In this article, we will provide you with fascinating insights into five hot trends that will drastically alter the way you do business online.
Personal Shopper
In a world gone digital, consumers have instant access to a myriad of information and products, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to stand out from the crowd. If you’re searching for something on Amazon, for example, there’s a good chance that you’ll stumble upon exactly what you’re looking for, with little effort on your part.
With personal shoppers, customers can access a team of professionals to find the products they want. In most cases, they will not even have to leave the comfort of their home. The role of a personal shopper is evolving as businesses are realizing the value that this service can provide.
Virtual Shopping Malls
Just like physical shopping malls, online malls offer customers the opportunity to browse through a variety of products and eventually make a purchase. However, instead of visiting a brick and mortar store, shoppers can access these stores virtually, allowing them to browse at their leisure, from the safety and comfort of home.
Online malls offer huge benefits to customers as they can have products delivered to their home in a matter of days. Additionally, with the option to make purchases online, customers enjoy the ability to do their shopping from the comfort of their home, without ever leaving the safety of their home or the protection of their favorite VPN.
Blockchain Technology
For those of you who have been living under a rock, blockchain technology has been around for many years and has been accepted by mainstream businesses as a form of payment. Essentially, blockchain technology allows for the creation of a digital ledger that is constantly updated and verified by participating parties. Think of it as a decentralized digital database where all transactions take place, yet it is secure and immutable.
Because of its immutable nature and transparent record-keeping, blockchain technology is ideally suited for businesses that want to protect their interests and prevent any form of fraud or abuse. With all the talk of cryptocurrencies today, it is easy to forget that blockchain technology exists and has actually been around for several years.
Generation-Z
With the future of work changing at an unprecedented pace, businesses that want to attract and retain younger talent may want to consider a fresh approach to marketing. Instead of blanket broadcasting advertisements on social media, a growing number of businesses are realizing the importance of engaging with customers on a one-on-one basis, with the goal of building meaningful relationships.
Generation-Z, or Generation Next as it is sometimes called, are often characterized by their digital native-ness and their use of social media as a marketing and engagement tool. They expect businesses to provide value through content that is both relevant and interesting, and they prefer to get content when and where they want it, through platforms that are personalized and made just for them.
If your business offers products or services that are geared towards Generation-Z, and you want to increase your odds of attracting and retaining customers, then it may be time for a content upgrade. Consider using video content to generate interest and engagement, and then use social media to follow up with interested parties, engaging with them on a personal level, and showing them the value that your business can provide.
The Future of Work Is Uncertain
The world is changing, and how we work is changing with it. While jobs may become obsolete, new roles and responsibilities will emerge as businesses look to engage with customers wherever they may be, and whenever they may want something.
Many businesses will need to adapt and evolve, as will the people that run these businesses. If you’re looking to keep your job, seek out new ways to engage with customers, build a brand, and stay relevant.
As this article has hopefully illustrated, marketing as we know it is changing, and it is changing for the better. Gone are the days when businesses could rely on traditional marketing methods to reach their goals –– customers want more choice, and they want to be able to find what appeals to them, when and where they want it, and they want to be able to do this through trusted and verified sources.
Traditional marketing may still have its place, but businesses that want to stay ahead of the competition will need to develop new ways to engage with customers and create value for them, while also building a reputable brand.