It's time to think about how you are going to implement a successful ecommerce marketing strategy. The world of ecommerce never stops evolving. And as it grows, it continues to make online shopping a more convenient and customized experience.

1. 3 Important Ecommerce Trends To
Target In 2017
ConversionFanatics.com

2. As 2017 rapidly approaches, it's time to think about how you are going to implement a
successful ecommerce marketing strategy. The world of ecommerce never stops
evolving. And as it grows, it continues to make online shopping a more convenient and
customized experience.
But in order to remain on board the ecommerce evolution train, you need to be up-to-
date on emerging trends. This will also help you to stay ahead of your competition. And
with the new year just around the corner, it's go-time to make sure your company
represents the cutting edge of ecommerce developments.

3. The Biggest Trends In Ecommerce For 2017
"77% of marketing professionals think a planned approach focusing on analytics and
continues optimization is the most [effective] way of managing digital marketing, whilst
only 14% thought a relatively unplanned, reactive approach was best," reports Robert
Allen.
In keeping with the former group of marketing professionals, let's now dive into three of
the top trends for 2017.

4. 1. Automated, Free Return Shipping Becomes The
Norm
When customers shop online, they're unable to get the same sensory experience that
they can get from shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. They can't touch the products,
view them from all angles, or try them on if they're clothing items. As a result, shopping
online is riskier. And customers want to know they can easily get their money back if a
product doesn't work out.
Accordingly, one of the most prominent trends for 2017 is offering customers simple,
no-questions-asked, free return shipping, similar to Amazon Prime.
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5. Michael Lazar: "Newer, integrated software solutions like ReadyReturns put retailers in
a position to offer their customers an automated online product returns system. This
software integrates directly into the online store and provides a user-friendly return
portal for customers and for retailers."
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With solutions like this, a shopper needs only return to the same site they made the
purchase at, and they can quickly process a return and generate a prepaid shipping
label. Retailers can set customized rules for returns and to control return shipping costs.
In addition, the software is also capable of communicating return inventory directly to
any warehouses, and can provide detailed analytics to retailers."

6. Same-Day Delivery Is On The Rise
People are growing accustomed to the benefits offered by Amazon Prime, which
includes expedited delivery rates: 2-day or even same-day in some cities. As a result,
other companies are striving to follow suit.
Certain startups, like Postmates and Instacart, are even building their business models
around the concept of same-day delivery. These companies specialize in delivering food,
but they are looking to branch out to offer other services as well.
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Same-day delivery won't be an option for every ecommerce company, however, as there
are logistical and operational issues to consider. But if you can offer it on just a selection
of your products, or even 2-day shipping, a significant percentage of consumers (29%
according to a Forrester report) would be interested.

7. Live-Action Customer Support Takes Center-Stage
According to Gallup, three types of customers exist: those who are...
1. actively disengaged
2. indifferent
3. and fully engaged.
Unsurprisingly, it's the fully engaged customers who turn into repeat customers more
often and tend to spend more per shopping trip. Consequently, companies that develop
strategies to fully engage more customers have higher earning potential. And a trending
technique for accomplishing this is providing live-action customer support.

8. Having a live support option allows customers to ask questions and provide feedback in
real-time through online chat or social media. Here are three live-action customer
service support options you should check out:
1. Zendesk
2. Groove
3. Desk.com
Ecommerce retailers can also use live-action support to preemptively reach out to
customers to see if they need any assistance.

9. What do you think about these three ecommerce trends for 2017? What others have you
heard of?

10. What do you think about these three ecommerce trends for 2017? What others have you
heard of?