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<p>Ready to elevate your ecommerce brand?</p><p>Get in touch with us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@underwaterpistol.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>info@underwaterpistol.com</strong></a></p><p>or call&nbsp;<a href="tel:+442034677614" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>+44 203 467 7614</strong></a>.</p><h4><br></h4>

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Charlie Semmence

<p>The ecommerce industry is in a constant state of flux, with trends and technologies continuously shaping its evolution. As a leading <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/ux-design-and-research">user experience agency</a>, we know that the brands that stay one step ahead and embrace innovation are the ones that will succeed in this competitive environment.</p>
<p>So, what’s in store for 2024? In this blog post, we'll dive into the most significant 2024 ecommerce trends that will impact how you do business, and explore how you can embrace them to get ahead of the game.</p>
<h2><strong>1. Getting personal</strong></h2>
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<p>Enhanced personalisation, supercharged by AI, is set to redefine ecommerce in 2024. By empowering merchants to craft captivating, tailored shopping experiences, effective personalisation enables brands to better connect with consumers.<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">It's not just about knowing your customers; it's about understanding their needs, wants and preferences on a deeper level. In 2024, we’ll see more brands embracing AI algorithms to analyse intricate customer profiles (including past behaviours, preferences and purchase histories) and generate tailored product recommendations and marketing messages.<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">By tapping into these treasure troves of customer data, ecommerce brands can transform each customer interaction into a personalised experience, thereby increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty and the likelihood of those all-important conversions.</p>
<h2><strong>2. AI-driven automation</strong></h2>
<p>Personalisation isn’t the only area <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/blogs/ecommerce/ai-trends-2024-ecommerce" target="_blank">AI will transform in 2024</a>. Like it or loathe it, AI-driven automation is now critical to business success, and <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/press-releases/deloitte-state-of-ai-fifth-edition-report.html" target="_blank">94% of business leaders</a> agree.<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">For supply chain management, AI will enhance inventory optimisation and demand forecasting. For customer service, AI-powered chatbots will provide more effective, timely and personalised assistance. For marketing, AI-driven insights will be used to create more targeted and effective campaigns that resonate with individual preferences.</p>
<p>AI is here to stay, and those that embrace the technology effectively will achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, enhanced customer experiences, and ultimately stay ahead in the rapidly evolving ecommerce landscape.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Reducing OPEX</strong></h2>
<p>Helped by the continued growth of AI tech, a big focus for brands in 2024 will be reducing operating expenses and enhancing efficiency. More brands will reevaluate their operational structures with a keen eye on headcount optimisation, streamlining their tech stacks, and exploring more cost-efficient ecommerce platforms.</p>
<p>As a <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/conversion-rate-optimisation-cro">CRO (conversion rate optimisation) agency</a>, we know <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/conversion-rate-optimisation-cro">CRO</a> will also play a key role, as businesses seek to increase conversions on their site to maximise ROAS, and turn more browsers into buyers.</p>
<p>This focus on OPEX reduction isn't purely a cost-cutting measure; it's a strategic shift that enables brands to allocate resources more effectively, invest in growth, and remain agile in a competitive market.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Voice search</strong></h2>
<p><em>“Alexa, order washing up liquid.”</em> Consumers really value convenience, and the sharp increase in the use of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri opens up potentially lucrative opportunities for brands in 2024.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/973815/worldwide-digital-voice-assistant-in-use/" target="_blank">4.2 billion</a> voice assistants are currently in use across the globe. In 2024, it will be 8.4 billion, and they’re not just used for getting the weather forecast or setting timers. AI voice assistants can allow customers to make purchases, track orders and enquire about product details using just their voices.</p>
<p>Voice-enabled shoppers are a new market that brands can tap into by investing in voice commerce capabilities, optimising their ecommerce platforms for voice search and integrating with voice assistant platforms.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Mcommerce</strong></h2>
<p>Once again, mobile commerce is on the rise. By 2024, global ecommerce sales via mobile devices are expected to reach nearly <a href="https://www.insiderintelligence.com/topics/industry/mcommerce" target="_blank">$4.5 trillion</a>, making up a whopping 69.9% of total ecommerce sales.</p>
<p>Today’s consumers expect seamless, <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/ux-design-and-research" target="_blank">responsive mobile experiences</a>, like the ones they’ll encounter with global brands like Amazon. To compete, ecommerce businesses who see mobile as their primary sales channel need to prioritise being mobile-<em>first</em>, not just mobile-optimised.</p>
<p>User-friendly mobile interfaces, streamlined checkout processes and responsive design will deliver the convenience and efficiency that shoppers demand in 2024.</p>
<h2><strong>6. Environmental consciousness</strong></h2>
<p>Consumers care about sustainability, with <a href="https://www.simon-kucher.com/sites/default/files/studies/Simon-Kucher_Global_Sustainability_Study_2021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">78%</a> saying that it’s important to them. In 2024, brands will take note and we’ll see increasing consumer consciousness towards environmental impact. <br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">This shift will drive brands to re-evaluate their processes and align them with more sustainable practices, which is something AI can help with. By focusing on sustainability, brands will not only enhance their reputation, but also cater to the growing demand for more environmentally-friendly products.</p>
<h2><strong>7. Going global</strong></h2>
<p>As a result of the increasing globalisation of consumer markets, more brands are going to accelerate their <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/development/internationalisation" target="_blank">internationalisation</a> efforts in 2024, particularly in the US and select Asian markets. <br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">The US is a prime ecommerce hub that will attract brands aiming to expand their footprint. The dynamic Asian markets of China and India hold immense potential due to their burgeoning middle class and tech-savvy populations. <br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">There are considerable opportunities overseas, including increased revenue, diversified customer bases and reduced dependency on single markets. Ambitious brands are poised to take the leap.</p>
<h2><strong>8. AR and VR</strong></h2>
<p>In today’s uber-competitive ecommerce market, immersive shopping experiences are a great way for brands to stand out - and AR/VR can help.<br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) bridge the gap between digital and physical spaces, enabling customers to explore, experience and virtually “try on” products from the comfort of their own devices. AR product experiences drive <a href="https://www.threekit.com/23-augmented-reality-statistics-you-should-know-in-2023" target="_blank">200% more engagement</a>, however only 1% of retailers make the most of them. <br data-mce-fragment="1"><br data-mce-fragment="1">In 2024, AR and VR technology will become more advanced and accessible, enabling brands to offer immersive shopping experiences that increase engagement, drive revenue and build deeper relationships with customers.</p>
<h2><strong>2024 ecommerce trends</strong></h2>
<p>2024 holds immense potential for ecommerce brands. Technological advancements, driven or enhanced by AI, will enable more personalised and engaging customer experiences, increased business efficiency, and ultimately a shift in the expectations consumers have of online retail brands.</p>
<p>Adaptation and customer-centricity are the keys to thriving. As AI shapes the future, brands that stay agile and prioritise evolving in line with customer expectations will define the ecommerce success stories of 2024 and beyond.</p>
<p>Need a hand getting ahead of the game from a leading <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/shopify-plus-agency/development">Shopify development agency</a>? Here at <a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/" target="_blank">Underwaterpistol</a>, we help ecommerce brands craft industry-defining online experiences that captivate customers and supercharge sales. <strong><a href="https://www.underwaterpistol.com/contact" target="_blank">Talk to us</a></strong> about how we can help you do the same.</p>

2024 ecommerce trends to supercharge your strategy