17 E-commerce Growth Strategies to Maximize Sales in 2026

Ecommerce sales are projected to hit $6.56 trillion in 2025, creating massive opportunities for businesses to grow. But with rising competition and changing consumer behavior, staying ahead requires smart strategies. Here’s a quick look at the key tactics to grow your ecommerce business:

For more details, see our article on Common SaaS Monetization Problems and Solutions.

• Leverage AI for personalization, pricing, and customer service.
• Adopt omnichannel approaches like blending online and in-store shopping.
• Use AR and voice search to enhance customer experiences.
• Sell through social media and live streams to reach wider audiences.

• Offer subscriptions, rewards programs, and localized products to boost retention and engagement.
• Focus on sustainability and security with eco-friendly practices and blockchain.

These strategies are designed to help businesses thrive in the evolving ecommerce landscape. Let’s dive into the details.

E-commerce Trends for 2024: What You Need to Know

1. Use AI to Personalize Shopping

AI is transforming the ecommerce world, with its market value expected to jump from $7.25 billion in 2024 to $64.03 billion by 2034. This massive growth highlights how vital it has become for creating tailored shopping experiences that drive sales .

Today's AI tools analyze customer behavior, past purchases, and real-time interactions to deliver personalized recommendations. These efforts can increase revenue per user by up to 166%. On top of that, AI improves inventory management by predicting demand more accurately, helping businesses cut costs by up to 10% .

Lars Nyman, CMO at CUDO Compute, explains: "AI-driven personalization may soon predict your needs, like suggesting hiking boots before your Yellowstone trip."

Here’s how you can make the most of AI-powered personalization:

• Gather customer data from all touchpoints.
• Use AI to deliver real-time, customized recommendations.
• Be transparent about data use to balance privacy concerns with personalization.

2. Set Smart Pricing Based on Market Data

Dynamic pricing, driven by market data, is transforming how ecommerce businesses grow. Research from McKinsey shows that using smart pricing systems can increase revenue by up to 10% while cutting inventory costs through better demand predictions .

AI-powered pricing tools take personalization to the next level by analyzing real-time data to adjust prices effectively. These tools consider factors like competitor pricing, stock levels, customer demand, seasonal shifts, and market conditions to make informed adjustments.

For the best results, focus on accurate data and clear strategies. Here’s how to get the most out of market-based pricing:

• Track Competitors: Use automated tools to monitor competitor prices across different platforms.
• Align Pricing with Goals: Make sure your pricing tools support your broader business strategy.
• Experiment and Improve: Conduct A/B testing to see how automated pricing compares to manual methods.

AI tools also use historical data and trends to predict demand and adjust prices ahead of time. Once pricing is optimized, the next step is creating a seamless connection between online and in-store shopping.

3. Connect Online and In-Store Shopping

Blending online and in-store shopping experiences is key to creating a smooth customer journey and boosting growth in 2025.

Unified inventory systems play a big role here. By using real-time data analytics, businesses can keep stock levels consistent across both online and physical stores. This minimizes issues like stockouts or overstocking, ensuring customers can shop however they prefer without frustration.

Services like Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store (BOPIS) are a game-changer. Studies show that customers often make extra in-store purchases when they pick up online orders . To make BOPIS work smoothly, consider real-time inventory updates, dedicated pickup zones, and mobile notifications to keep customers informed.

Nordstrom is a great example of how this integration works. They offer consistent pricing across channels and allow in-store returns for online purchases . This approach not only simplifies the shopping process but also strengthens customer loyalty and drives sales.

Here are three areas to focus on for successful integration:

• Unified Inventory Management: Use centralized systems to track stock and keep inventory accurate across all channels.
• Integrated Customer Service: Equip staff with access to complete purchase histories and ensure consistent support, whether online or in-store.
• Data-Driven Insights: Analyze customer behavior across channels to fine-tune inventory management and marketing strategies .

Consistency is key. Regularly measure metrics like cross-channel sales and customer satisfaction to ensure the system is working. And as technology evolves, consider adding features like AR product previews to further improve customer engagement.

4. Add AR Product Previews

Augmented reality (AR) product previews are shaping the future of ecommerce, offering a powerful way to engage customers and drive sales in 2025.

