As a result of the pandemic, experts are predicting 2022 will become the first trillion-dollar year for online sales.

With orders to stay home, many people turned to online shopping, and e-commerce became even more popular than it already was—especially since it became the only option.

Here are the top five e-commerce trends that we expect to see in 2022.

1) Sustainability is key

Sustainability is an issue that has infiltrated all industries, and for good reason. Consumers are looking for brands that align with their sustainable values. They want to buy from companies that can prove how they offset carbon emissions, reduce single-use packaging, or give back to the planet.

Off the back of this trend, second-hand commerce is becoming a more credible alternative to fast fashion. For example, companies like Poshmark and TheRealReal are making waves in the space.

2) Social media as a sales channel

2021 saw a big rise in retailers using social media as a sales tool. Businesses in China pioneered social selling to tap into as many consumers as possible.

Most social media platforms have developed features that allow users to purchase products without even leaving the app. This newfound convenience makes it even easier for the consumer—and more lucrative for the seller.

Experts predict that social commerce in the US will reach $80 billion by 2025, so keep an eye on this trend!

3) Time to get personal

Eighty percent of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company that offers personalized content and promotions—so understanding your audience is more important than ever.

One-to-one personalization happens when customers are delivered hyper-targeted messaging. This tactic has proven to boost sales and increase brand loyalty in the ever-growing and crowded e-commerce space.

And don’t forget to personalize your content from a language standpoint to ensure your customers come back for more.

4) Mobile commerce

There are 298 million smartphone users in the United States. This number is projected to reach 311 million by 2025.

To ensure you don’t miss out on valuable customers, you must optimize your website for mobile. That doesn’t just mean that it’s mobile responsive; we’re talking putting mobile first to ensure your customers have a seamless experience.

If you’re not providing an optimized mobile experience, you competitor will be.

5) Voice shopping

With the rise of Amazon’s Alexa, the Google Home, and Apple’s HomePod, it’s impossible to escape voice-powered technology. And e-commerce is benefitting from this.

In 2022, voice shopping is estimated to reach $40 billion in the US. So just like you optimize your online content for SEO, it’s time to turn your focus to voice search optimization (VSO).

As more and more people around the world use smart speakers to search for and purchase products, you will need to become more accustomed to using this technology for sales.

If your business needs help undergoing a global digital transformation in 2022, contact our retail experts today.