B2C Ecommerce Site Search Trends 2024
Introduction
The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail and e-commerce continues to expand, with Algolia partnering with Coleman Parkes to produce the annual B2C Ecommerce Site Search Trends report. This year's report, based on input from 1,100 participants, highlights the ongoing investment in search and the increasing importance of AI in enhancing user experiences.
Key Insights
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Investment in Search
- B2C companies predict healthy ongoing investment in search for 2024.
- Over 60% of IT decision makers (ITDMs) and business decision makers (BDMs) recognize the importance of AI in their search strategy.
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Impact of AI
- AI is seen as crucial for improving the accuracy and relevance of search results.
- Generative AI is linked to better product comparisons and improved buyer’s guides.
- 46% of respondents expect a significant increase in AI-driven customer interactions.
- Over half of respondents indicate a desire for more varied payment options, reflecting the lasting impact of the pandemic on online shopping.
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Search Capabilities
- Companies seek functionality to search all content sources.
- Personalization remains a top priority, with 70% of respondents viewing it as an integral part of their ecommerce strategy.
- Speedy delivery and product recommendations are ranked highly in customer service.
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Merchandising and AI
- The importance of merchandising in the e-commerce space is growing.
- 68% of businesses have a dedicated merchandising team.
- 52% plan to implement AI tools to enhance merchandising.
- 64% intend to hire more merchandisers, and 73% plan to invest in a developer team to support digital merchandising strategies.
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Survey Participants
- The survey included 300 participants from the US, and 200 each from the UK, France, Germany, and New Zealand/Australia.
- There was an equal split between ITDMs and BDMs, indicating the increasing importance of search and AI across different roles in B2C organizations.
Conclusion
The report underscores the evolving landscape of B2C e-commerce, where AI and advanced search capabilities are becoming essential tools for driving revenue growth and enhancing customer experiences. The focus on personalization, improved payment options, and the strategic use of AI in merchandising reflects the ongoing transformation in the e-commerce sector.