Did you know that 69% of Americans plan to shop online this year, including 50% mentioning they tried out new
This brings us to the simplest of questions: is online shopping the future? We think the answer is yes! Keep reading to figure out how you can keep the growth coming in 2024.
Überarbeitung der Website
There’s an old adage about brick and mortar shops: location location location. Irrelevant in the
Maybe it’s time to invest in a new domain name or website host. Or give your website and shop a digital spruce with a new layout (we have some thoughts on the matter and helpful hints on choosing a new layout). Or perhaps doing a 2024 refresh is as simple as updating your product descriptions and photos so you’ll rank higher in SEO. The possibilities for getting your virtual location in tip top shape are virtually limitless, which should make you feel good!
Some website redesign inspiration from our blog post on the matter
New Marketing: Content Creation
Maybe you want to take that good old SEO talk a step further and branch out into marketing content creation. We don’t blame you, because this type of marketing can be some of the most fun and creatively rewarding. Not sure where to start? Here are a couple of ideas:
Starten Sie einen Blog
Maybe you have something to say about the market you’re in. Maybe you actually have a lot to say, ranging from your take on trends, to recipes and fashion tips, to some simple breakdowns on best practices for how to use your products. So, why not say it with a blog? A blog is a great way to get your creativity firing on all cylinders, as well as get your ideas out there (instead of just your products).
A blog can also help boost SEO and garner increased traffic to your site. Just make sure you work in ways to mention your products along the way.
This is our blog. But of course, you knew that
Work that social media angle
Social media is probably not “new” to you, per se, but the new year might represent the right time to do a social media overhaul, or rethink your current strategies. Your Facebook account might be the perfect place to test out a rebranded logo. Or, consider adding some content with a new feel via Instagram stories.
If you have an Ecwid shop with a Venture plan (or higher) and don’t sell directly through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, what are you waiting for? We even have a whole guide dedicated to auf Instagram verkaufen, and another on social media selling strategies in general.
Make some videos
For those who want to take their branding to the next level — and are willing to put in the work — there are some serious gains to be made in the wonderful world of video advertising. Sure, it may require some film equipment (or at least a decent phone camera) and editing expertise. But a new year is nothing if not an opportunity to learn a new skill (or a dozen!).
Plus, these days, video marketing material doesn’t necessarily need high production value, so much as reflect the expertise of someone who has passion for their subject and can speak to it at length. Check out YouTube for some examples, and happy video making!
Even Ecwid
Trendprognose
We know you don’t have a crystal ball (neither do we, or would might have played our cards a little differently this past year!) but it can be helpful to do a trend forecast for your market sector. This means research.
For example, if you work in the food industry, check out some big food, recipe, and kitchen supply websites and write down products, recipes, and ideas that seem to come up again and again. Who could have predicted the Instant Pot boom? You might have! And you can spot the next big thing coming down the pipeline and make sure your store is ready with products and theming that fits in perfectly with those trends.
This idea works in any market, whether it be apparel, tech accessories, artwork or anything else.
Having a good knowledge base of your field is helpful for your business in general, but might do you some extra good as we step into the new year.
Purpose Driven Shoppers
Here’s a trend for you: more and more consumers are interested in businesses that align with their values, whether that be supporting independent small businesses owned by people of color, a B Corp Certified store, or one with other sustainability practices in place.
This little B Corporation Seal (and similar initiatives) can have a big impact for consumers
It’s worth noting, and taking stock of your morals and values and how they align with your business practices. If you care about these initiatives, is there a way to incorporate them meaningfully into your business model:
Nachhaltigkeit
Probably the hottest trend of the past few years, it might help to think about ways in which you can lower your business’s carbon footprint. For example, you can invest in kompostierbare Verpackung, work on changing the packing of your products from plastic to glass, or even just reduce the amount of tissue paper and wrap you package your items with.
Soziale Initiativen
This year, many consumers have been thinking about the ways in which the products they buy are a part of a larger ecosystem of commerce and labor. It might be worth thinking about hiring more employees of color, or highlighting the ways in which your business gives back to a local community. You might also consider running a campaign where a percentage of your profits go to a charity or cause you care about.
Small is a big deal
One good thing is, a part of the purpose driven shopping equation has to do with supporting small businesses, and if you are reading this, you likely are a small business, which means people might be more encouraged than ever to shop from your store! Think about ways in which your marketing ideas and overall business brand might reflect the small, “do it yourself” aspect of your business.
No matter what steps you take, there are always ways in which our business practices can reflect our inner morals and values. And based on the data from this year, this trend isn’t going anywhere.
Commerce Revolution = E-Commerce Evolution
We know that this year has represented unprecedented growth for online retailers. But might that mean that a year from now, people will go back to physical stores? Maybe. But we believe that sellers are more married to quality products they love than the idea of physical stores.
So, as long as your store stays fresh and evolves to compete with whatever consumers are flocking to, you’ll be fine. This is more a mentality than anything else. Don’t be afraid to be flexible and to evolve with the new year. The future of
