It is no longer news that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and similar tech advancements such as augmented reality and virtual reality have come to stay.Ecommerce sites must be ready to take advantage of these developments if they want to remain competitive in their niche.
But this readiness involves not just understanding the value of AI itself, but also the innovations that will enhance business growth and output for Ecommerce companies.
It is often assumed that the role of tech is cut out for larger brands alone. Contrary to that, small businesses can use these new innovations to function competitively in their market.
The following are some ways to stay ahead of the AI curve.
Businesses must be ready to innovate
Innovation is the core of Ecommerce best practices. Retailers have become creative with the way they have tackled the concept of technology. For instance, Fitle is an app that allows shoppers test clothes on a 3D version of themselves. This automatically reduces time spent in stores.
However, Fitle is not the first store to explore the concept of 3D fitting. Bodymetrics developed their program few years earlier. While it requires you to visit the physical store for scanning, Fitle allows you to do your own scanning with your smartphone from anywhere.
These cases highlight the true meaning of innovating with technology. They have helped discover a common pain point of everyday shoppers – time spent testing clothes – and found a solution to hasten the process.
The concept of Artificial Intelligence is quite different, but is still relevant to tech development in the world of online commerce.
What is AI? Artificial Intelligence is the theory and advancement of computer systems which complete tasks that would normally involve human intelligence. This includes speech recognition, visual perception, multilingual translation and decision-making.
This knowledge of AI can be used to combine innovation and technology to perform regular tasks for users on your Ecommerce site. This will make your brand unique and more flexible to your audience.
Ecommerce businesses and AI interactions
AI is increasingly becoming integrated into the world of Ecommerce, and we can only expect the future to produce even more opportunities. In the examples below, you can get some ideas for incorporating AI into your online marketing strategy.
1. Visual search
Many times, we have come across something we liked and wondered how we could get one for ourselves, or how much it would cost us. For example, you see a pair of shoes someone is wearing on the subway and you like it, unfortunately you cannot ask them how much it costs. Visual Search allows you to take a photo of that item and search for it online. It immediately provides the details such as brand name, cost, locations to buy it and so on.
However, this does not mean you should start taking photos of everything you see, otherwise you would look like a spy! Nevertheless, this tool will be immensely useful if it can be integrated on a sight for shoppers to find their favorite items.
2.Your customers deserve a personal shopper
Did you know shopping feels like a chore to some people? By making it less hectic, you will go a long way to solve consumers’ pain points and endear them to your brand. A unique way to utilize AI is to design the user experience (UX) around pre-emptive personal assistance, instead of an impersonal search feature on your Ecommerce site.
A site equipped with machine-learning algorithms can enhance UX and give shoppers a personal shopping experience as they would at an actual retail store.
From the makers of Siri, Apple’s voice recognition software, comes another AI known as Viv. This program, which was recently bought by Samsung, is designed to perform complex interactions such as responding to users’ requests and questions. Think of all the opportunities that can spring from this program as it begins to evolve.
3. Connecting with Generation Z
Generation Z, that is children who are currently aged 13 – 17 years, have been tipped by Forbes, as those who will be most impacted by AI developments. Along with millennials, this group is seeking more interactive and experiential ways to shop – both online and in-store.
In a recent interview, Forbes’ Rachel Arthur said, “80% of Generation Z are more likely to go to a store that provides entertainment; this includes stores that offer AR and VR technology. In addition, 79% admitted that they would visit stores that help personalise products with interactive experiences.”
Targeting this demographic is going to contribute strongly to developments in the Ecommerce market, because the ‘shopping experience’ itself is now a major buying factor.
4. Balancing customer privacy and trust
As concerns regarding online safety continues to grow, AI becomes a useful resource in the customisation of the individual’s “shopping” experience. From integrated calendars and traffic alerts, to suggested products with Google Search Ads, people can get the impression of enjoying unique UX and help for their technology.
With that, it is still critical that Ecommerce brands make trust and privacy a priority for their online visitors. This is particularly necessary as many users are becoming aware of the danger of online breaches.
David Marks, the CEO of OrthoSynetics marketing company, maintains that service providers who help clients create a secure engagement platform for their customers are ultimately building trust for them. “When people consider it safe to transact on your site, they will be more comfortable and have a higher tendency to remain loyal,” he says.
5. The rise of Chat Bots
Our chat platforms have transcended mere mobile communications and are now common on Ecommerce services. Chat bots use platforms such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat and so on to make sites easier for users to navigate. They also answer questions instantly and provide recommendations based on previous visits and past surveys.
The idea is that chat is being designed to have a more human experience for the user. This improves multi-pronged customer service because AI is more accessible for various site needs.
These are just some of the ways AI is dominating and improving the world of Ecommerce. Although there are many opportunities for AI application on your website, it is necessary to innovate and always think of your business and customers before configuring any new tech update.
