Before the inception of social commerce, or social network for that matter, the average ecommerce shopping experience relied on getting people to a website organically, or through paid marketing campaigns.
Of course, the digital playground and the tactics to boost conversions changed afterward.
These days, social commerce fuels an average shopper’s experience as a channel or a means to an end. Whereas everything you do with content marketing, SEO, and digital marketing, acts as a tactic.
Both aspects go hand in hand.
This post highlights different aspects of social commerce and how it adds to the overall e-commerce shopping experience.
Assuming that you are an all-in-one CEO of a startup digital marketing company, we’ll start with the basics, and take it from the top.
What Is Social Commerce?
Social commerce refers to the integration of social media platforms and e-commerce to facilitate online shopping and transactions.
It combines social networking features with traditional e-commerce functionality, allowing users to discover, share, and purchase products or services directly within the social media environment.
In social commerce, social media platforms serve as both marketing channels and sales platforms.
Users can browse product catalogs, read reviews, view recommendations, and interact with sellers or fellow shoppers through comments, likes, shares, and direct messages.
This interactive and social aspect enhances the shopping experience and builds trust among consumers.
Social commerce platforms leverage the power of social networks by tapping into user-generated content, influencers, and social connections.
7 Different Aspects of Social Commerce That You Need To Know
Of course, selling through social media isn’t the only thing that encapsulates social commerce; there’s a lot that goes into the dynamics.
The following aspects make up for a wholesome customer shopping experience. You can employ these tactics, or review these “aspects” to get an idea of how things work on social networks.
1. Shoppable Posts:
Businesses can create posts showcasing products or services, with direct links to purchase them. Users can click on these posts and complete the purchase without leaving the social media platform.
2. Reviews and Ratings:
Customers can leave reviews, comments, and ratings on products, which help others make informed decisions. Positive feedback and social proof can influence buying behavior.
3. Influencer Marketing:
Influencers with large social media followings can promote products through their content and recommendations, encouraging their audience to make purchases.
4. Social Sharing:
Users can share their purchases, Wishlist(s), or product recommendations with their social connections, expanding the reach of products and potentially driving more sales.
5. Group Buying:
Social commerce often facilitates group buying or collective purchasing, where users can join together to get discounts or exclusive deals by making bulk purchases.
6. Live Shopping:
Live video streams or interactive sessions are conducted, allowing sellers to showcase products in real-time, answer questions, and provide exclusive offers. Users can buy products instantly while watching the live stream.
7. Private Communication Networks:
These networks are your normal group/ individual communication apps.
Think of WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, and other applications where you can individually or collectively market products for yourself, or on someone’s behest.
The end result is that you could not only see a better conversion rate but there’s also additional traffic going straight to a website.
Referrals also pile up through communication apps – so on and so forth.
If we backtrack a bit, you’ll notice that 2022 marked a significant shift in the business landscape across industries as global economies recovered from the challenges brought by the pandemic.
There was an exponential growth of eCommerce and social commerce between 2020 and 2021.
This transformative trend had a profound impact, with people increasingly choosing to shop from the comfort and safety of their homes, recognizing the convenience and potential cost savings it offered.
While in-store shopping gradually regained momentum in 2022, retailers faced the task of integrating online and in-store experiences to meet evolving consumer expectations. Meanwhile, social media platforms continued to flourish as shopping destinations, providing direct purchasing links, and sustaining the popularity of social commerce.
Looking ahead to 2023, the realm of online shopping is expected to undergo further transformations. Social commerce, in particular, will assume a pivotal role in reshaping the commerce landscape.
The fact that social networks have acknowledged this phenomenon and have taken steps to facilitate shopping activities on their platforms has been instrumental in driving its success.
10 Best Ways To Boost Your Average Shopper’s Experience Through Social Commerce
Boosting the average shopper’s experience through social commerce involves leveraging the features and capabilities of social media platforms to enhance their interactions, streamline the purchasing process, and foster a sense of trust and engagement.
Here are several strategies to achieve whatever you’re looking for:
1. Create Compelling and Interactive Content:
Develop visually appealing and engaging content that showcases your products or services. Utilize high-quality images, videos, and interactive elements to capture attention and encourage users to explore further. Incorporate storytelling techniques to evoke emotions and connect with your audience on a deeper level.
2. Enable Shoppable Posts:
Utilize the shoppable post feature on social media platforms to allow users to make purchases directly from your posts.
Ensure that the shopping experience is seamless, with clear product information, pricing, and a smooth checkout process. Implement features like tags and product descriptions to make it easy for users to access additional details.
3. Leverage User-Generated Content:
Encourage your customers to share their experiences, reviews, and testimonials on social media.
Repost and amplify this user-generated content to demonstrate social proof and build trust among potential customers. User-generated content can serve as authentic recommendations and help potential buyers make informed decisions.
4. Personalize Recommendations:
Leverage data analytics and insights to understand your customer’s preferences and buying behavior.
