WHAT IS VIRTUAL SHOPPING?

Virtual shopping redefines the retail experience by replicating physical stores in a digital landscape. Customers can browse and shop for products through an ecommerce website or platform, which empowers them to explore products, interact with brands, and make purchases in a simulated environment.

In this article, we'll uncover the power of virtual shopping within video commerce and how your brand can get started.

WHY VIRTUAL SHOPPING MATTERS FOR YOUR BRAND

Shopping experiences and preferences are becoming more and more digital. To keep up, brands all around the world are adopting ways to reach, build, and engage with their target audience online. By leveraging virtual shopping experiences, your brand can engage with customers in new ways, create lasting impressions, and increase sales and brand loyalty.

By creating and prioritizing virtual shopping experiences, brands can accomplish:

• Innovative Brand Image: Embracing virtual shopping showcases your brand as technologically savvy and adaptable to modern consumer needs. Taking it one step further, brands are able to create their own Branded TV Channel, so customers can interact and shop without leaving the website, leading to higher conversion rates as well as strengthened brand awareness and visibility.

• Global Reach: It breaks geographical barriers, allowing your brand to reach customers worldwide without physical store limitations. But not only physical barriers are broken. With virtual shopping platforms, like ONLIVE.SITE, brands can restream on various platforms, reaching their audience worldwide with varying social media preferences. Stream on Instagram, YouTube, or any other of your audience's favorite platforms. The options are endless.
  
  

• Data Collection and Analytics: Virtual platforms offer valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences, aiding in targeted marketing strategies and product development. Brands using ONLIVE.SITE receive data and insights related to audience, engagement and funnel in order to fully understand consumer behavior and how to further develop their marketing strategy.
  
  

• Personalization: Virtual shopping platforms can use algorithms to suggest products based on customer preferences, leading to a more tailored shopping experience.
  
  

• Cost-Efficiency: Operating virtually reduces overhead costs associated with maintaining physical stores, potentially leading to higher margins or competitive pricing.
  
  

• Convenience: Customers appreciate the ease of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes, enhancing their shopping experience.

INITIATING YOUR BRAND'S VIRTUAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE 

• Know Your Audience: Analyze your target demographic to gauge their interest and receptiveness to a virtual shopping experience. Understanding their preferences and behaviors is pivotal.
  
  

• Select the Right Technology: Opt for technology that aligns with your brand and products. Depending on your brand's industry, there are many options out there. ONLIVE.SITE has a variety of tools, from One-to-One Virtual Sales Agent Technology, One-to-Many Live Shopping Platform, and even 3D Immersive Technology that thrives in the real estate industry.
  
  

• Craft Immersive Content: Use images, audiovisuals, and interactive features. Your virtual store should deliver a seamless and engaging experience for users. With ONLIVE.SITE, brands are leveraging the power of engaging and interactive features such as surveys, quizzes, product highlights, and more.
  
  

• Optimize Across Devices: Ensure accessibility across devices. Your virtual shopping experience should be mobile-friendly and optimized for web browsing to reach a broader audience.
  
  

• Prioritize Security and Convenience: Implement user-friendly navigation and secure payment gateways for a hassle-free shopping experience. Data security builds trust among customers.
  
  

• Market and Gather Feedback: Promote your virtual store across various channels. Gather user feedback to refine and adapt to customer preferences continuously.

SUCCESS STORIES IN VIRTUAL SHOPPING

• LUSH: The powerful and popular Cosmetics brand hosts virtual live shopping events. In the events, they share new products, talk about skincare tips, and even provide educational skincare content.
  
  

• ŠKODA: Škoda uses virtual shopping to give tours, answer customer questions, and showcase cars in a virtual showroom to allow customers to explore and customize.
  
  

• DELONGHI: Leading consumer electronics brand Delonghi uses live virtual shopping shows to showcase new items and show, instead of tell, their audience how to use them, making the decision to buy even easier.
  
  

• CLIKALIA: This leading Proptech uses innovative technology for cloud 3D immersive streaming, perfect for creating hyper-realistic home makeovers, hosted live from their TV Channel. 

CONCLUSION

Virtual shopping epitomizes the future of retail, offering an immersive, convenient, and personalized experience to a global audience. With ONLIVE.SITE, growing your brand digitally and embracing the power of virtual shopping experiences for your target audience in simple and straightforward. ONLIVE.SITE has the power to help you initiate your virtual shopping strategy, getting you closer to the digital audiene waiting to discover your brand.

Embracing this technology can set your brand apart, drive sales, and create a lasting impression. By leveraging the right technology and prioritizing user experience, your brand can thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of virtual commerce. 

Want to see a top brand leading the way with virtual shopping and video commerce? Check out one of our latest case study that highlights the incredible results seen by Škoda, a leading automotive manufacturer. See the potential for yourself and download the free case study.