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Facebook Shares New Insights into Emerging Shopping Trends

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facebook shares new insights into emerging shopping trends

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on consumer behavior, with some analysts projecting that the global lockdowns and mitigation efforts have accelerated the shift away from physical stores, and towards digital shopping, by roughly five years.

That presents a whole new set of challenges, and opportunities for retailers and retail marketers. And while it’s unclear how much the current trends will hold in the wake of the pandemic, it’s important to understand what’s motivating people’s current shopping habits, in order to assess how you can meet those needs moving forward.

Which is what Facebook’s latest ‘Future of Shopping’ report is all about. The 64-page guide is part of Facebook’s new ‘Industry Perspectives’ series, which will see it working with a range of experts, in different verticals, to determine key trends, and provide guidance for brands based on the latest consumer shifts. 

You can download the full retail trends report here, but in this post, we’ll look at some of the key notes and stats.

First off, Facebook looks at how shopping motivations have changed, and the key factors that currently determine people’s in-store shopping habits.

Facebook Future of Shopping report

Price has, of course, always been a key consideration, but right now at least, safety is also top of mind for in-store shoppers. 

That makes sense, but it’s interesting to note its significance in this listing, and to also consider these trends in comparison to the top factors that determine which brands people shop with online. 

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Facebook future shopping report

If you’re looking to maximize in-store and/or eCommerce performance, these are the key elements of note, and it’s worth highlighting each, where you can, within your marketing communications.

Interesting to note, too, the relatively low results for customer service here. It seems that our priorities, at least right now, have put less emphasis on this element – though I would argue that it remains a critical factor, both in-store and online.

Facebook also looks at some of the top benefits that consumers have found with the shift to eCommerce, which includes the capacity to better your purchases in order to get the best deals.

Facebook retail trends report

As explained by Facebook:

“Consumers are realizing the benefits digital can bring to their shopping experiences beyond simply efficiency. Nearly eight in 10 (79%) shoppers globally say the internet makes it easier to compare products by price, and 67% say the internet makes buying products less risky.”

That’s an important factor in your listings, and competitor research. These days, your customers are going to be spending more time analyzing their options, which means that you should also be aware of what’s on offer elsewhere, while you should also be looking to communicate your returns policy for added assurance.

Facebook also notes that the pandemic has prompted more consumers to support local businesses, in an effort to boost their communities.

Facebook retail trends report

This is a positive shift, which could help sustain these smaller providers throughout the economic downturn, while it may also lead to greater local support in the longer term, as more people become aware of, and connected to, those within their vicinity.

The report also looks at the types of communications consumers are seeking from brands right now, which again sees a focus on safety.

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Facebook retail report

While Facebook also looks at the key factors in modern brand loyalty – with some very valuable branding notes:

Facebook retail trends report

The full report includes a range of expert insights to help businesses effectively action these trends, and additional notes on consumer shifts that can help shape your strategy and approach.

You can download the full Facebook ‘Future of Shopping’ report here.

Socialmediatoday.com

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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