{"id":1063,"date":"2018-12-13T08:57:48","date_gmt":"2018-12-13T16:57:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/?p=1063"},"modified":"2025-10-20T04:44:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T11:44:35","slug":"ecommerce-trends-to-keep-your-eye-on-in-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/ecommerce-trends-to-keep-your-eye-on-in-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"ECommerce Trends to Keep Your Eye On in 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>Your guide to eCommerce in the New Year, and beyond<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIn the beginning, eCommerce was really about getting commodity products online as cheaply as possible. Now, we\u2019re moving into the more exciting phase of eCommerce; here it\u2019s about emotional products \u2013 the things people really cherish.\u201d \u2013 <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/wemakewebsites.com\/blog\/30-e-commerce-quotes-to-motivate-you-in-the-new-year\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jason Goldberg<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Fab.com<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2019 is coming at us at full speed, which means it\u2019s time to prepare for another action-packed year in the wonderful world of eCommerce. 2018 has seen some sensational advancements in eCommerce in terms of new technology as well as consumer behavior &#8211; and this coming year promises to offer even greater industry shifts, developments, and changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That said, to help give you a competitive advantage as we head into the New Year, here we look at the essential eCommerce trends to look out for in 2019. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But, before we delve any deeper, let\u2019s look at some insights that represent the current state of eCommerce:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smartinsights.com\/search-engine-marketing\/search-engine-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Four in five<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consumers use search engines to source local information.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.digitallogic.co\/blog\/61-marketers-say-improving-seo-growing-organic-presence-top-inbound-marketing-priority-organic-search-digital-logic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">61%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of marketers confirm that growing SEO and their organic online presence is a high inbound marketing priority. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/uk.marketo.com\/ebooks\/marketing-automation-strategies-for-sustaining-success-ascend2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">91% of business leaders<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> agree that marketing automation is \u201cvery important\u201d to the overall success of their marketing across channels.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From these insights alone, it\u2019s clear that at present, boosting SEO rankings by generating targeted, strategic <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/4-inspirational-examples-of-branded-content\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">brand content<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a top priority, as is improved marketing automation. And in 2019, we expect to see more developments in these two key areas, as well as a host of others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let\u2019s explore.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>The rise in subscription services<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the subscription business model is by no means new to the world of commerce, since SVoD services like Netflix and Amazon Prime hit the market, its popularity has risen exponentially. In fact, subscription eCommerce sales rose to more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/louiscolumbus\/2018\/03\/04\/the-state-of-the-subscription-economy-2018\/#cefd6353efc1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$2.6 billion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in 2016, in comparison to $57 million in 2011 &#8211; a 4,461% difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only do today\u2019s consumers enjoy the ongoing convenience and flexibility of the subscription service, but in a time when people crave maximum value from eCommerce brands, offering access to a service or experience for a monthly fee is an excellent way of encouraging brand loyalty while providing yourself with a fresh, reliable revenue stream.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Brands like The Dollar Shave Club (check out their ad at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/QEU-MAZRhJs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/QEU-MAZRhJs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and Birchbox have proved that the subscription model works across industries. If you\u2019re thinking of offering your consumers something similar, 2019 is the time to strike.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Advanced product filtering<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year, we saw an increase in advanced or sophisticated product filtering on eCommerce websites, particularly in the fashion industry.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In today\u2019s fast-paced digital age, consumers are looking for a seamless shopping experience. By offering the option to find a specific product with ease by filtering through elements including price, size, color, style, or function, you will help to encourage conversions as well as repeat custom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year, we expect to see an evolution of advanced filtering, with brands offering more search options as well as far more intuitive browsing functionality. And if you want to compete in your niche in 2019, now is the time to get onboard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To help you on your quest, here are the four essential benchmarks of advanced filtering performance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Logistics:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Does the order of my filtering hierarchy flow naturally and make sense to the user?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Availability:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Are there enough filtering options available to my target users?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Functionality: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are my filters clear, concise, and easy to understand?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>Cohesion:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Do my filters work together rather than against each other?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Deeper levels of personalization<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2018 has been a benchmark year for personalization, with more eCommerce businesses using it to increase engagement and enhance the customer experience (CX) across channels. And in 2019, new branches of personalization will emerge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presently, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prnewswire.com\/news-releases\/consumers-to-brands-the-louder-you-scream-the-less-we-care-300102426.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">79% of consumers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> state they&#8217;re only likely to engage with an offer if it&#8217;s been personalized to reflect their previous interactions with the brand. Moreover, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.evergage.com\/blog\/press\/new-evergage-study-shows-compelling-personalization-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">88% of US marketers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported seeing measurable improvements due to personalization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tailoring the online shopping experience to the user works &#8211; just ask <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/industries\/retail\/our-insights\/how-retailers-can-keep-up-with-consumers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amazon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; and if you want to compete on tomorrow\u2019s commercial battlefield, it\u2019s an area that you must invest in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to the wider use (across industries) of personalization technology powered by machine learning (ML) artificial intelligence (AI), new models will be coming out of the woodwork in 2019 &#8211; personality-based marketing, to name one.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delving deeper than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/a-step-by-step-guide-to-creating-effective-buyer-personas-for-your-business\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">buyer personas<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and digital data alone, personality-based marketing involves marrying machine learning (ML) technology with psychology to develop, curate, and deliver content in a style that is explicitly based on the personality of the customer, improving customer experience and increasing conversions as a result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this radical form of personalization is still in its infancy, it will begin to become a pivotal part of eCommerce marketing in 2019. And by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2018\/05\/what-marketers-should-know-about-personality-based-marketing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">researching its possibilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today, you could gain a significant competitive advantage tomorrow, and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1065\" src=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/16863422875_8698414a3c_b.