Take IKEA, for example. They let shoppers visualize how furniture will look in their homes, making decisions easier and boosting conversion rates by removing uncertainty.

AR previews work well across multiple categories:

• Home Decor: See how furniture or decor fits in a room.
• Fashion: Virtually try on clothes and accessories.
• Cosmetics: Test makeup directly on your face through simulations.

AR not only improves the online shopping experience but also connects it with in-store visits, creating a seamless blend of both worlds.

To implement AR effectively, start with mobile optimization and focus on these key areas:

Implementation Factor	Priority Actions
Device Compatibility	Test on iOS and Android devices.
Loading Speed	Optimize 3D models for fast rendering.
Integration	Sync with your existing product management systems.
User Experience	Use intuitive controls and provide clear instructions.

Measure success by tracking metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and return rates. This will help you understand AR's impact on your business.

For maximum effectiveness, integrate AR directly into your ecommerce platform. Keep product details consistent across all channels and consider adding AI-driven recommendations based on how customers interact with AR tools.

As AR builds customer confidence, pairing it with voice search optimization can make the shopping process even smoother.

5. Optimize for Voice Search

As voice-enabled devices become more popular, making your products easy to find through voice search can boost your sales in a crowded ecommerce market. With smart speakers and voice assistants changing how people shop, focusing on voice search optimization is no longer optional - it's a must.

Voice searches are often conversational and specific, usually framed as questions. For instance, instead of typing "blue Nike running shoes", someone might ask, "Hey Google, where can I buy navy blue Nike running shoes?"

For more details, see our article on SaaS Price Localization: Revenue Impact.

Here’s how to fine-tune your product listings for voice search:

Voice Search Element	Optimization Strategy	Implementation Tips
Content	Use natural language and long-tail keywords	Add conversational phrases, questions, and specific queries
Technical Setup	Apply structured data	Include details like prices, availability, and reviews
Mobile Experience	Ensure fast loading times	Optimize images and reduce unnecessary code

To make your products more accessible via voice search:

• Build content around common customer questions and clearly format answers to increase chances of appearing in featured snippets, which voice assistants often rely on.
• Leverage local SEO by including location-specific details, as many voice searches are location-based.
• Regularly test how your products perform across various voice assistants and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Track your voice search results and use performance data to refine your approach. As voice search technology continues to advance, staying flexible and proactive will keep you ahead of the curve.

6. Build Voice Shopping Features

Voice commerce is expected to hit $40 billion by 2025, making it a must-have for ecommerce platforms looking to stay ahead. Here's how to create effective voice shopping features:

Implementation Area	Key Requirements	Benefits
Voice Assistant Integration	Alexa Skills, Google Actions	Broader audience, easier ordering
Natural Language Processing	Recognize shopping-specific commands	Smoother purchasing experience
Security Measures	Voice authentication, secure payments	Builds customer trust

Major retailers like Walmart and Domino's highlight the potential of voice shopping. They let customers create shopping lists, customize orders, and complete purchases - all through voice commands.

To make your voice shopping features stand out:

• Start with basic commands like "add to cart" or "reorder" and use AI to improve recommendations based on user behavior.
• Ensure your platform works across various devices and voice assistants to reach more users.
• Design simple, guided commands that cover product selection, options, quantities, and payment.

"AI-driven personalization will go full Black Mirror in some cases, where your virtual assistant might ask, 'Are you sure you don't need those hiking boots before your Yellowstone trip next month?'" - Lars Nyman, Chief Marketing Officer at CUDO Compute

Here are the metrics to watch:

• Accuracy of voice commands and conversion rates
• Customer satisfaction and loyalty
• Average order value from voice transactions

Make sure to include error handling, like offering alternative suggestions or switching users to text-based shopping when needed. Regularly test and tweak commands based on user feedback to boost adoption rates.

As voice shopping becomes more user-friendly, integrating it with social platforms can help you reach even more customers.

7. Sell Through Social Media and Live Streams

Did you know that 71% of online shoppers discover new products on social media? This makes social platforms a powerful tool for driving sales. Here's a quick look at how some of the top platforms support direct selling:

Platform	Features & Best Uses
Instagram	Great for visual products like fashion and beauty, with tools like product tags and the Shop tab.
Facebook	Focuses on community-based selling with Live Shopping and Marketplace options.
TikTok	Appeals to a younger, Gen Z audience with features like Shop Now buttons and live streams.

