As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of consumer behavior, it’s essential for brands to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to emerging trends. In this article, we’ll delve into the top consumer shopping trends that are expected to shape the industry in the coming years, and provide insights on how to leverage them to increase your brand’s financial status.
Case Studies: Establishing Transparency and Trust
More than a quarter of marketers (26%) leverage case studies as part of their content strategy. Case studies help establish transparency and trust between brand and consumer, offering prospects an exclusive look into how people or brands benefit from a product, service, or strategy. In 2024, 87% of marketers will maintain or increase their investment in case studies.
Infographics: Visual Storytelling
Infographics have the shareability and visual appeal of a nice photo and are packed with helpful data and informative information. This makes them incredibly engaging to web visitors and social media audiences alike. In 2024, 88% of marketers say they will increase or maintain their investment in infographics.
Podcasts and Audio Content: The Rise of Audio
2023 was an excellent year for podcasts. According to a 2023 report by Edison Research, 42% of Americans ages 12 and older have listened to a podcast in the past month — up 5% from 2020 and 30% from 2013. In our survey, 82% of marketers plan to either increase or maintain their investment in podcasts and audio content in 2024.
Blogging: A Timeless Marketing Strategy
Yes, blogging isn’t going anywhere. 92% of marketers in our survey plan to maintain or boost their investment in blogging in 2024. Blogging has been a common marketing strategy since brands started building their websites.
Social Media Marketing Trends
In the U.S. alone, 90% of the population actively uses social media. This is why social media marketing is a popular channel that’s become a part of almost every business’s greater marketing strategy.
Selling on Social Media: The New Norm
Many social media platforms are vying to become the next go-to shopping destination. Instagram has Instagram Shopping; Facebook has Facebook Shops; and TikTok is testing new e-commerce and partnership features. This shift is already impacting consumer shopping habits. For instance, 71% of Gen Z-ers prefer discovering new products on social media. The same is true for 51% of Millennials. So, it’s safe to say social media shopping will continue to become the new norm this year. Still don’t believe me? Well, almost half of the marketers in our survey (47%) will increase their investment in social media shopping tools.
TikTok: The Rise of Short-Form Video Content
Who hasn’t spent way too much time scrolling through TikTok? Short-form video content (TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, etc.) will continue to rule. According to our survey, 45% of marketers will increase their investment in creating content that shows their brand’s values, and 43% will invest as much as they did in 2023. Only 9% will decrease their investment.
Ecommerce Trends: Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence
In the ecommerce world, some trends come and go — but others have the potential to permanently change how customers shop online. With a projected 39% growth in global ecommerce sales by 2027, it’s no surprise that many retailers want their piece of the pie.
Augmented Reality: Bridging the Gap
Perhaps one of the greatest challenges of shopping online is the inability to see, touch, and fully experience a product in-person before buying — enter augmented reality (AR). According to eMarketer, the number of AR users in the US will exceed 100 million by the end of 2025, making up 32% of the population. No doubt, AR and VR (virtual reality) are revolutionizing the online shopping experience by bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds.
Artificial Intelligence: Leveraging AI
Leveraging AI will only increase into the new year. AI can help personalize customer experiences, streamline operations, and provide valuable insights to inform business decisions.
Conclusion
As we look to the future, it’s clear that consumer shopping trends will continue to evolve and shape the retail industry. By staying ahead of the curve and adapting to emerging trends, brands can increase their financial status and remain competitive. From the rise of social media shopping and short-form video content to the growth of augmented reality and artificial intelligence, there are numerous opportunities for brands to connect with customers and drive growth. By leveraging these trends and staying informed, brands can position themselves for success and thrive in the ever-changing retail landscape.
FAQ’s
- Q: What are the top consumer shopping trends for the upcoming years? A: The top consumer shopping trends include social media shopping, short-form video content, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and personalized customer experiences.
- Q: How can brands leverage social media shopping to increase their financial status? A: Brands can leverage social media shopping by using platforms like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Shops to reach customers and provide seamless checkout experiences.
- Q: What is the role of augmented reality in ecommerce? A: Augmented reality (AR) bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, allowing customers to experience products in a more immersive and interactive way.
- Q: How can brands use artificial intelligence to improve customer experiences? A: Brands can use artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize customer experiences, streamline operations, and provide valuable insights to inform business decisions.
- Q: What is the importance of staying ahead of emerging trends in the retail industry? A: Staying ahead of emerging trends allows brands to remain competitive, increase their financial status, and position themselves for success in the ever-changing retail landscape.
