Of late, social commerce has emerged in a big way. The amalgamation of social media and e-commerce has given birth to a dynamic environment called social commerce.
E-commerce entails buying and selling directly on social media platforms and this medium of shopping has completely revolutionised the way sellers connect with the buyers. The scope for growth in the digital marketing sector is vast and it is revamping the retail business.
Emergence of Social Commerce
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have made it easy for sellers and buyers to meet on a common platform to conduct business. These platforms have turned into robust marketplaces, allowing the app users to view, select and buy items while surfing. Modern technology as well as a behavioural shift of buyers has made it increasingly popular.
The ease of shopping without having to get up and go outdoors to do it, deliveries coming to your door, and return and exchange offers available with every purchase have made it a much-loved choice.
As per recent study, this business is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2025. This has become possible due to the increase in the use of mobile phones making online shopping possible from anywhere.
What Drives Social Commerce?
Social media apps allow sellers to display their products in posts and stories, making it easy for the viewers to choose and buy.
Brands interact directly with viewers through live streaming, displaying their products in real time and offering irresistible deals.
Social media thrives on influencers and their followers. These influencers become the promoters of the products for the sellers and boost sales by influencing their followers to buy the products.
Challenges Faced by Social Commerce
Along with its growth, it also has its fair share of challenges to face.
In online transactions, a lot of personal information is shared by the customer. This data has to remain secure and private and this is the main challenge that social commerce has to face.
It is of vital importance that sellers advertise their products across multiple apps. Depending on one or two apps can entail the risk of the product not becoming visible in the event the algorithms or conditions change of those apps.
Social commerce is here to stay. The sheer online convenience it offers to the sellers to showcase and sell their brands, and for the buyers to view and buy these brands effortlessly, is beyond compare. Now social media is not just an entertainment or connectivity platform, but a platform of retail marketing!
Leave A Comment