Live streaming stands out as a game-changer, increasing conversion rates by up to 20% compared to traditional ecommerce methods . Brands like Burberry have successfully used live streams to showcase their collections, boosting both engagement and sales.

Tips to Make Social Selling Work

• Tailor content for each platform: Create mobile-friendly, engaging content that aligns with the audience and style of each social platform.
• Leverage live shopping: Host regular live shopping events and make sure they integrate smoothly with your ecommerce setup. Research from Mirakl shows that 80% of successful businesses use integrated solutions to manage social media sales alongside their main ecommerce operations .

Key Metrics to Track

To measure the success of your social selling efforts, keep an eye on these critical metrics:

• Engagement rates on your social posts
• Conversion rates from social media traffic
• Revenue generated through social platforms
• Customer feedback and sentiment analysis

Finally, ensure secure payment systems and compliance with regulations. Recent data reveals that 90% of ecommerce businesses prioritize security when selling through social channels . Pairing social commerce with customer reviews and compelling visuals can also build trust and drive more conversions.

8. Add Customer Reviews and Photos to Social Sales

Customer reviews and photos play a key role in building trust and driving sales in social commerce. With 85% of customers trusting reviews as much as personal recommendations , incorporating user-generated content (UGC) into your social sales strategy can significantly boost conversions.

Make the most of customer reviews and photos by embedding them directly into your social commerce platforms. Platforms like Instagram Shopping and TikTok Shop often see higher engagement when product listings include customer photos and reviews. In fact, video testimonials can increase engagement rates by up to 28%.

AI tools can simplify UGC management by verifying content authenticity, filtering out spam, and automatically tagging products in customer photos. This not only saves time but also helps maintain trust. To ensure credibility, establish clear UGC guidelines and use verification tools to reassure potential buyers.

Measuring Success

To evaluate how well customer reviews and photos are working for your social sales, focus on these key metrics:

• Engagement rates on posts that feature customer content
• Conversion rates for product pages enhanced with UGC
• Review-to-sale ratio to understand the impact of reviews on purchases
• Customer sentiment analysis to gauge overall feedback trends

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9. Start a Subscription Service

The subscription box market is expected to hit $15 billion by 2025 . This presents a great opportunity for ecommerce businesses to build steady, recurring revenue while fostering long-term customer relationships.

Types of Subscription Models

Model Type	Description	Example
Replenishment	Regular delivery of essentials	Dollar Shave Club (razors)
Curation	Handpicked product selections	Birchbox (cosmetics)
Access-Based	Premium perks and benefits	Amazon Prime

Building a Strong Subscription Strategy

Focusing on the customer is key for any subscription model. According to McKinsey, subscription services boost retention rates by 50% compared to one-time purchases . That’s a huge advantage.

Key Elements for Success

Why Customers Stay:

• Automatic deliveries that save time and money
• Personalized product recommendations and exclusive access

Customer Experience:

• Easy options to manage or cancel subscriptions
• Clear communication and reliable inventory handling

Leverage Data: Use analytics to track retention, churn rates, and product preferences. This helps fine-tune your offerings and keep customers engaged.

Building Trust and Security

Secure payments, strong data encryption, and compliance with GDPR or CCPA are essential for protecting customer information and maintaining trust.

Once your subscription model is running smoothly, optimizing mobile checkout can make the process even more seamless and keep customers coming back.

Learn more in our guide: How Pricing Impacts SaaS Customer Retention.

10. Speed Up Mobile Checkout

Mobile commerce is on track to account for 73% of all eCommerce sales by 2025 . With every second of delay cutting conversions by 7% , a smooth and quick checkout process is critical to keeping customers from abandoning their carts.

Payment and Form Improvements

Make checkout faster with features like one-click payments, digital wallets, and biometric authentication. Simplify forms by adding real-time address validation, auto-adjusting fields, and progress indicators. Using single-page checkouts with smart autofill can also dramatically reduce the chances of customers leaving before completing their purchase.

