E-commerce completely changed the way we shop and digitalization completely changed our lives.
The eCommerce offers convenience and accessibility like never before. Many famous companies use personalization to provide content and services tailored specifically to their customers.
Just think of YouTube, Netflix, Instagram, and many other platforms. You’ll notice that, as you are watching specific videos or consuming one type of content, you are bound to get more similar results each time you visit one of those platforms again. In fact, 89% of businesses are investing in personalization.
This also applies to eCommerce websites. Especially for those that have thousands of different products.
Benefits of eCommerce Personalization
Adding personalization to your website or eCommerce store brings a lot of benefits not only to your customers but to your business, too. These benefits include:
- Better customer engagement and loyalty – Think of personalization as making friends with your shoppers. When an online store remembers what your shoppers like and then suggests things that match their taste, they are more likely to stick around and explore more. In fact, 38% of visitors are more likely to shop more and visit stores that offer personalized results.
- Increased conversion rates and sales – With personalized results and recommendations, shoppers can decide faster. For example, if your shopper likes jogging and your store recommends jogging shoes, they’re more likely to buy them.
- Customer retention – Getting your customers to return to you is extremely important for your website. If customers are returning, you know you’re doing it right. With personalized results and recommendations, emails, and messages, your customers can feel really connected to your brand.
How to Personalize Your Store
There are plenty of ways to personalize your customer’s shopping experience. Let’s explore the ways in which you can do it.
Know Your Customers
Take a closer look at what your customers are doing on your online store. Pay attention to the products they’re clicking on, the things they’re buying, and what they seem interested in. By understanding their actions, you can start to understand their preferences and needs.
Sort Customers into Groups
Your customers aren’t all the same. They have different tastes and interests. So, divide them into groups based on things they have in common. You can do it based on what they’ve bought, where they’re located, or what they like to browse. Treating different groups differently can make your store feel more personal.
Show Them Things They’ll Love
Have you noticed that after a customer makes a purchase online, the store subsequently presents them with more products that align with their interests? This is a result of sophisticated algorithms that match potential preferences. For instance, if a customer buys a cozy blanket, the system might showcase complementary items such as pajamas or hot chocolate mugs, adding to the overall cozy experience.
Make the Front Page Personal
The first page of your store is like a welcome mat. You can make it special for each customer by showing them stuff they’re likely to enjoy. If they often look at shoes, you could show them the latest shoe arrivals. If they’re into books, you might highlight new book releases.
Add Personal Touch to Product Pages
When someone is looking at a particular product, use that opportunity to suggest more things they might like. If they’re checking out a smartphone, you could show them phone cases or headphones that match.
Send Emails Just for Them
Think of sending emails like sending a letter to a friend. When you send emails to customers, make sure it’s about things they’re interested in. If they’re into gardening, tell them about new plants in your store. And don’t forget to use their name – it makes things feel more friendly.
Rewards for Loyal Shoppers
People love being part of special clubs. If someone shops at your store a lot, give them VIP treatment. Offer them rewards like discounts, early access to sales, or even exclusive products. This makes them feel appreciated and more likely to stick around.
Give Discounts that Make Sense
Discounts are great, but they’re even better when they match someone’s preferences. If a customer often buys makeup products, surprise them with a discount on a new lipstick. It’s a nice way to say, “Hey, we know what you like!”
Help with Chatbots
Imagine having a little helper in your store who can guide you to what you’re looking for. Chatbots are like that – they’re friendly robots that can chat with customers. They can answer questions, help customers find products, and make the shopping experience smoother.
Show What Others Like
People often trust recommendations from others. If you show customer reviews and pictures of products from real people, it helps shoppers make decisions. When they see others are happy with their purchases, they’re more likely to trust your store.
Try Different Ideas
Personalization isn’t one-size-fits-all. Test out different ways to make your store personal. See which changes make people buy more things or spend more money. It’s like experimenting to find the best recipe for success.
Works on Phones Too
Many people shop on their phones or tablets. Make sure the personalization magic works just as well on these devices. People should have a great shopping experience no matter where they are and which device they’re using.
Keep Things Private and Safe
Personalization is about using customers’ info to make their experience better. But do this only if your customers say it’s okay.
Also, according to a Blogging Wizard article, 83% of consumers are willing to share the data with you if you’re offering personalized experiences.
Make sure to keep their information safe and private. When they trust you with their data, they feel more comfortable shopping with you.
Listen and Improve
Pay attention to what your customers say. If they give feedback about the personal touches, use it to make your store even better. Customers’ opinions are like a treasure trove of ideas for improvement.
eCommerce Personalization Examples
Amazon: The Recommendation Dynamo
Amazon is a prime example of a personalization process. Their “Recommended for You” section is a treasure trove of tailored suggestions.
How do they do it?
Amazon’s algorithms analyze your browsing and purchase history to provide product recommendations that match your interests. Whether it’s books, gadgets, or even groceries, Amazon makes sure you’re always just a click away from discovering items you’ll love.
Netflix: Curating Your Watchlist
Netflix’s personalization mastery goes beyond the screen. Its recommendation engine suggests movies and TV shows that align with your viewing habits.
By analyzing your watch history, rating preferences, and even the time you spend watching, Netflix creates a customized watchlist that makes your next binge-watching session a seamless journey of entertainment tailored to your tastes.
Sephora: Beauty in Every Detail
Sephora’s Beauty Insider Program takes personalization to the makeup aisle. They utilize your purchase history and preferences to offer personalized product recommendations and exclusive offers. For example, if you’re a fan of skincare products, Sephora might suggest new arrivals in that category or offer discounts on your favorite brands.
This attention to detail transforms each beauty hunt into a customized treasure trove.
Nike: Your Style, Your Shoes
Nike’s personalized approach extends to its “Nike By You” feature.
This tool allows you to customize sneakers based on your preferences, from colors to materials. By putting design choices in your hands, Nike turns every sneaker into a unique expression of your style, adding a personal touch to the footwear game.
Spotify: The Sound of You
Spotify’s personalized playlists, like “Discover Weekly,” curate a musical journey tailored to your taste.
These playlists are generated based on your listening history, favorite genres, and even the time of day you listen.
By curating a soundtrack that resonates with your preferences, Spotify transforms your music streaming experience into a harmonious reflection of your individuality.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, personalization isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a transformative force that reshapes the way we shop online.
Brands like Amazon, Netflix, Sephora, Nike, and Spotify have demonstrated that personalization isn’t just about algorithms; it’s about crafting experiences that mirror your unique preferences.
So, next time you embark on an online shopping spree, remember that eCommerce personalization is the secret ingredient that makes the experience truly yours.