5 E-commerce Trends for 2014

With 2014 only a few weeks away, we wanted to start looking ahead to see what the big ecommerce trends will be in 2014. When it comes to purchasing products online, customers have more choices than ever. This incredible selection has forced customers to pay more attention to whom they are buying from and the experience they have when making an online purchase. As we’ve seen, the shopping experience has become more personal and social. The companies who master this can distinguish them from the rest of the pack and really make strides in the e-commerce marketplace.

Every year, new ideas and strategies take the e-commerce world by storm. Here are five additional trends that will dominate the e-commerce industry in 2014:

1. Even more Big Data

The concept of “Big Data” has been around for several years now. However, e-commerce companies are still not using the full potential of all their data. The company that takes full advantage of their data will make it possible for their business to make decisions the appropriate decisions. You may have a hunch or idea on a direction to take, but in the end, the data will tell the truth.

2. SaaS/Subscription Services

More and more software companies are moving away from the traditional download method into a subscription based service. The same goes for business across the e-commerce spectrum. As anyone who’s done some early Christmas shopping online can probably attest to, the number of companies that offer a subscription to their product has skyrocketed over the past year. Subscription models offer great reoccurring revenue as well as flexibility for customers with upsell features not everyone may need. It also allows for businesses to develop deeper, more personal relationships with their customers which can increase their loyalty to your brand.

3. More Personable shopping experience

The more data a company has on their customers, the more personable of an experience they will be able to offer. For the longest time, e-commerce stores have been trying to provide the most personalized experience possible with everything from personalized product suggestions and offers to completely customizable products. The success of these sites will lead to more companies offering those capabilities.

4. Support for all devices

It’s no secret that people are shopping online in more ways than ever before. More and more people are turning to their phones and tablets to research products and make their purchases. Because of this, it has become almost essential for e-commerce stores to either have a mobile version or a website with responsive design.

5. More Transparency

Online shoppers have come to demand more from the e-commerce vendors. They have become more aware of their vendors and want to know who exactly the vendor is and where their product is coming from. The influx of counterfeit and knockoff goods have made wary shoppers demand proof that their purchases are authentic. Successful e-commerce vendors will provide the clarity and certainty that their shoppers demand before they purchase. Those who do not will lose potential customers to the sites that meet their needs.

These are just a few of the trends that should be seen across the e-commerce marketplace in 2014. What about you? Are there any trends you feel are going to be big with e-commerce next year? Let us know in the comments section.

via Business 2 Community http://www.business2community.com/online-marketing/5-e-commerce-trends-2014-0725588?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-e-commerce-trends-2014