Focus on Security Without Slowing Down

Keep customer data safe while maintaining speed by implementing tokenization, two-factor authentication, and SSL encryption. These measures help build trust without compromising checkout efficiency.

Key Metrics to Watch

Track these performance indicators to gauge the effectiveness of your checkout optimizations:

Metric	Target Range	Why It Matters
Checkout Load Time	Under 2 seconds	Helps lower abandonment
Form Completion Rate	Above 65%	Reflects ease of use
Cart Abandonment Rate	Below 70%	Measures checkout success

Once you've streamlined checkout speed, focus on delivering a fast and seamless shopping experience across your entire mobile platform.

11. Build Fast Mobile Web Apps

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) offer app-like experiences directly through browsers - no downloads needed. They blend the strengths of web and native apps, boosting user engagement and sales for mobile commerce.

Performance Optimization

To improve speed and functionality, use service workers for offline browsing and caching. Break up your code with code splitting to reduce load times, and implement lazy loading so images and non-essential content load only when needed. These steps help pages render faster and more efficiently.

Key Features for Success

Feature Benefit Priority

Service Workers Enables offline browsing and caching High

Push Notifications Drives 97% higher engagement rates Medium

App Shell Architecture Cuts loading times by over 50% High

Responsive Design Ensures compatibility across devices High

Real-World Success Stories

PWAs have proven their impact. For example, AliExpress reported a 104% increase in conversion rates among new users after adopting PWAs. Similarly, Trivago experienced a 97% rise in click-through rates .

Implementation Best Practices

• Follow accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 to ensure usability for all.
• Use analytics tools to track load times, engagement, and conversion rates.
• Test your PWA across various devices and browsers to maintain consistent performance.
• Prioritize both speed and functionality in your optimization efforts.

Keep performance top of mind by using tools like Google Analytics to monitor metrics such as load times and user behavior. Regular testing helps identify and fix any issues, ensuring your app delivers a smooth experience.

PWAs are a powerful way to enhance mobile performance. From here, you can explore how integrating AI can improve customer interactions and streamline support.

12. Add AI Customer Service Bots

AI-powered customer service bots are transforming how ecommerce businesses operate. These bots provide round-the-clock support, cut costs, and help improve customer experiences.

Key Advantages

Benefit Impact Priority

24/7 Availability & Scalability Respond to multiple inquiries instantly High

Cost Savings Can reduce operational costs by up to 10% High

Data Collection Gain insights to personalize customer experiences Medium

How to Get Started

You can integrate AI bots into platforms like Shopify or Magento using tools such as ManyChat or Dialogflow. These tools enable smooth and efficient customer support.

Must-Have Features

Ensure your AI bot can manage tasks like:

• Tracking orders
• Handling returns
• Answering FAQs
• Troubleshooting
• Offering personalized product suggestions

Tips for Better Performance

Train your AI bot with product-specific datasets to improve accuracy. For complex problems, make sure the bot can seamlessly transfer customers to human agents. This strategy works well alongside other AI tools, such as those for personalization or pricing adjustments.

Focus on Security

Data security is critical when deploying AI bots. Use encrypted communications, enforce secure authentication methods, and comply with privacy laws. Regular security checks will help protect sensitive customer data and maintain trust.

AI customer service bots are expected to handle up to 20% of ecommerce tasks , making them an essential tool for businesses looking to grow while maintaining excellent service. Additionally, integrating your brand's values into these interactions - like focusing on sustainability - can further build customer loyalty.

13. Show Your Environmental Impact

Eco-conscious shopping is on the rise, with 85% of consumers prioritizing sustainable choices. Highlighting your environmental efforts can not only increase sales but also contribute to global well-being.

Measure and Take Action

Keep track of your environmental footprint and take realistic steps to improve it. Here's how you can start:

Metric Tool/Method Business Benefit

Carbon Footprint Carbon Trust Calculator Monitor and reduce emissions

Packaging Waste Waste Audit Tools Cut down on packaging costs

Supply Chain Blockchain Tracking Boost transparency

Focus on impactful changes that resonate with your audience. IKEA does this well with its 2030 carbon neutrality goal. By using renewable energy and sustainable forestry, they not only reduce costs but also enhance customer loyalty.

