Shopping was social activity before the pandemic. People used to enjoy going to the mall with their friends or family regularly. Shopping moved online as the pandemic spread, and socializing was replaced by social distancing. When other forms of online shopping can feel impersonal and distant, social commerce brings the in-store experience back to life. Shopping has evolved into a digital experience and is a valuable tool for companies to maintain existing relationships, attract new customers, and increase revenue.
There are currently 157 million social commerce shoppers in India, accounting for 53% of all shoppers. By the end of 2022, this number is expected to have risen by 45 percent, to around 228 million. This is a massive opportunity for brands looking to sell online.
The social aspect of the online shopping experience differentiates social commerce from other forms of e-commerce. Social platforms make it simple to share a product with friends and get their opinion before purchasing it. It’s just as easy to share the excitement and anticipation of the delivery once customers have made the purchase.
On social commerce platforms, personalization is simple from the start, thanks to the available user data. As a result, brands have the opportunity to foster the same close relationship that previous generations of shoppers enjoyed with their favorite brick-and-mortar stores. Through social commerce, brands can act as personal shoppers for their customers, making the entire shopping experience more enjoyable and convenient.