Many customers have turned to online shopping to find and purchase everything from daily necessities to luxury goods and gifts. This increase in traffic has resulted in a boom in the eCommerce industry and a whole new world of social commerce.
Live shopping merges the best of offline and online shopping experiences, making a purchase about more than just the final investment. Live stream shopping is engaging, and fun, and can build long-term trust between a business and the customer.
What is live stream shopping?
Live shopping is a marketing strategy based on live streaming, where a host presents products whilst viewers can purchase them in real-time.
This method gives brands a chance to interact with their customers via their website and social media channels whilst also attracting everyday social users or people who wouldn’t normally fit into their general demographic. Influencers can also run these live streams through paid partnerships or competitions, adding a creative element to the shopping experience. Customers can not only process a final purchase but can also use this as an opportunity to ask any questions they might have which can then be immediately answered in real time.
How does live shipping work?
Centred around three core elements, live shopping is all about buying something in real-time, using a video format and making use of links, tags, pinned comments and buttons.
This solution can and mainly does take place on social media platforms however can also be broadcast on websites or mobile apps. Most live streams include features such as comment sections, polls, gifting, pop-ups and special discount codes. Allowing customers to have a whole experience when shopping online.
The different types of livestream shopping
There are several different versions of livestream shopping which can offer benefits to both the business and consumer.
- One-to-one live shopping: allows in-store staff to convert online customers in a personal setting by customers connecting with a store associate via video.
- One-to-many live shopping: this solution allows brands to broadcast to an unlimited amount of customers using their website or social media channels.
- Go in-store: allows users to add to their basket as they shop. Customers may also be able to ask live questions or channel into a one-to-one video if needed.
Benefits of livestream shopping
Channelling into the modern world, both brand and consumer can benefit greatly from new features including livestream shopping. This new and growing system is bound to advance even further as technology also grows and is ideal for brands that function only online and also those with physical stores.
Benefits for the brand:
- Reach an unlimited audience which covers a specific demographic and beyond
- More engaging shopping experience
- Accelerates the buyer’s journey and influences urgency
- Competitive edge and strong brand identity
- Integrate more storytelling and creative content
- Improve customer service and feedback
- Opportunities for partnerships
- Easier to share amongst others and gather interactions
Benefits for the consumer:
- More enjoyable shopping experience
- Efficiency and convenience
- Reduced steps before final purchase
- Live question and answers
- Exclusive discounts and offers
- A clear view of the product with a range of angles, descriptions and variations
- Read other comments, answers and feedback
Ecommerce design and development
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