Be Transparent About Your Efforts

Back up your claims with real data to avoid misleading customers. A great example is The Body Shop's Community Fair Trade program, which provides full transparency about how ingredients are sourced and their environmental impact.

When you clearly communicate your sustainability initiatives, you build trust and encourage repeat purchases. Eco-conscious buyers are more likely to stick with brands that align with their values.

Use Technology to Advance Sustainability

Leverage modern tools to tackle environmental challenges:

• AI to minimize waste and manage resources more efficiently
• Blockchain to verify ethical sourcing
• Smart packaging to reduce waste and lower your environmental footprint

Prove Your Commitment

Certifications like ISO 14001 and frameworks such as GRI can help validate your efforts. They also make it easier to share your progress with customers.

Start small and scale up as you go. Regularly monitor your progress and share updates to maintain customer trust. As sustainability becomes a baseline expectation, tools like blockchain can strengthen your credibility with secure, transparent solutions.

For more details, see our article on When Do Saas Payments Start.

14. Improve Security with Blockchain

Blockchain technology can help ecommerce businesses safeguard transactions, minimize fraud, and boost transparency - factors that directly influence growth and customer confidence in 2025.

Key Security Advantages

Security Feature How It Helps

Distributed Ledger Lowers fraud risks and secures transactions

Smart Contracts Automates agreements for smoother operations

Immutable Records Creates unalterable transaction histories

How to Get Started

Focus on specific areas where blockchain can make the biggest difference:

• Payment Processing: Use blockchain payment systems to cut transaction costs while improving security.
• Identity Verification: Apply blockchain-based authentication to protect customer data and reduce fraud.
• Product Authentication: Leverage blockchain to confirm product authenticity and fight counterfeiting.
• Compliance: Align with ISO 22739 standards to meet global security expectations while staying efficient.

Tracking Results

Measure blockchain's impact by monitoring fraud rates, transaction speeds, and overall security improvements.

Choosing the Right Platform

Platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger can be selected based on factors like transaction volume, integration needs, and cost.

Tips for Success

• Begin with small-scale projects to test the waters.
• Prioritize areas where security improvements are most urgent.
• Regularly review performance data.
• Keep thorough records of all blockchain-related processes.

15. Create Smart Rewards Programs

AI-powered rewards programs are becoming a go-to strategy for keeping customers engaged and driving repeat purchases. These systems use customer data and predictive tools to deliver tailored experiences that boost sales.

Key Elements of Smart Rewards

Component Purpose Impact

Behavioral Analysis Tracks customer activity and orders Anticipates future buying behavior

Real-time Engagement Monitors ongoing shopping actions Offers timely, relevant rewards

Predictive Analytics Forecasts customer preferences Improves inventory and promotions

Omnichannel Integration Links all shopping platforms Ensures smooth reward experiences

Using Data to Improve Rewards

To make your rewards program more effective, focus on these data points:

• Purchase history and trends
• Browsing habits
• Engagement with real-time offers
• Activity across different shopping channels

How to Implement It

AI can help automate reward triggers, adjust reward values on the fly, and present offers that match customer preferences.

Keeping Customer Data Safe

To maintain trust, prioritize data security by:

• Using strong encryption
• Being transparent about data collection practices
• Offering customers control over their information
• Conducting regular security checks

Tracking Your Program's Performance

Measure success with these metrics:

Metric What It Tracks

Repeat Purchase Rate How often customers return to buy

Program Engagement Participation in rewards activities

Customer Lifetime Value Revenue generated per member

Redemption Rate Percentage of rewards used

A well-designed rewards program that adapts to customer needs can significantly boost loyalty. Pair it with other strategies, like influencer partnerships, to create even stronger connections and drive growth.

16. Run Influencer Shopping Events

Influencer-led live shopping events are shaking up ecommerce, and with influencer marketing expected to hit $24.1 billion by 2025, these events are becoming a go-to strategy. They combine real-time interaction with the credibility influencers bring, making them a smart way to personalize the shopping experience.

Planning Your Live Shopping Event

A successful live shopping event starts with solid planning. Here’s a quick guide:

Component Purpose Best Practice

Platform and Setup Reach your audience and ensure no hiccups Use platforms like Instagram or TikTok Live where your audience is active. Test all equipment.