Use this information to provide personalized product recommendations and tailored content to each individual. Implement algorithms that suggest products based on past purchases, browsing history, or social media interactions to enhance the relevance of your recommendations.
5. Facilitate Customer Reviews and Ratings:
Encourage customers to leave reviews and ratings for the products they’ve purchased.
Highlight positive reviews and respond promptly to address any negative feedback.
These reviews can act as valuable social proof and influence the purchasing decisions of other shoppers.
6. Engage with Customers:
Actively participate in conversations, comments, and direct messages on social media platforms.
Respond promptly to inquiries, provide helpful information, and address customer concerns.
By engaging directly with customers, you can build stronger relationships, establish trust, and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
7. Collaborate with Influencers:
Partner with influencers who align with your brand values and have an engaged following. Influencers can help promote your products, generate buzz, and reach new audiences.
Authentic collaborations can lend credibility to your brand and create a sense of social validation for potential customers.
8. Offer Exclusive Deals and Promotions:
Provide special offers, discounts, or exclusive promotions for social media followers.
Create a sense of urgency by incorporating limited-time offers or flash sales to encourage immediate action.
Please make sure the deals are easily accessible and shareable, allowing users to spread the word among their social networks.
9. Utilize Live Streaming and Interactive Experiences:
Conduct live shopping events, product launches, or Q&A sessions through live streaming features on social media platforms.
Engage directly with viewers, provide real-time demonstrations, answer questions, and offer exclusive discounts during these interactive sessions.
This approach helps create a sense of exclusivity, authenticity, and excitement around your brand and products.
10. Simplify the Checkout Process:
Ensure that the purchasing process is streamlined and user-friendly.
Minimize the number of steps required to complete a purchase and offer multiple secure payment options.
Implement features like saved payment information or guest checkout to make it easy for customers to complete transactions efficiently.
Check this out: The Ultimate Digital Marketing Tips For Small Business
Near Future Predictions & Trends Concerning Social Commerce Based Businesses
While the future is always uncertain, several trends and predictions can be made regarding the evolution of social commerce businesses:
1. Continued Growth:
Social commerce is expected to continue its upward trajectory and experience significant growth in the coming years.
As more people adopt online shopping and social media usage increases globally, the fusion of social media and e-commerce will become even more prevalent.
2. Mobile Dominance:
Mobile devices will remain the primary platform for social commerce.
With the increasing penetration of smartphones and improved mobile connectivity, consumers will prefer to browse and shop through mobile apps and optimized websites.
Social media platforms will continue to enhance their mobile shopping experiences and introduce features specific to mobile users.
3. Integration with Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):
AR and VR technologies will play a more significant role in social commerce.
Users will have the ability to virtually try on products, visualize how they would look in their surroundings, and experience immersive shopping environments.
This integration will enhance the customer experience, reduce product returns, and provide a more interactive and engaging shopping experience.
4. Influencer Marketing Evolution:
Influencer marketing will evolve and become more sophisticated. Brands will focus on building long-term relationships with authentic and micro-influencers who have highly engaged audiences and niche expertise.
The emphasis will shift from mere promotion to creating meaningful collaborations and leveraging influencers as brand ambassadors.
Influencers may also become directly involved in the product development process, co-creating, and launching their own product lines.
5. Social Commerce and Messaging Apps Convergence:
Messaging apps will continue to evolve into social commerce platforms, allowing users to not only chat with friends but also interact with businesses, browse products, and make purchases seamlessly within the app.
This convergence will blur the lines between communication and commerce, providing a more integrated and convenient experience for consumers.
6. Personalization and AI-Driven Experiences:
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will play a crucial role in social commerce.
AI algorithms will analyze user data, behavior, and preferences to provide personalized product recommendations, targeted advertising, and tailored shopping experiences.
Chatbots and virtual assistants will assist customers throughout their shopping journey, providing real-time support and recommendations.
7. Social Responsibility and Ethical Commerce:
Social commerce businesses will increasingly focus on social responsibility and ethical practices.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of sustainability, fair trade, and ethical sourcing.
Brands that embrace and communicate their commitment to environmental and social causes will resonate with customers and gain a competitive edge.
8. Integration of Blockchain Technology:
Blockchain technology may find applications in social commerce to enhance transparency, security, and trust in transactions.
Blockchain can provide a decentralized and immutable record of transactions, which can be particularly valuable for verifying product authenticity, tracking supply chains, and protecting consumer data.
9. Expansion of Live Commerce:
Live streaming commerce, where sellers showcase products in real-time and interact with viewers, will continue to grow.
This interactive format allows for immediate product demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and exclusive deals, fostering a sense of urgency and creating a more engaging shopping experience.
10. Cross-Border Commerce and Global Reach:
Social commerce will facilitate cross-border commerce, enabling businesses to reach global markets more easily.
Enhanced logistics streamlined international payments, and localized experiences will make it more accessible for brands to expand their customer base beyond their home countries.
In the end, any commerce style and network these days alludes to an open-ended discussion. We’d like to know your thoughts and strategies on social media businesses and vice versa. Drop your comments below and let us know what you think.