E-commerce will shift significantly in 2023, and Forbes has some trends that every investor and business owner should be on the lookout for.
First, consumers will undoubtedly be more interested in what's called "multi-channel shopping." This means that consumers are looking to procure goods both online and in-person. They're looking for smooth interfaces that provide an easy shopping experience for even the most tech-resistant consumers. They're also looking for safe cybersecurity measures that protect their financial information during checkout and in user portals if credit card information is saved.
And most importantly, delivery should be free if possible, Forbes says, to keep up with other similar businesses that will offer competitive delivery options.
Additionally, small businesses need to be open to becoming more technologically adept. Online business-to-business (B2B) channels are used when one company seeks the services of another, such as a company that pays a social media provider for advertising space or one that gets raw materials from another. The B2B experience, Forbes notes, is of the utmost importance — this includes smart personalization on their websites and increasing shopping volume on Instagram or TikTok. It's also recommended that companies invest in headless technology, progressive web application, and composable commerce that integrates several tools into one cohesive platform.
Lastly, sustainability is a huge concern for many shoppers. Ecologically-safe packaging, fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and constant improvement of a business' environmental footprint are all ways to approach sustainability. Setting and fulfilling sustainability goals is vital to show consumers that a company is committed to this goal.
For example, business owners can get creative with their green efforts by planting a tree for every hundred dollars of purchases. Forbes also recommends leveraging the efficiency of e-commerce to create a more eco-friendly company despite high sales volume, as having a well-oiled machine can keep sustainably-minded consumers loyal.
