No, AI won't revolutionize shopping - but this will

I'm not against AI at all. In fact, I'm a huge fan and wouldn't dream of canceling my ChatGPT subscription. So, if you're a fellow AI enthusiast, take a deep breath and don't flood my DMs. We're good, at least for today. Who knows what tomorrow might bring, though? 😜

But let's get to the main event: the future of online shopping. If you're thinking about starting an online business or already selling online and want to stay ahead of the curve, you're in the right place.

In this article, we'll dive into:

• My vision for the future of online shopping
• How we arrived at this point in the digital retail landscape
• Practical tips to keep you ahead of the game

So, relax and let's explore what could be a game-changer for online shopping by 2025. Stick around until the end, and I'll share how you could make some serious cash. 🤑

Quick Intro

If you're new here, I'm Lester, but my friends call me Les. 👋

I'm a founder who's had a successful exit and currently serve as the executive chairman of a group of e-commerce brands. At heart, I'm a performance marketer who loves spotting trends. I've been in the e-commerce game for over a decade, with some big wins and even bigger losses (gotta laugh at those!).

I've seen trends come and go, but I'm confident this one is different.

The Biggest Opportunity for Online Shopping in 2025

You're probably wondering, what's this big opportunity? 🕵️‍♂️

It's live commerce, a mix of livestreaming and e-commerce. Creators showcase their products live, explaining features and benefits, and viewers can instantly add items to their cart and buy them.

Here's the kicker: Live commerce generated $20 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $55 billion by 2026. 😲

A recent study found that live commerce can boost the online shopping experience by up to 60%, making it more engaging and enjoyable for consumers. About 46% of US consumers have made a purchase through a live shopping event.

Funny story: I was explaining live commerce to Aly, my editor, and she said, "So, it's like QVC?" I laughed and said, "Yeah, basically, but online." That's when it hit me: despite all the tech advancements, like self-driving cars and AI, humans still crave connection. AI can replicate, but it can't replace that. 👎

The future belongs to founders and entrepreneurs who build meaningful connections with their audience. Sure, AI avatars might have their place, but those who put themselves out there will likely succeed more.

The irony? The more AI we have, the more people will seek genuine human connections.

The Psychology of Why It Works

Understanding why live commerce works is crucial for future-proofing your business. It taps into what makes us human—it's not just about the product.

Take the fear of missing out (FOMO), a powerful marketing tool. When you see others excited and buying, it's hard not to think, "I need one too." 🥰 It's like seeing a TikTok challenge and thinking, "I have to try this."

With live commerce, it's that feeling on steroids because once the livestream ends, so does the promotion. The audience must decide to buy right then and there. 📢

Who Are the Players?

TikTok is leading the charge in live commerce. Despite privacy concerns, they really get it. Creators have made millions using this format. 🚀

TikTok's gifting feature lets users send virtual items to creators, adding another layer of engagement.

But the platform I'm most excited about is Whatnot. As I write this, Whatnot is the fastest-growing live shopping platform, specializing in collectibles, fashion, and other niche products.

What I love about Whatnot is how it connects passionate collectors with the products they love. It feels like a community. Even though it's "new," creators are already seeing success. For instance, Caitieco sells over $170,000 per month on Whatnot, proving dedicated sellers can achieve significant financial success.

Whatnot shows this style of commerce isn't just for TikTok. New platforms are popping up, and established ones are adopting this model with varying success.

3 Tips to Get Started with Live Commerce

You might be wondering, "How do I even start?" Here's your crash course on how to thrive in live commerce.

1. Promote Your Livestream in Advance 📢

What it is: Building excitement and ensuring a strong turnout by promoting your livestream ahead of time. Make it feel like an event by offering exclusive deals or promotions only available during the livestream.

How to do it: Use email, social media, and SMS like a prelaunch campaign. Tell everyone you know and encourage them to share it. Build buzz with sneak peeks or teasers of what you'll showcase.

Pro Tip: Set up a reminder system with SMS or email. Send countdown messages like "We're live in 24 hours!" or "Don't miss our live in 1 hour!" Pair these reminders with a hint about the special offer to build urgency.

2. Leverage Live Q&A 🤔

What it is: Engaging in real-time conversations with your audience to build trust and rapport. It's like being in a store and asking a salesperson about a product.

How to do it: Encourage your audience to ask questions during the livestream and answer them genuinely and in detail. This is your chance to handle objections and clarify any confusion.

Pro Tip: Prepare answers for common questions beforehand to keep the session smooth. If you don't know the answer, it's okay to say, "I don't know, but I'll get back to you."

3. Have a Clear Call to Action 🎯

What it is: A clear call to action (CTA) that tells your audience exactly what you want them to do—whether it's buying a product, signing up, or staying connected. Be confident and direct.

How to do it: During your livestream, say things like "Click the link to add this to your cart now" or "Tap the button to claim this exclusive offer." Make it easy and obvious for them to take action.

Pro Tip: Use urgency and exclusivity in your CTA. For example, "This deal is only available for the next 10 minutes," or "We have limited stock, so grab yours before it's gone." Make it special and give your loyal supporters a reason to attend.

My Two Cents

Like most things, you get out what you put in. Live commerce is a fantastic opportunity to grow your business, but it's not a magic formula. Having a good product, understanding your audience, and connecting with them are crucial.

View live commerce as another tool in your arsenal, not the whole arsenal. 😉

It's interesting to see big brands losing touch with their audience, chasing AI trends while drifting from genuine connections. Consumers are saying, "AI is great, but we don't want it to replace authentic interactions with a brand."

Consistently engaging with your audience is key. "Live commerce" might get a new name in a few years, but at its core, it's about humans connecting with humans.

Now is the perfect time to leverage this shift and gain an edge. Big brands are missing the mark, and your authenticity is your advantage. AI can't imitate that.

For now, humans are winning. 😩

😇 Hope this article helps; I'm rooting for you.

P.S. Want more data-driven marketing insights? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in digital marketing, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. If this sounds like your jam and you want to be besties forever, click here to sign up. It's totally free.