E-commerce has changed the way the world perceives shopping. Not so long ago it was possible to shop only on given days and at given hours -
currently, thanks to the Internet, we can do it 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The development of the Internet and e-commerce caused breaking of the geographical barrier - these days you can buy a product even from the other side of the globe. Users, however, want more and more.
The e-commerce industry is still developing to satisfy its e-consumers. What are the predicted trends in the e-commerce for the turn of 2019 and 2020?
E-commerce in 2020 - trends
E-commerce is constantly changing, just like the trends in this industry (see more in the
Ecommerce trends article). The development of some of the sectors of the IT industry leads to a situation in which e-commerce, more and more frequently, goes into the direction of more advanced solutions in order to attract the Generation Z that is entering the world of shopping. What are these technologies?
Artificial intelligence
The development of artificial intelligence made e-commerce specialists look into its direction more and more frequently. According to
Business Insider as much as 85% of interactions with clients will be managed without human assistance by 2020. AI introduces automation of online shopping. Moreover it is able to predict some decisions and shopping behaviours of e-consumers. The most important element, however, is planning and automation of work (AI does not need to eat, sleep or to take breaks). Apart from that, it combines and utilises other technologies (e.g. voice search).
AI will be used in e-commerce more and more frequently.
Voice search
Voice search and introduction, in most of the countries in the world, of the Google Assistant introduced a substantial commotion in the industry. In 2020 most of the websites will be optimised so that they include voice search in Google. As much as 70% of Google Assistant inquiries are formulated in a natural language, therefore during the optimisation of websites, you should think about the language the users use during natural conversations.
Chatbots
Chatbots are entering e-commerce with full force. This is another automation that makes contacts between consumers and online stores easier. Clients can get a reply immediately, they do not have to wait until morning when an employee from a store comes to work. Apart from that, chatbots are a much less expensive option that is easier to implement on a website. What is more important - clients can get replies to their questions even in the middle of the night. Moreover, a chatbot always gives polite and factual replies. They can also be programmed in a way that will make it sound more human-like.
Mobile payments
Mobile payments entered the world of sales with full force long time ago. They even push out traditional cards or quick payments. They mean convenience, speed and safety. BLIK or transfer confirmation with a use of mobile application - this is the future of e-shopping.
The future belongs to AI
Undoubtedly, utilisation of AI to automation of most of shopping processes is a trend for 2020. Artificial intelligence gives advantage to companies because it allows them to manage, plan and use resources, other than human resources, in a more effective, quicker and cheaper way. Thanks to combining introduction of mobile payments and the voice search option, stores should experience increase in visibility in the search engine, which may translate into an increased volume of sale.
