Six live video shopping trends that we’re seeing in 2023
With the first quarter of 2023 coming to an end, and multiple shifts taking place in the economy, we’re keen to see how the next few quarters pan out. Live video shopping is doing well, thanks to its uniquely adaptive format and popularity, but as with any new tech, it sees changes every week. Here are six trends that we’re starting to see in the live video shopping world:
1. Voice Search :
With more people using their smartphone voice/audio more than ever (55%, to be specific), it comes as no surprise that voice search technology is on the rise. Live video shopping is already famous for being a language-agnostic solution for eCommerce without barriers, so optimizing for voice search is just the next logical step.
When you optimize your products for voice search, potential customers can have their results read aloud to them, making it quick and easy to find the products they’re looking for.
How to get onto this trend: Optimize your content for more conversational keywords, add schema mark-up to your site if you haven’t already, create FAQs pages with questions starting with common interrogatives like “Who”, “What”, “Which”, etc.
2. Video SEO :
You’re probably doing this yourself – if you’re looking for something online, you’re not only going to stick to Google. You may search on YouTube or look for relevant hashtags on social media. Video search is very popular, especially for Gen-Z consumers, and brands should be capitalizing on this trend.
Consumers appear to seek more in-depth information about a product before making a buying decision. Increasing a product’s online sales potential by including videos, reviews, and interactive information is possible and proven.
How to get onto this trend: Make sure your product pages feature live video shopping content that is SEO-friendly.
3. Cross-Border Online Shopping :
The prolonged pandemic boosted international online shopping as people began to seek out alternatives to in-person purchases. According to ESW, by the end of the pandemic, 52% of internet buyers had purchased goods from outside their home country.
Why do shoppers buy across international borders? Getting cheaper costs or having the chance to buy items that they can’t find in their own country are two top reasons. With the traditional hurdles to making foreign purchases decreased (if not eliminated) thanks to cheaper shipping and better customs laws worldwide, the cross-border eCommerce market will continue to reach new heights.
How to get onto this trend: Sign up with cross-country logistics companies, complete the required paperwork, provide shipping cost information for international buyers, create language-agnostic live video shopping content, and start advertising in new markets.
4. Building a Community :
No amount of high-tech gadgetry can ever replace in-person communication, but for an eCommerce brand, an online community is as close as your customers can get to the real thing. For D2C brands especially, this is important because it brings together people who share the same values and want the same products. This predisposes them to buy your new products and bring in new organic customers through referral. And because this is your own personal community, it’s a unique experience compared to public social media.
How to get onto this trend: Use live video shopping to highlight brand values and product features, publish video material, offer opportunities to engage in real time with customers, provide behind-the-scenes content, and above all, show authenticity in all content.
5. AR/VR Integrated Videos :
Augmented reality and virtual reality can significantly increase the interaction between an online business and its customers. Creative, tech-savvy eComm brands could exploit the revolutionary potential of AR/VR to bring the in-store shopping experience to their online customers.
Live commerce solutions allow brands to put customers in touch with a live, in-person consultant via video chat. AR/VR can smooth out the customer service process and increase customer’s trust in the shop before they even buy a product. These advancements level the playing field between in-store and online purchasing.
How to get onto the trend: Begin with live video shopping so that your brand is prepared for real-time interactions and phygital customer service. Then move to other, more advanced AR or VR models.
6. One-to-One Video Shopping Experience :
Most customers want to feel seen and heard by a brand, and there’s nothing more effective than a personalized interaction. Luxury brands have an innate understanding of this, but there’s no reason why other brands can’t provide a more custom-made experience.
With live video shopping, this is possible. Through one-to-one video shopping, the brand can offer a uniquely tailormade shopping experience to the customer. With advanced business intelligence and analytics, the data can be put to good use in making online shopping more relevant to the individual user.
How to get onto this trend: Maximize all the features that offer personalization. For example: try one-on-one chats, custom catalogues, helpful conversations and consultation sessions, etc.
At the end of the day, no matter which strategy or feature you apply, attention to detail is all that matters. Which of these do you think are the most applicable for your business?
SWIRL is a full funnel live commerce solution that helps marketers attract, engage and convert more customers. Enable your website or app with the power of shoppable content to increase AOV, boost conversions and retain customers. If you’re looking for a live commerce solution and want to discuss options, get in touch.