The recent AI boom has brought tools like ChatGPT and Google’s BARD into the mainstream. These advancements are democratizing tech, making it accessible to all and not just to Fortune 500 companies or MIT researchers. One sector that has been quick to embrace this evolution is ecommerce.
According to a 2022 IBM report, 35% of companies reported using AI in their business already, and an additional 42% reported they are exploring AI. If you’re an ecommerce manager, you don’t need to worry about artificial intelligence replacing you. However, someone savvy in AI will. If you’re not integrating it, you’re falling behind. That’s because AI in ecommerce has become a game-changer, one of the biggest ecommerce trends revolutionizing how online businesses operate and engage with their customers.
Let's explore the potential of AI in ecommerce and how it can enhance your workflow, boost your career, and elevate your ecommerce business’ success.
AI-driven insights allow ecommerce retailers to create unique customer experiences by collecting and analyzing data related to customer behaviors and preferences. This customization increases retention and boosts conversion rates for businesses that successfully personalize their customers' experiences.
Online retailers can analyze customer preferences based on images they interact with or upload, helping them provide more accurate product recommendations tailored specifically for individual consumers.
Implementing AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants in the ecommerce industry has vastly improved customer service quality by providing 24/7 support through natural language processing (NLP).
Predictive analytics, powered by AI algorithms and big data processing capabilities, allow ecommerce leaders to optimize inventory management by analyzing past sales performance, customer purchase history, and external factors such as seasonal trends or economic indicators.
AI writing tools can generate sales copy within seconds, requiring minimal editing from human writers. These tools generate multiple versions of text based on a given prompt, offering multiple options to choose from.
AI image tools can create a range of images for free, turning rough ideas into finished graphics, removing and replacing backgrounds, and creating quality images without models, green screens, or renting a studio.
AI tools can prototype endless logo ideas, bringing your ideas to life.
AI-driven remarketing campaigns target users who have abandoned their carts with personalized ads and incentives to encourage them to return and complete the transaction.
AI in ecommerce can tailor content and advertising messages based on user preferences, browsing history, and purchase patterns.
AI, and more specifically, Natural Language Processing (NLP), can streamline invoice reconciliation, matching invoices from ERP systems to bank transactions.
Here are some AI tools you can try to boost productivity and increase efficiency across every area of your ecommerce business:
Chooch: AI vision tool for retail that helps drive higher revenue while creating a more enjoyable shopping experience for customers.
ViSENZE: A smart recommendation tool that uses machine learning to display products your customers will likely want to buy.
Google Cloud: Provides personalized recommendations based on the customer’s previous shopping experience and history.
BigCommerce: Commerce-as-a-Service tool that (CaaS) enables you to create custom ecommerce solutions for your customers, powered by a modern platform with AI.
Salesforce eCommerce Experience: AI-powered checkout flows, payment accelerators, real-time inventory visibility, advanced allocation logic, and order lifecycle management.
Jasper & Kua.ai: Help you write copy for product descriptions, ads, social media posts, emails, etc.
Grammarly: AI-driven editor that instantly catches grammatical errors in your text and helps you match a tone of voice, available as a Chrome extension, desktop app, and SaaS app.
Wordtune: Use this tool to spice up any sentence and clarify your message.
Canva AI Image Generator: a DIY graphic design tool that allows you to generate images from words.
Ocus: Easily improve and edit user-generated content.
Midjourney: Generate images from natural language descriptions.
Kua.ai: Present you with a more suitable AI image generator for ecommerce.
Descript: Create captivating video content for your store.
Prisync: A Shopify dynamic pricing app that helps you monitor your competitors’ price moves from a single dashboard and import all your products with a single click.
Trovata: An automated cash management platform that enables you to use AI and ML to manage cash and all of its complexities with ease
Finally, when it comes to AI in ecommerce, there are infinite ways you can get started. But please, don’t bite off more than you can chew! Change takes time, and you’ll need to iron out the kinks, so start small and work your way up. I suggest identifying your biggest pain point and working from there. What processes can AI help you to automate that take up most of your time? Is there something you don’t have time to get to? For example, if social media marketing is an afterthought for you, you might want to try using an AI tool to help you generate posts.
Bonus: Explore how AI can innovatively create engaging social media content for you. Dive in for more comprehensive insights.