Consumer spending has changed dramatically due to changes in living, working, and learning settings. Almost everything can be done via online shopping, from purchasing groceries to health care products. As a result, online retailers must rethink their tactics to adapt to changing consumer behavior and shopping habits.

If you adapt to new market trends while being relevant to your audience, your eCommerce business will most likely be one of the first to satisfy online shoppers’ demands and needs. People are ready to spend—learn how to prepare your online business to accommodate customers’ shopping habits.

Stand Out In the Online Marketplace

Online shopping has been trending more than ever. Consumers can buy quality goods and get the most for their money – all from the convenience of their homes. Here’s how you can capture your buyers’ attention and make their shopping experience enjoyable and straightforward:

• Remember that a great photo is worth a thousand words.
• Keep in mind that “less is more” when it comes to content.
• Embrace feedback from consumers and provide free shipping, if possible.
• Organize your merchandise and create an easily navigable user interface.
• Notify shoppers when an item is in stock or back-ordered on the product page.
• Make it simple for online customers to reach out to you or subscribe to your email list.
• Enable consumers to save their carts and produce a smooth checkout process.

Online Consumers Desire Freedom and Control

Online shoppers demand flexibility and control over when and how their packages are delivered. They also have firm opinions on delivery costs and timelines. In addition, consumers favor more efficient services and the ability to follow their online orders and packages throughout the delivery process.

Have a Mobile-Friendly Website

The way we shop online is evolving. Smartphone sales are rising considerably, meaning that customers are getting used to the connectedness that their cell phones provide. Moreover, file sizes, image dimensions, and site code scripts can slow down your website. Therefore, a mobile audit is worthwhile to ensure that your site looks its best when viewed on smartphones.

Customer Loyalty is Increasing

If customer loyalty marketing isn’t part of your business strategy, here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Learn everything you can about your buyers in their environment. You must have the data and resources to listen, engage, and provide an excellent experience to your customers.
• People are attracted to brands that tell a unique story. Every interaction with your customer should also be consistent in tone. This is how you inspire client trust.
• It’s not just about pleasing your customers; it’s also about making problem-solving easy.

Enhance Your Instant Customer Support Strategy

Consumers want to avoid go-betweens for assistance with simple functions. They expect self-service. Here are some pointers on how to enhance your customer service strategy:

• A dedicated CRM software is usually the best option if you want to provide exceptional customer service.
• Offer self-service support. Most customers want to fix most of their problems.
• Make sure you can walk your clients through the procedures necessary to address common issues with frequently asked questions and how-to articles.
• Patience, alertness, a willingness to learn, empathy, and the ability to communicate correctly are all vital qualities to search for when hiring customer support personnel.

Shoppers Are Using Social Media to Purchase

There are alternatives for buying products online via social media. In particular, small businesses use social media for marketing their items. Examples include:

• Facebook Shops: This feature enables business page admins to make a “Shop” with a list of products or product collections.
• Instagram: Connect your online shopping website and Instagram Business pages to use Instagram shops. You can also use other Instagram tools like Instagram Live, Instagram Stories, and Instagram Reels to promote your brand’s offerings.
• Pinterest: Many audiences use Pinterest to create inspiration boards with items they may want to purchase. This site also suggests that visitors enjoy searching for and learning about things on the site.

Whether your business is new or established, finding ways to make your eCommerce website stand out is always a creative process. Adventure Web Interactive is here to collaborate with Maryland businesses and develop unique eCommerce solutions.

Craig Kahl is the President and CEO of Adventure Web Interactive. AWI has been recognized as Baltimore’s Top Web Design Firm by The Daily Record and named one of Silicon Review Magazine’s Top 50 Most Admired Companies in the country. Before founding Adventure Web Interactive in 1997, he was VP of Operations for Campus Concepts, Inc., and the youngest division head in history for Pitney Bowes at age 24. He has a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Loyola University. Craig is a member of the International CEO Club and Rolling Road Golf Club and loves spending time outdoors with his wife and son.