Event Format Keep viewers engaged Include product demos, interactive Q&As, and time-sensitive exclusive offers.

Promotion Strategy Get people to show up Build excitement across your social media, email, and other marketing channels.

Picking the Right Influencers

Not all influencers are created equal. Look for those with:

• Engagement rates between 3-8%
• At least 70% of their audience matching your target demographic
• A track record of converting followers into buyers (5%+ conversion rate)

Make sure their values align with your brand and that their followers are genuinely engaged, not just passive observers.

Boosting Event Success

Tech can take your live shopping event to the next level. Use AI to:

• Offer real-time product suggestions based on what viewers are doing
• Update inventory automatically to avoid selling out mid-event
• Personalize interactions by responding to viewers' questions or comments instantly

Tracking Results

After the event, it’s all about the numbers. Keep an eye on these key metrics:

Metric What to Measure

Live Viewer Count How many people tuned in

Sales Conversion Rate Purchases made during or right after

Engagement Metrics Comments, shares, and saved items

Customer Acquisition Cost How much you spent to gain new customers

These numbers will give you a clear picture of how well your event performed and where you can improve next time.

17. Match Products to Local Markets

Adjusting products to fit local market needs can boost customer satisfaction and increase sales by addressing specific regional demands. Research from McKinsey shows that understanding these local needs can help retailers cut inventory costs by up to 10% while better meeting customer expectations.

Using Data to Understand Local Markets

Modern AI tools can analyze regional data to predict customer preferences and shopping habits with impressive accuracy. This allows businesses to fine-tune their product offerings for maximum impact in specific areas.

Essential Strategies for Success

Component How to Implement

Data-Driven Inventory Use analytics to monitor local preferences and anticipate demand.

Regional Marketing Tailor promotions and messaging to resonate with local audiences.

Product Selection Adjust your catalog to reflect geographic trends and preferences.

Benefits of a Localized Marketplace Model

Retail giants like Nordstrom and Best Buy have shown how focusing on local markets can yield great results. They achieve this by:

• Testing and refining products based on regional demand before launching them nationwide.
• Collaborating with local vendors to offer products that align with regional tastes.
• Streamlining delivery networks to lower costs and improve delivery speed.

Metrics to Gauge Success

Keep an eye on these metrics to evaluate how well your localization efforts are working:

Metric Target Goal What It Tells You

Revenue Per User Potential 166% boost Measures the impact of personalization.

Inventory Turnover 10% cost reduction Shows how well stock is optimized.

Customer Satisfaction Meet local benchmarks Indicates how well your products fit the market.

Return Rates Stay below average Reflects how relevant your products are.

Conclusion

AI-powered tools are reshaping ecommerce, changing how companies engage with customers and streamline their operations. By blending advanced technologies with customer-first strategies, businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Implementation Priorities

Priority Area Key Focus

AI & Data Infrastructure Personalization, analytics, and understanding customer behavior

Customer Experience AI-driven assistance and improving engagement

Market Adaptation Aligning with local markets and scaling effectively

Focusing on these areas helps businesses establish a strong base for continued growth.

Building Your Growth Framework

Success comes from balancing cutting-edge technology with strategies that prioritize the customer. Research indicates that 3 out of 5 shoppers actively look for AI-driven features during their online shopping experience .

"AI-driven personalization transforms the marketing landscape by offering tailored experiences that resonate with individual customers." - Miller Media7

Measuring Success

After implementing these strategies, tracking performance is key to improving and expanding your efforts. Pay attention to:

• Customer Engagement: Analyze how personalization influences customer behavior.
• Technology ROI: Assess the efficiency and impact of AI and automation tools.
• Market Performance: Ensure strategies align with the needs of local markets.

Start by building a solid data infrastructure, then expand into more advanced technologies. The best outcomes come from combining tech innovation with a deep understanding of your customers, creating experiences that foster loyalty and drive growth over time.

Related reading

• What is penetration pricing and how to leverage it for your business
• What is surge pricing and how you can use it in your product
• How To Craft An E-commerce Growth Marketing Strategy
• Conversion rate optimization consultant vs in house team which is right for you
• Do you need a conversion rate optimization consultant? Here is how to decide

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