Did you ever think that your favorite social media platform could become a powerhouse in the e-commerce industry? Well, the latest trend of social commerce is turning that idea into reality.
With the rise of social media influencers and the popularity of online shopping, it was only a matter of time before the two worlds collided. Social commerce allows users to purchase products directly through social media platforms, making shopping as easy as scrolling through your feed. According to a recent study by eMarketer, social commerce sales are expected to reach $36.62 billion in the US alone by the end of 2021, a 35.8% increase from the previous year.
Key players in this industry, such as Instagram and Facebook, have been quick to capitalize on this trend. Instagram’s recent introduction of the “Checkout” feature allows users to buy products without ever leaving the app, streamlining the shopping experience. This seamless integration of shopping into a user’s social media experience is revolutionizing the way we shop online.
But what does this mean for traditional e-commerce businesses? According to eMarketer analyst Cindy Liu, “Social commerce is changing the game for e-commerce companies, forcing them to adapt to new consumer behaviors and preferences.” As more and more consumers turn to social media for their shopping needs, e-commerce businesses will need to find innovative ways to engage with their customers on these platforms to stay competitive in the ever-evolving digital marketplace.