Just decades ago, consumers looking to purchase a product were required to visit a physical store, but today that has all changed. They can now purchase any product online from the comfort of their homes. It doesn’t end here, though, because the product could be delivered right to their doorstep.
Online shopping has become so popular that 209.6 million of the total US population are online shoppers. But how did ecommerce become so huge in such a short time? In this article, we’ll discuss factors that have contributed to the growth of the ecommerce ecosystem.
Internet Accessibility
The internet is global and accessible to everyone today. Without it, there would be no ecommerce. In the US only, the introduction of broadband in the early 2000s significantly increased the number of Americans who shopped online.
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Recent studies show that in 2018, 89% of the global population had access to the internet at home. With more people connected online, businesses have been able to efficiently market their products to a large number of target customers and get them to purchase their goods online.
Mobile-Friendly Sites
You’d agree with us that we live at a time where almost everyone uses an internet-enabled phone. As more and more ecommerce websites are becoming mobile responsive, an increasing number of consumers are now able to access online shops from their smartphones. This has contributed to the growth of the ecommerce industry significantly.
The Power of Social Media
It’s impossible to discuss the growth of ecommerce without mentioning social media. Social media networks have provided a platform for brands to promote their products online. As a result, they got more exposure and sales.
Consumers have also benefited from social media as it brings the products to their timelines where they can conveniently place orders without having to visit the online store.
Convenience
Who doesn’t love an easy life? One of the reasons why online shopping has grown to become the choice of consumers around the world is the convenience attached to it.
Ecommerce made life easier for everyone. Individuals who are down with an ailment and can’t go out can visit online stores and make purchases. Another exciting thing with ecommerce is that it is accessible 24/7 – there are no closing hours or holidays.
Using Shopping Videos
The shopping trend is taking revolutionary turns, as most shoppers love to see videos. Following the latest ecommerce trends is essential to give your business the boost it needs, and the use of videos is just the right way to go about it.
The use of videos in ecommerce has been shown to provide customers with a much better description of products, which could double your chances of increasing your customer base.
Conclusion
So if you ever wondered why and how ecommerce grew to become a massive force in the last few years, there you have it. The internet, social media, videos, mobile-friendly sites, and convenience all contributed to its rapid growth.