, buy recording equipment, and start recording. I found this guide to get started with it easily for your first podcast.
In addition, you want to engage your audiences so they can listen to you to the end. This is where you get creative in the way that you deliver your content. Hook listeners with storytelling techniques so they are compelled to wait for more and recommend your podcast to others.
Lastly, you need to make your podcasts searchable in the online search engines so you can be sure to drive traffic to your content. Starting SEO for your podcast is an effective way to increase your visibility.
2. Video marketing
Just like podcasting, video marketing is another trend that is helping online businesses reach a larger audience across different demographics. The advantage of this is that it allows you to put visual content to the voice unlike in a podcast. In addition, videos allow you to use more than just product photos to showcase your products to your customers. This in a way influences their decision to buy your products.
However, you still need to be creative in your videos so you are able to capture the attention of your audience. Ensure that your videos are engaging, interactive, and educative. Showing your consumers how to use your products is a creative way to get started. To make your videos more engaging and interactive, you can use video editing tools. There are many video editors no watermark that allow you to change the background, add subtitles or change the speed of the video
SEO is also integral here- take advantage of Google’s YouTube for your videos to be searchable online.
3. Augmented Reality
One disadvantage of online shopping is that consumers are not able to interact with the product, test, and explore until it is shipped to them. This being the case, customers who want to explore with the product before making a decision to purchase them often abandon the cart before completing the buying process.
Thankfully, online businesses can be able to capture such a customer with Augmented Reality.
AR allows consumers to have firsthand experience with the product. In a way, this rising trend allows online shoppers to have a shopping experience just as they would in an in-person shopping.
4. Voice Search
As said earlier, the modern consumer is looking for convenience in his or her shopping experience. A trend that is able to offer this is sure to capture the person who has little time to spare for shopping from a busy schedule. Voice Search is one such trend that is allowing consumers to search the internet through voice rather than typing. This means that what can take a minute typing is being searched in a fraction of the time.
If you want to create a competitive advantage for your eCommerce, get down to including text content in your pages. Be keen on identifying phrases and keywords that align with possible voice queries for your products.
Conclusion
As technology keeps advancing, consumer behaviour tends to move in line with these changes. That is why online businesses need to keep tabs with what is emerging if they are to satisfy their customers’ needs constantly.
The list of emerging trends is endless, be sure to carefully assess what works for your business.
Owen Manningham is a management consultant with over 6 years of experience in the field. He advises on training and coaching in the strategic and operational aspects of management, change, and client relationship management.
This article does not constitute legal advice.
The opinions expressed in the column above represent the author’s own.
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