Unique shopping experiences used to be reserved for brick-and-mortar stores. But expectations have changed. The consumer now expects seamless shopping experiences that are similar to the in-store experience, especially when purchasing products.
The Square Future of Commerce report shows that 58% of consumers are interested in new digital shopping methods. 22% of respondents were interested in virtual reality, which allows them to shop in a virtual store. It’s not surprising that online retailers now offer interactive technology and 3D visuals that allow buyers to interact with products and services in new and exciting ways.
Here are some tips to help you create a great shopping experience if you are considering visual commerce strategies.
What is visual commerce?
Visual commerce is an eCommerce marketing strategy that uses captivating visual content and Augmented Reality to increase customer satisfaction and get new customers. This involves using technology to transform product images, which are often found in online shops. For example, you can use lifestyle photos to show your product more realistically or 360-degree visuals so that customers can see it from every angle.
Also read: What is Visual Analytics? Benefits and Difference
Different types of visual commerce
Visual commerce can be used in many ways. Customers can learn more about their products by exploring them through images, videos, and even augmented or virtual realities. These are the most popular forms of visual commerce.
Visual configuration
Customers can customize their products with visual configuration. This allows them to see the product in 2D and 3D before purchasing.
A cake shop might use visual configuration to allow customers to design unique cakes to fulfill their orders. Carlo’s Bakery Custom cake Builder lets customers choose their type of cake, color, dots, bow colors, and inscriptions. Before the customer confirms their order, the site shows a mockup.
3D product photography
Virtual photography software can be used to create 3D product photography without the need for a photo shoot. Images are created from product design files and then modified or reconfigured for specific uses. Customers can view the product from all angles with 3D product photography to get a better understanding of its features and benefits before purchasing.
Configurable augmented reality
This type of visual commerce allows you to create virtual 3D models of products or services so customers can view them in their preferred settings before purchasing. Customers can virtually try out Ray Ban Stories smart sunglasses to see how they look on their faces. Snap and Publicis Media commissioned a study to find out that 80% of customers feel more confident buying a product if they can experience it in augmented reality.
User-generated content
UGC (user-generated content) refers to any type of brand-specific content that customers create and post on the internet at no cost. UGC can be used to increase trust, social proof, and conversions by being included in product pages. According to Stackla research, 79% of consumers believe that user-generated content has a significant impact on their buying decisions.
Your online shop allows customers to upload product videos and photos to their product reviews. Reposting user-generated content is a smart way of leveraging it on social media. You can, for example, add product tags to user-generated posts on Instagram. This will allow interested buyers to click through to the product page.
Benefits of visual commerce
- Improved customer experience: Using visual commerce, it is easier to offer an online shopping experience that matches the experience in-store. Customers can interact with products in-store using augmented reality tools from the convenience of their own homes.
- Increased sales: Customers will be more likely to purchase if they can visualize the benefits of a product/service in their daily lives. Annex Cloud claims that visual commerce can boost conversion rates by 5% to 75%.
- Brand differentiation: Visual commerce requires strong execution. If done right, visual commerce can make your brand stand out from the crowd and make it memorable.
- Cost reduction: Investing in visual commerce tools may help to reduce the costs of eCommerce business photography.
Also read: 7 Ways 3D Scanning Can Benefit Your Business
Top visual commerce platforms
There are many tools available that allow visual commerce. Here are three points to get you started with eCommerce and social media platforms.
Threekit
Threekit allows you to create 3D products and use augmented reality platforms for eCommerce. Customers can configure product options and view the final product with the 3D configurator. AR allows customers to view the custom item they have created in their own space in real-time.
Square Photo Studio
The Square Photo Studio uses AI for optimizing product images. Your iPhone can take professional-quality photos of your products. Simply take a picture of your product and style it with the Advanced AI tool. Then, sync your photos to your online shop.
Pixlee
Pixlee allows you to create a visual library from other social media posts by customers or users. Automate the collection of posts by using hashtags. Use an AI-powered visual search tool to find the most valuable content and highlight it on your website, email, and social media platforms.
Final Word
You are a business owner, and delivering an excellent customer experience is a priority Customers shop online or in-store. Implementing visual commerce strategies can help you differentiate your business in competitive markets, Engage and delight your customers to increase sales.
