eCommerce is pushing its way into social platforms. As Shopify Experts, we’re excited Facebook is adopting to the rise of eCommerce by improving shopping functionality across both Facebook and Instagram.
The launch of Shops was announced yesterday, and began rolling out in the United States immediately, enabling businesses to open free storefronts on both platforms. The shops, powered by third party services including Shopify, BigCommerce and Woo, are designed to turn the social networks into top-tier online shopping destinations.
“If you can’t physically open your store or restaurant, you can still take orders online and ship them to people,” said CEO Mark Zuckerberg. “We’re seeing a lot of small businesses that never had online businesses get online for the first time.”
Lockdown orders have led to record sales for eCommerce companies around the world while simultaneously causing catastrophic damage for many small businesses. When it comes to rebuilding the economy, eCommerce is playing a vital role, not only in New Zealand but around the world.
Image Source: Facebook
How it will work.
Shops will be found on businesses’ Facebook pages and Instagram profiles, appear in stories and will be promoted in ads. Users can save items or make purchases, eventually even directly from within chat windows or live streams. Loyalty reward programs are also in the works with an official Facebook blog post stating, “you’ll be able to easily see and keep track of your points and rewards.”
When we look back on the launch of Facebook Marketplace in 2016, along with the standalone shopping app Instagram pursued (and since abandoned) in 2018, it’s little-to-no surprise Facebook is entering the eCommerce market. It’s been in the works for years and was only a matter of time. Now, in light of Covid-19, it’s becoming a reality. While Facebook Shops is rolling out immediately in the United States, it might take some time until this feature is available to our eCommerce merchants in New Zealand and Australia.
One thing is certain though: consumer behaviour has changed.
Customers are prepared to shop online, more so than ever before, and they are going to be prepared to buy wherever is easiest to do so – which is likely going to be on social media.
When it comes to eCommerce, functional websites and mobile responsiveness are key, headless eCommerce platforms pivotal, and business adaptability to new features, trends and changes in consumer behaviour is vital.
To keep up-to-date on trends, integrations, and changes to the eCommerce landscape, contact our team of eCommerce experts.
Image Source: Facebook
