Top 5 Shopify trends to watch in 2024: Insights from Coen Fredriks

The ever-evolving landscape of e-commerce is continuously shaped by emerging trends, especially for those using Shopify. In a recent episode of "Click To Buy," Coen Fredriks, a seasoned e-commerce strategist from Code, shared his insights on the top trends every Shopify merchant should watch. Let's dive into the key takeaways from the episode and uncover Coen's click-worthy tips.

Who is Coen Fredriks?

Coen Fredriks is a renowned e-commerce strategist with a career spanning over a decade. Specializing in Shopify Plus, email automation, cross-border strategies, and optimization, Coen has worked on high-profile projects for brands like Frederique Constant, Alpinestars, and ASICS. Currently leading the customer success and sales team at Code, he has implemented a business blueprint for e-commerce growth, helping clients make informed decisions and expand their businesses.

5 Shopify trends to watch

To get the full episode, listen in via Spotify or watch the video version on YouTube:

1. Personalization in loyalty programs

Personalization is key to successful loyalty programs. Coen emphasizes that making loyalty programs personal and segmented can significantly enhance customer retention and satisfaction.

"Try to make it personal and segmentize," Coen advises.

Brands like J.Lindeberg excel by allowing customers to set preferences, making their loyalty programs more engaging.

How to improve your ecommerce loyalty programs:

• Collect customer preferences such as interests, sizes, and fits.

• Segment communication channels based on these preferences.

• Offer unexpected rewards to delight customers.

• Continuously refine the loyalty strategy to keep it relevant.

2. Effective cross-border strategies

Expanding internationally can be a game-changer for e-commerce businesses. Coen points out that a well-defined cross-border strategy is essential for successful global expansion.

Expanding internationally requires a thoughtful approach.

"Define your market and adapt your strategy accordingly," says Coen.

This includes considering local languages, currencies, domains, and customer journeys.

How to get started with cross-border commerce

• Define target markets or regions.

• Adapt pricing, marketing, and product catalogs to local preferences.

• Utilize local domains and payment methods for better customer trust.

• Ensure efficient international fulfillment and returns.

3. Agile development for e-commerce growth

The agile development approach allows for rapid implementation and continuous iteration of new features. Coen highlights its importance for keeping e-commerce operations dynamic and responsive.

"Aim for proof of concept (POC) and iterate continuously," Coen emphasizes.

How to get started with agile development

• Allocate sprints for development and create a roadmap with growth features.

• Prioritize features in collaboration with the client.

• Develop, test, and iterate based on data insights.

• Focus on small, manageable POCs before scaling.

4. Embracing re-commerce

Re-commerce, or enabling customers to resell previously purchased items, is gaining traction.

Coen believes this trend can significantly boost customer engagement.

"It's a huge opportunity to increase frequency," Coen notes.

How to get started with re-commerce

• Set up a platform for customers to resell items they purchased from you.

• Offer store credits instead of cash to encourage repeat purchases.

• Monitor resale activity on third-party platforms like Vinted to gauge interest.

• Promote the resale program to your customer base to boost engagement.

5. The future of AI in e-commerce

AI is transforming the e-commerce landscape, making personalized shopping experiences more accessible. Coen predicts that AI will soon become integral to e-commerce, offering advanced shopping assistants and more efficient customer service solutions.

"We will get shopping assistants from AI," Coen predicts.

These AI-driven tools will know customers better than ever, enabling more efficient and tailored shopping experiences.

How to prepare for future AI e-commerce trends

• Data Collection: Start collecting and organizing customer data now to prepare for AI integration.

• AI-Powered Translation: Leverage large learning models to accurately translate content while maintaining your brand's tone of voice.

• AI Shopping Assistants: Implement AI shopping assistants that can recommend products, provide detailed information, and even negotiate prices.

• Customer Service Automation: Use AI to enhance customer service with automated responses that handle common queries, improving efficiency and satisfaction.

• Stay Updated: Keep an eye on AI advancements and regularly update your e-commerce platform to integrate the latest technologies.

By embracing these AI-driven innovations, you can provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience, ensuring your e-commerce business stays competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Coen's Click Worthy Tip

Coen emphasizes the importance of focusing on the second and third purchases to increase customer loyalty.

"We know that after a third purchase, more than 50% of customers will come back," he states.

By understanding and catering to the needs of repeat customers, you can significantly uplift your e-commerce frequency and success.

Final Thoughts

The insights shared by Coen Fredriks provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the dynamic e-commerce landscape. By embracing personalization, effective cross-border strategies, agile development, minimizing tech bloat, and re-commerce, Shopify merchants can stay ahead of the curve and drive growth.