This year, shoppers in Australia are grappling with prolonged financial pressures, significantly impacting Australian Consumer behaviors. For instance, average order sizes have noticeably contracted compared to four years ago. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a mere 1.1% increase in discretionary spending on goods throughout 2023, while non-discretionary spending saw a substantial 10.7% boost. These figures indicate that inflation continues to pinch consumers, leading them to order smaller and smarter.
Despite these financial constraints, there is a silver lining for retailers. Average order values are stabilizing, with only a slight decrease in the frequency of orders over $100 from last year to this year. When prices align with shopper expectations, they are most likely to purchase fashion, electrical, and house or garden items. Automated price tracking has emerged as a highly favored website feature, as consumers seek to monitor prices closely.
As per the Australian consumers’ buying behavior online, Post-purchase costs also play a significant role in purchase decisions. Expensive shipping remains a major deterrent, causing almost all shoppers to abandon their carts. However, a notable portion of consumers are willing to pay an extra $20 for same-day delivery. This trend underscores that while cost is a concern, shoppers also value having choices.
In this blog, we will delve deeper into the insights from the 2024 Online Shopping Report by BigCommerce, exploring the online Shopping trends in Australia shaping ecommerce this year. By understanding current purchasing behaviors, cart abandonment trends, delivery needs, loyalty and rewards preferences, brand engagement, and social media effectiveness, retailers can optimise their strategies to create personalized shopping journeys on BigCommerce.
What are the Purchase Behaviour patterns and Repeat Purchases?
By understanding these purchase behaviors and the factors driving repeat purchases, retailers can enhance their strategies on BigCommerce. Leveraging tools like automated pricing alerts, personalised recommendations, and flexible payment options can significantly improve the shopping experience, fostering customer loyalty and boosting sales.
Focus on Value
- Shoppers are using automated pricing and tracking alerts to find the best deals, especially in Fashion Ecommerce Australia.
- Website personalization helps in discovering more relevant products.
- Virtual try-on services ensure items meet shopper expectations.
Payment Preferences
- Deferred and split payment options are more popular than debit cards.
- Reflects tighter cash flow and a need for flexible payment solutions.
Most-Used Payment Methods
- Australia- PayPal is the most-used payment method, matching the combined total of Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
- New Zealand- Visa is the top choice for online payments.
Popular Categories in 2024
- Fashion- Continues to be the most popular category for the third consecutive year.
- Electronics/Electrical Products- Second most-ordered category.
- House/Garden Products- Third most-ordered category.
Selling More with BigCommerce
Boosting sales on BigCommerce involves leveraging several key strategies that cater to modern consumer preferences and technological advancements. Here are some effective ways to enhance your ecommerce success on BigCommerce:
Boost Sales with Mobile Shopping
With the majority of shoppers using mobile devices, optimising your BigCommerce store for mobile shopping is crucial. Ensure your website is mobile-responsive, providing a seamless shopping experience on smartphones and tablets. Mobile-friendly designs and easy navigation can significantly improve user engagement and conversion rates.
Make the Most of Social Media Shopping
Social media platforms are becoming essential sales channels. Integrating your BigCommerce store with social media allows you to reach a broader audience and tap into the social commerce trend. The Gen Z consumer trends Australia suggest that most purchases are made using social platforms as a proof. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your products, engage with customers, and drive traffic to your store.
Offer What Customers Want, Personalized Shopping and Virtual Try-Ons
Personalization is key to creating a memorable shopping experience. Hire BigCommerce Developers and ask them to integrate tools in your store to offer personalised product recommendations based on browsing history and preferences. Australian Consumer behaviour wants to move to virtual try-ons for clothing and accessories that can help them make confident purchase decisions, reducing return rates and enhancing satisfaction.
Easy Payments or The Impact of Buy Now, Pay Later
Flexible payment options, such as buy now, pay later (BNPL) services, can attract more customers. Many shoppers prefer deferred payment methods to manage their finances better. Incorporate BNPL options like Afterpay and Klarna into your BigCommerce store to increase conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
BigCommerce Trends and Tips for 2024 for creating Customer Centric Shopping Journeys
Shifting Consumer Priorities
Due to economic conditions, shoppers are becoming more cautious and focused on essential purchases and value for money. As a BigCommerce store owner, it’s vital to highlight the value and necessity of your products. Companies working on fashion ecommerce Australia can choose to offer promotions and discounts on essential items to attract budget-conscious consumers. Emphasise the quality and longevity of your products to ensure customers see the long-term value of their purchases.
