The ecommerce industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global economy. As such, it is only natural that a vast array of experts have opinions on the trends, upgrades and strategies that will be shaping the market in the years ahead. In 2017, Shopify SEO experts have weighed in on some key areas that businesses need to be aware of to remain competitive.
One of the most significant trends for 2017 is the growth of artificial intelligence in ecommerce. AI technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated, allowing for automated decision making and better customer service. Digital assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa are a prime example of how AI is improving the customer experience, and the trend is only set to continue in the years ahead. Businesses need to be aware of this development and make use of it to ensure they are staying ahead of their competition. Additionally, AI can be used in many areas of ecommerce such as website personalization and product recommendations.
Another key trend for 2017 is the rise of voice search. Many consumers are now beginning to rely heavily on voice-related technology such as Apple’s Siri and Google Home. Businesses need to ensure their websites are optimized for voice search to make sure they are seen by potential customers. Additionally, businesses need to be aware that content written for voice search optimization needs to be in natural language to be effective.
Multi-channel retail is also set to be a major trend in 2017, as many consumers’ shopping habits move towards a more seamless, omnichannel experience. This means that businesses need to ensure they are able to meet customer expectations when they are shopping across multiple devices and channels. This could include providing special offers and discounts to improve customer loyalty, using point-of-sale systems to help analyze customer data, and developing a unified back-end system that facilitates efficient omni-channel sales.
Finally, it is important to be aware of the importance of mobile optimization. Mobile devices are increasingly taking the lead when it comes to digital shopping, and so businesses need to ensure their ecommerce platforms are fully optimized for smaller screens. This means making sure that website design, menus, loading speeds and payment processes are all optimized for mobile users.
By being aware of the trends and strategies outlined above, businesses can make sure they are setting themselves up for success in 2017. By combining an understanding of these trends with the latest Shopify SEO best practices, businesses will be in prime position to take their ecommerce platforms to the next level.