The “Disrupted” E-commerce Trends of 2020

Each year there are predictions for business trends. To inspire us to grow and move with the market. For e-commerce trends 2020, things turned out differently than predicted. Companies have to be more flexible. But what exactly has changed in the trends since COVID-19 is among us? I have selected a few E-commerce trends in 2020 that we want to work on.

Voice search: small change, big impact

Quoracreative says that in 2020 more than 50% of searches are based on voice search technology. Google wants to guarantee users optimal search results based on voice input. The impact on design is often limited to a microphone icon for voice-to-text conversion and in mobile applications the interpretation of voice commands.

Marketplaces

Due to lockdowns, many physical stores closed. But companies also start to invest and improve their webshop and expand through sales partnerships. By offering products through marketplaces and 3rd party webshops, companies are able to continue to develop their sales channels.

Social commerce

More and more sales are taking place via Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. It’s called social commerce. It depends on the type of products you sell which channel is most suitable. When developing your marketing activities it is good to keep an eye on which channels are interesting to use.

Lower Returns

According to Dutch research, customers want longer return options and clear information. The customers find clarity the most important. The actual return time remains fairly the same. Interestingly enough, if you give a consumer a reflection period of 31 days, the number of returns will decrease by 47% compared to shorter return periods.

Clear information is also important for e-commerce management. For example, it is good to find out the reason for returns.

Direct to consumer (D2C)

Direct brand communication is important for the customer. It is a trend. Communication about delays, shipping information, or other important details is not only communicated by a store but also by the brand. With different accents of course. In this way, the customer experience improves and contributes to a trustworthy relationship during difficult times.

According to Statista, D2C sales in the U.S. alone reached $14.28 billion in 2019 and will increase to $17.75 billion by the end of 2020.

Marcella van de Streek

Marketing and Communication Assistant Iceshop BV