Omnichannel Shopping
While online shopping remains dominant, consumers increasingly blend online and in-store experiences, demanding seamless transitions between channels. Ensure your BigCommerce store integrates well with your physical retail presence, providing a consistent and unified shopping experience. Use tools like click-and-collect, real-time inventory updates, and unified customer accounts to bridge the gap between online and offline shopping.
Social Commerce Growth
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are becoming major shopping destinations, with features like live shopping and one-click checkout driving sales. Leverage social media integrations with your BigCommerce store to showcase your products directly on these platforms. Utilise live shopping events to engage with your audience in real-time and encourage immediate purchases through simplified checkout processes.
Mobile-First Shopping
Mobile devices continue to be the primary shopping tool, emphasising the need for optimised mobile experiences. Ensure your BigCommerce store is fully responsive and provides a seamless mobile shopping experience. Some tips for Mobile Shopping on BigCommerce include optimising navigation, loading speeds, and checkout processes for mobile users to capture the growing mobile shopper demographic.
Price Comparison and Research
Consumers are diligent in comparing prices and researching products before purchasing, making it crucial for retailers to offer competitive pricing and detailed product information. Incorporate comprehensive product descriptions, high-quality images, and customer reviews on your BigCommerce store. Use dynamic pricing tools to stay competitive and offer price-matching guarantees to reassure customers.
Faster Delivery Expectations
Consumers demand swift and reliable delivery, putting pressure on retailers to improve their shipping options. Provide various shipping options, including expedited and same-day delivery, to meet customer expectations. Clearly communicate shipping times and costs upfront to avoid surprises at checkout and reduce cart abandonment rates.
Personalised Experiences
Personalised Shopping Experience BigCommerce offers are essential for building customer loyalty and driving conversions. Utilise BigCommerce’s personalization tools to offer product recommendations based on browsing history and past purchases. Create personalized marketing campaigns and offer exclusive discounts to returning customers to foster loyalty and increase repeat purchases.
BigCommerce Tips and Tricks
Simple Ways to Improve Your BigCommerce Store
Enhance user experience by streamlining the checkout process, ensuring fast page load times, and offering multiple payment options. Regularly update your product descriptions and images to keep your store fresh and engaging. Utilise customer feedback to identify areas for improvement and implement changes promptly.
SEO Tips for BigCommerce
Optimise your BigCommerce store for search engines by using relevant keywords in product titles, descriptions, and meta tags. Create high-quality content, such as blog posts and product reviews, to attract organic traffic. Utilise BigCommerce’s built-in SEO tools to monitor and improve your store’s search engine rankings.
BigCommerce for Small Businesses
For small businesses, getting started on BigCommerce can be straightforward with the right approach. Begin by selecting a suitable theme, customising your store’s appearance, and setting up essential features like payment gateways and shipping options. Leverage BigCommerce’s resources and support to guide you through the setup process.
Future Trends in BigCommerce
What’s Next for BigCommerce?
The ecommerce landscape is continually evolving, with innovations like augmented reality (AR) shopping, AI-driven personalization, and voice commerce gaining traction. Keeping an eye on these trends can help you adapt and remain competitive in the market.
Going Green on BigCommerce
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers. Implement eco-friendly practices in your BigCommerce store, such as offering recyclable packaging, showcasing eco-friendly products, and highlighting your sustainability efforts. This can attract environmentally conscious shoppers and enhance your brand’s reputation.
Video Shopping can be the new way to Sell on BigCommerce
Video content is a powerful tool for engaging customers and showcasing products. Incorporate product videos, live shopping events, and customer testimonials into your BigCommerce store to provide a dynamic shopping experience. Video shopping can increase conversion rates and build stronger connections with your audience.
Wrapping up
Personalised shopping journeys have always been seen to cater to a customer’s needs better. It allows the customer to feel heard, Their requirements are met through your Ecommerce platforms which ultimately gives you repeat customers. The above mentioned trends will help you make a future proof plan for your BigCommerce store.