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/16863422875_8698414a3c_b.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/16863422875_8698414a3c_b-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/16863422875_8698414a3c_b-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/16863422875_8698414a3c_b-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/pestoverde\/16863422875\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>More virtual reality (VR) &amp; augmented reality (AR)<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are already blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms, with immersive apps and content fast becoming the norm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In recent years, we\u2019ve seen cutting-edge offerings from the likes of Google and IKEA leading the way in immersive brand storytelling and user applications. And studies suggest that <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.retailperceptions.com\/2016\/10\/the-impact-of-augmented-reality-on-retail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">71% of shoppers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would shop at a retailer more frequently if they offered some form of AR- or VR-based content or functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take emerging tech startup <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.quivervision.com\/coloring-packs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Quiver,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for example. A company that offers immersive, interactive coloring books for children, Quiver allows youngsters to download, and print, coloring pages &#8211; and when finished, use the AR-powered app to bring their pictures to life. Not only does this create an interactive, educational-play opportunity for children of all ages, but it&#8217;s also a prime example of how VR and AR can (and will) be used to enhance the storytelling experience. Take a look:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EGMjsYHD7Ak\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For inspiration in adding a new dimension of value to your content in 2019, explore these <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/4-inspiring-examples-of-brand-storytelling-in-the-digital-age\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">four prime examples of brand storytelling in the digital age<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Advanced automation <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automation has revolutionized a multitude of sectors, and eCommerce is no exception.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On average, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.emailmonday.com\/marketing-automation-statistics-overview\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">49% of businesses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are currently using marketing automation. What\u2019s more, the AI market (which is driving automation) is expected to be worth <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marketsandmarkets.com\/Market-Reports\/artificial-intelligence-market-74851580.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$16.06 billion<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by 2022, rising at a CAGR of 62.9% from 2016 to 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s no secret that the automation market is currently very strong, streamlining processes including marketing, sales, inventory management, production, and delivery services, among others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By using automation tools and methods to your advantage, you stand to transform your eCommerce empire into a well-oiled and (largely) self-sustaining machine, thereby enhancing the user experience, boosting productivity, and increasing your profitability as a result.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Automation, particularly marketing automation and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/use-these-inventory-management-tips-to-save-your-business-money\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inventory management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, will become more widely adopted in 2019. Figure out how automation can work for your brand, which areas will benefit most and which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/solutions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">solutions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will best align with your operational needs &#8211; and you&#8217;re likely to see a host of positive changes to your business within the next 12 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Want to know more about marketing automation? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/4-inspiring-examples-of-marketing-automation-in-ecommerce\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">four real-world examples<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will tell you all you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>Multi-channel messaging<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In our hyper-connected age, users browse, connect, converse, and research across more digital channels than ever before. To reach your prospects at the right time or the right stage of their consumer journey, multi-channel messaging is a must &#8211; and in 2019, it will be a strategy adopted by eCommerce business across industries.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essentially, multi-channel messaging refers to conducting regular customer outreach activities across all of your active channels. And it works. In fact, one study discovered that people who received outreach across multiple channels showcased levels of engagement up to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/marketingland.com\/messaging-matters-cross-channel-messaging-really-moves-needle-230517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">800% higher<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than those targeted on a singular channel or touchpoint.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year, there was a significant increase in eCommerce businesses taking a multi-channel messaging approach to their promotional efforts, and this strategy is expected to become even more widespread in 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet despite this rise, a good number of businesses will still take a single channel approach to their marketing, meaning that if you promote your deal, offer, or content seamlessly across your website\u2019s landing page, email, social media, and SMS simultaneously, tailoring your communications to each channel, you will get one step ahead of the competition.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To really gain traction with your multi-channel messaging in 2019, you should add these two rising mediums to your promotional strategy:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Voice technology: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Voice technology is on the rise, and experts predict that around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/edit.co.uk\/blog\/google-voice-search-stats-growth-trends\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30% of all searches<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will be conducted without a screen by 2020. Voice search and voice assistant-based marketing will become an increasingly common channel of communication for eCommerce businesses in 2019 and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Chatbots: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Powered by machine learning technology, chatbots are expected to become widely adopted by eCommerce businesses this coming year, automating customer-facing communications and dealing with a wide range of customer requests with minimal human intervention. To gain an insight into the untapped potential of chatbots, check out how these businesses are using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/how-4-businesses-are-using-chatbots-to-increase-online-sales\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">chatbots to increase their online sales<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no doubt about it: 2019 is going to be an exciting year in the world of eCommerce, and by taking note of these trends, you\u2019ll be able to increase your success in the New Year and long into the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We wish you the very best of luck. And if you\u2019d like to know how we can help your eCommerce empire thrive in 2019, please <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/about\/contact-us.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">connect with us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; we\u2019ll be happy to tell you everything you need to know about our cutting-edge products, services, and solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your guide to eCommerce in the New Year, and beyond \u201cIn the beginning, eCommerce was really about getting commodity products online as cheaply as possible. Now, we\u2019re moving into the more exciting phase of eCommerce; here it\u2019s about emotional products \u2013 the things people really cherish.\u201d \u2013 Jason Goldberg, Fab.com &nbsp; 2019 is coming at [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1066,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1063","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1063","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1063"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1063\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1063"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1063"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.agiliron.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1063"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}