While social commerce was previously focused on ads or promotions, platforms are beginning to provide new and innovative selling solutions that focus on making the journey easier for buyers. For example, Instagram introduced new shopping features which allow social media users to purchase items without ever leaving the app. Moving into 2022, brands should re-evaluate the purchasing paths they offer and consider taking advantage of social selling opportunities through Instagram posts, Reels, Stories, and more.
Trend analysis
As social media platforms are starting to provide e-commerce merchants with new shopping features, channels such as Instagram have become synonymous with social media influencers. These influencers endorse brands through strategic partnerships, promoting their products and services to their large, loyal follower bases. This influencer mark
eting push marks a big opportunity for brands to align their products and services with relevant influencers to meet new audiences in a place where they are already spending most of their day. If you’re not already considering this strategy, now is the time: 69% of marketers plan to disburse more money on Instagram influencers than any other market this year.
How consumers are driving the trend
To get a consumer’s attention and keep it, brands are having to think outside the box and get creative. Livestreams have become a popular way in which consumers can interact and even purchase products immediately. The more you know about your consumers, the better you’ll be at creating content that attracts them. As brands catch on, you can expect more ‘shoppertainment’ content on social media platforms.