Social media has become a staple for many people. It’s a space to interact and engage with like-minded individuals, discover new products and, more recently, purchase goods. This is where social commerce has emerged to enable a more immersive platform.
Social commerce is a hybrid mix, if you will, of social media and e-commerce. The two platforms have seamlessly become one, embracing the best features of each. The social element ensures that customers are able to engage with brands and purchase in real-time, while the e-commerce functionality facilitates the entire process.
So, what does this mean for brands, and more importantly, what are the social commerce trends for 2022?
Social Commerce by the Numbers
Given the fact that we say social commerce is an important marketing and business tool, we feel the need to substantiate this with figures. After all, numbers talk.
So, on that note, let’s take a look at a few social commerce statistics for 2022 that are important and show a glimmer of what is to expect in the coming months.
5 Social Commerce Stats You Need to Know
- $45.74 billion is the value of social commerce sales expected to take place in the US in 2022
- 8 out of 10 American businesses are planning to use social commerce within the next 3 years
- 36% of internet users are social buyers
- The average value of social orders in 2020 was $81.05
- Over 130 million internet users engage with Instagram shopping posts each month
These figures paint a pretty clear picture of what social commerce is capable of, and more importantly, how it has already transformed the world of online shopping.
So, Why Is Social Commerce Essential?
Based on the above-mentioned stats, it’s easy to see how social commerce is taking over the online space. The reason for this is pretty simple, it’s convenient. Online shoppers don’t want to navigate between several different tabs or multiple platforms to make a simple purchase.
Instagram is already using social commerce to boost its relevance, and TikTok is catching up. You may be asking is it too late to start TikTok and reap the benefits, and the good news is, it isn’t. It’s never too late to take on new digital to your business’s advantage, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
If you are looking to build a stronger brand reputation and increase your sales, social commerce is by far the best way to do so. And the truth is, if you don’t use this to your advantage, your competitor surely will.
12 Social Commerce Trends for 2022
When it comes to social commerce in 2022, we are excited to see how it continues to boom. On that note, to make the best of your business’s social commerce experience, there are a few things you can to do excel. Here are a few trends we’re expecting to see – and recommend you look into too.
1. Utilize Instagram’s Shopfront
Instagram is already a visual platform, so when it comes to its shopfront, you know it’s going to be the best way to visually display your business. It makes it easy for users to discover new products and allows brands to curate their collections. How convenient is that?
2. Use Chatbots to Your Advantage
Chatbots can facilitate conversations with customers and provide much-needed solutions. By investing more in this functionality, chatbots can help customers select products able to meet their needs.
3. Reach Out to Influencers
One of the greatest ways to increase your social reach is through influencers. Team up with someone who knows your brand to share your product with the world and drive more sales.
4. Social Platforms are Harnessing the Power of Social Commerce
Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest have already allowed for social commerce functionality. Investing in these platforms will take your business to new heights and investing in similar platforms will have you poised for social commerce take over when the time comes.
5. Customize Your Shop for a Seamless User Experience
Templates may exist and assist with the initial build of your social commerce store. But being able to elevate it and create a unique user experience will see your store stand out from the crowd.
6. Use Live Streams to Promote Yourself
Live streams offer a chance for brands to interact with their audiences, answer real-time questions and inevitably boost sales. So, if possible, look into hosting a live broadcast.
7. Use 5G to Take It to the Next Level
5G allows for a more streamlined online experience. This means that AI, VR and XR can all become part of your social media marketing strategy as well as your online shopping experience.
8. User-generated Content Remains Essential
When it comes to marketing your brand, people want to know the truth, and this is where user-generated content comes in. Have people share their online shopping experience to help develop trust for your brand and increase your sales in the space.
9. Voice Technology Is on the Rise
Many people are using virtual assistants and voice recognition software to complete daily tasks. To ensure an even more convenient experience, consider adding this to your search functionality.
10. Consider Your Pricing
Whether it’s online or in the real world, customers are looking for a good deal. Offer promotions or discounts to increase traffic to your store and reward return customers for their loyalty. It won’t go unrecognized.
11. Understand Where Your Customers Are
Social commerce only works if you’re able to reach the right audience. So do your research and reach your customers in the spaces in which they actively engage.
12. Ride the e-Commerce Wave
At the end of the day, this has all come about as a result of customers making more of their regular purchases in the online space. Use this to shape your social commerce approach and reap the rewards.
Get on Board with Social Commerce and Generate Riveting Sales
While social commerce is still a fairly new phenomenon, it has come a long way in the last few months. Getting on board with the social commerce experience sooner rather than later will do your business well. So, use the time to prepare, nail the execution and drive those social commerce sales like there’s no tomorrow.
