2021 Online Trends: What You Need to Know to Stay Ahead!

Yes! Believe it or not! It’s that time of the year! If you haven’t already worked out a business strategy for 2021, now is the time to start doing it!

2020 taught us that we need to be prepared for any eventuality. We need to embrace technology. There is no such thing anymore as ‘normal’. Thinking out the box and having a back-up plan is very important to your business’s survival.

In this article we take a look at some of the many trends already shaping the future of businesses. We hope it helps guide you in forming winning strategies.

2021 Trends – eCommerce

Facts:

eCommerce will continue to grow
Voice search will continue to grow

Voice Assistants are taking over homes and online shopping! Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant are some of the voice assistants people use. Make sure that YOUR online store caters for voice searches and orders. Currently 20% of orders are placed via voice. This is expected to increase by more than 50% over the next four years. Make sure your business keeps up with consumer trends so that the sales continue to role in!

2021 Trends – Retail

The global Coronavirus pandemic has altered consumerism forever! Virtual experiences, online learning and eCommerce transactions are at an all time high. YOU need to at least consider that your brick and mortar store is no longer enough. Consumer’s needs have changed, they prefer to search, review and order products online. Online shopping is the new marketplace!

Online shopping:

Saves time
Allows for quick and easy product comparisons
Most of all – it is convenient!

Keep up with these trends and add an online store to compliment your traditional brick and mortar store!

2021 Trends – Social Media

There is no denying it. Almost everyone is on social media! Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok – you name it! In fact, there is an entire generation out there who’s main focus is social media.

Social Media Platforms are a:

Consumer’s paradise!
Growing marketplace!

An effortless shopping experience is any consumer’s dream! Making your social media posts ‘shoppable’ is a great way to encourage visitors to purchase immediately! Think beyond only using social media as a marketing tool. It is so much more! Most social media platforms are already allowing for ecommerce trading. All YOU need to do is utilize it!

2021 Trends – Content Marketing

Content marketing continues to play a very important role in any company’s marketing and sales strategy. Aligning your content marketing with consumer’s search habits and needs helps you achieve objectives and goals.

AR – Augmented Reality – is a fast growing content marketing tool not to be ignored. Consumers want to interact with product. Screen-enhanced information allows them to do it.

Consider this:

Turning gamers into customers with an AR experience such as Pokemon Go
Enhanced sampling allows consumers to ‘try’ the product in the comfort of their home
Location-based ads offers consumers information on deals at their finger tips

2021 Trends – Digital Marketing

Messaging Apps’ popularity is growing when it comes to digital marketing and trends show it will continue to do so.

Messaging Apps such as:

Whatsapp
WeChat
Facebook Messenger

Can be used to:

Convert browsers into shoppers
Grow brand loyalty
Improve the consumer experience

WeChat is a great example of a marketing and sales friendly messaging app! In China alone there are more than 600 million WeChat users.

WeChat bots make it possible for these users to:

Schedule appointments
Book tickets
Complete online applications
Play games

Companies use messaging apps to conduct surveys, send promotional details and run competitions.

Messaging technology is one of the most important ways to engage consumers. Market research shows that the app of choice may vary from country to country. However, marketers everywhere can use messenger tools and features to their advantage. Don’t get left behind!

Trends in 2021 and beyond promise to continue evolving. The business world will continue to adapt. Consumer trends are at the forefront of this evolution.

There is so much more to consider:

New payment options
The role of AI – artificial intelligence
Pop-up and multi-channel shopping

So many trends are continuing to shape the future of business. Some will change it forever. Stay up to date and use the tools to YOUR advantage!