Progress in technology has revolutionized the business methods. E-marketing of products and services generate business opportunities for retailers and online marketers. In 2014, retailers worldwide are expected to enter e-commerce marketplace to showcase their popular brands for online shopping as the number of online customers is increasing rapidly.
The Internet has shaped consumer preferences to enable customers to make informed decisions about a product or service. E-commerce stores provide retailers an innovative e-marketing platform to influence consumer preferences by enhancing their online shopping experience. Buyers from around the globe can enjoy a customized shopping experience and receive free shipping on items.
Massive and affordable access to the Internet on laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc., has shaped consumer preferences. With the E-Commerce boom in large-scale economies, Internet has instantly become the major communication channel between businesses and consumers through e-marketing.
Today, online shopping has become a norm in many countries. Retailers are engaged in offering a seamless flow of products and services to meet consumer preferences adequately. E-Commerce has forced companies to adapt an e-marketing strategy to influence customer behavior. Online shopping has redefined and influenced marketing strategies of businesses belonging to various industries for the year 2014.
Below are the expected consumer preferences for online shopping for the year 2014:
1. Mobility:
Consumers love a seamless online shopping experience. With state-of-the-art e-commerce design and e-marketing strategies, retailers and wholesalers can spice up their online business by integrating technology that enables customers to do shopping on the move.
2. Visibility:
Influencing consumer preferences of today’s tech-savvy buyers, retailers must offer them valuable information on products of interest on the e-commerce store, which is possible only when retailers have a comprehensive inventory management system along with an effective e-marketing strategy.
3. Integration is Key:
A seamless online shopping experience greatly influences consumer preferences. Retailers can now make efficient use of special-purpose tools and technologies for inventory and supply chain management through the support of well-integrated database system. An entire e-commerce store can be set up following an e-marketing strategy.
4. Immediate Delivery:
Retailers must offer buyers an enriching online shopping experience. Consumer preferences run parallel with retailer’s marketing strategies. Logistics, inventory management, price optimization must be a part of retailer’s e-marketing strategy to ensure their e-commerce store is a success by improving the overall online shopping.
5. Social Media:
Social Media is all the rage these days. Retailers must maintain one-on-one contact with their customers by leveraging social media and interacting with potential buyers to influence consumer preferences. E-commerce without customer engagement will not improve sales. Your e-marketing strategy must include regular interaction with your customers that persuades them to experience online shopping.
6. Globalization:
2014 beckons interested buyers to find their desired products online and receive free shipping. E-commerce store can help retailers influence an incredible number of buyers from across the world. Consumer preferences are also influenced by incentives, such as, free shipping. Efficient e-marketing involves immediate order placement and delivery in order to offer customers a fulfilling online shopping experience.
Retailers must make online presence a part of their e-marketing strategy, to gain attention from potential buyers and prospective customers. Reviewing products online significantly influence consumer preferences. E-commerce websites are gaining momentum and persuading customers to experience online shopping.
According to recent surveys, the distinguishing sharp line has blurred between in-store shopping and online shopping which have led to ever-changing consumer preferences, which has given way to e-commerce stores to take over local stores proving e-marketing is highly beneficial for retailers. 2014 is the year of E-commerce, so grab your designers and photographers and make your online store a success!