2020 was a year with many surprises, twists, and turns, not just in the political and public health arena. The coronavirus pandemic caused many businesses to reassess and rebrand their efforts, most of which had them navigating to fully online platforms. In addition, in the face of state and countrywide lockdowns in some places, eCommerce became virtually the only way for some businesses to stay afloat. eCommerce is not going away anytime soon, so getting comfortable with the trends for 2021 is helpful as you plan for a successful year ahead.
Omnichannel Strategy
To be successful in a world that’s now almost all virtual because of the pandemic, adjusting to online sales platforms is necessary. How you manage your customer’s relationship and experience online and in-store can make all of the difference. Retail stores, for example, benefit from what’s known as an omnichannel strategy. Omnichannel marketing could look something like this: A customer browses online for a product and then saves it to their cart. Eventually, they come to the store and apply a coupon to their purchase. An omnichannel strategy makes shopping more comfortable and fluid for your customer — a necessity in today’s world.
Processing Systems and Mobile Design
Another eCommerce trend for 2021 is the need for automated processing systems and mobile-friendly website designs. Mobile sales are expected to increase by 15% by the end of this year. This highlights the importance of having a mobile website that’s responsive and able to take orders easily. If your website is not mobile-responsive, you risk losing potential customers due to impatience and frustration. But it’s not just web design that draws and keeps potential customers. Safe and user-friendly payment processing features also increase consumer confidence and the likelihood of repeat business in the future.
Social Media
In 2021, multiple channels will exist to promote your business online. Social media channels like Facebook and Instagram provide a unique avenue to market and sell your products. Instagram unveiled a Shopping tab in a recent update, demonstrating the importance of including social media in your marketing strategy. These channels also provide a great way to cross-promote your products and take advantage of customer testimonials through social media interactions.
Another practical tip to try is to partner with influencers in your field. These influencers — particularly on platforms like YouTube and Instagram — can send hundreds or even thousands of potential new customers to your business. This is yet another reason to ensure your website is easy to use with safe and seamless payment processing systems.
Grow Your Business in 2021 and Beyond
Whether you want to grow your business’s eCommerce arm or go fully online, our team at Rose + Gold is here for you. Call us with any questions or to discuss how we can help your business thrive in 2021!
