How To Dominate E-commerce Trends In 2021

January 28, 2021

Trends to watch in 2021!

Clarity has begun to emerge in the world of retail, in particular in the e-commerce space. In fact, over the last 12 months some trends have started to emerge on what is beginning to define this growing space in 2021.

When making plans for growth, marketing or sales plans for 2021 here are five interesting trends to utilise for e-commerce businesses:

1. Shoppertainment

As more people choose to shop online, more businesses have either started or ramped up online sales. Which means there is more competition for each online dollar. To combat this retailers are looking for more innovative ways to create an exciting shopping experience. This is where "shoppertainment" helps to pull new shoppers in. The concept of ‘shoppertainment’ is nothing new. Think Easter Bunnies or Santa’s at shopping centers or department stores for example.

However, in the past few years innovative brands are using entertainment to sell online. Many businesses have embraced ways to entertain shoppers through interactive live streaming events on YouTube or Facebook. For example, using a brand ambassador to do a show and tell with products while answering questions during a live streamed conversation.

2. Social Media Selling

Businesses have been able to sell products on Facebook and Instagram for years. There are many options such as customer-to-customer Facebook Marketplace and online stores attached to Facebook Pages and Instagram Business accounts.

Recently Facebook has changed its e-commerce infrastructure into an online shopping experience that is more streamlined and purpose-built for online retailers. These new features are a game changer for retail and ecommerce sites, allowing brands to build their own self-contained Facebook Shop and Instagram Shop.

While these features are still rolling out globally, in Australia it is available on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook and Instagram Shop is a free digital storefront recommended for businesses selling products online. It is simple to set up and it includes both the ability to convert from any old Facebook Store pages and the ability to integrate with existing ecommerce platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce and more.

The true power of these in-app stores is that a customer does not need to leave Facebook or Instagram to make a purchase. This is important because giving a shopper less steps to complete a purchase increases the likelihood of a sale as well as a higher purchase amount.

3. Conscious Consumerism

No doubt that the effects of COVID-19 have changed not only the way we work and shop, but it has also changed the way we see the world. With the pandemic highlighting systemic inequalities around the world more and more consumers want to use their dollars to start solving those problems.

This means that retailers need to think beyond merely selling a product in this new landscape. The trend of purposeful consumerism has become a leading factor when people decide to shop with a brand, and it is expected to expand over the next decade. According to Dr Abas Mirzaei from Macquarie University, there are two key ingredients to developing a brand purpose in 2021: authenticity and inclusivity.

Creating a larger purpose for a brand is not as simple as nominating a charity to partner with or using sustainable packaging. It is about being part of larger worldwide movements. This is where focusing on authenticity is important. What makes sense for your brand to authentically support and how can you best achieve that?

Kristy Chong, the Founder and CEO of feminine hygiene underwear Modibodi, works to promote healthy body images with its customers, an open discussion about hygiene and women’s health, and provides a transparent view on sustainability.

Chong explains how their purpose works for her business, “When I started Modibodi I knew how important it was to have a social impact side to the business, therefore, a percentage of our profits go to women in need who often can’t afford feminine hygiene products – we want to celebrate our success as a business but ensure we’re a business with real heart that gives back – it’s not just about having a feel-good marketing campaign.”

Inclusivity is also important; this means looking at ways to include disadvantaged and diverse ranges of people into the purpose or into the business itself.

Defining a purpose is a big project and understanding the positive impact it can have on the world and a business is huge. Take time to develop and refine this message over time.

4. Personalisation is King

Even though people are shopping more online doesn’t mean they don’t want the human touch. Customers are craving personal relationships with the businesses they support. Luckily there are lots of opportunities to achieve this from data powered platforms to good old fashioned thank you notes included in their packages.

One way data can help create personal experiences for shoppers is through artificial intelligence. At one time cost would have been prohibitive for a service like this, but in 2021 times are changing. Now there are many e-commerce personalisation software platforms to help cater to specific customers.

This can take the form of anything from personalised emails, coupons, or product recommendations. The goal is to increase sales by enticing customers with a personalised experience so they will buy more in a single transaction and become a returning customer. This is where the artificial intelligence comes in. It takes a customer's browsing and purchase history and curates personalised recommendations from them. Most platforms are also able to measure the success of the recommendations and can refine them in the future.

While there are many options on the market both Attract and Bloomreach are both great places to start. Be sure to do plenty of research and find the best options for your business and budgets.

5. Engage With Customers

Buying online means getting feedback or insights into what your customers want has never been easier. Sending follow up emails for feedback, reviews or surveys should become part of your service workflow.

Google reviews are very important to getting and attracting new business through their search engine. Be sure to send follow up emails with links to your review site. For some businesses it may work better to send links to Facebook or Product Hunt to encourage people to leave reviews.

Do not overlook the importance of surveys. Customers are usually happy to provide feedback as long as it is short and simple. This feedback can help you refine your service as you grow and learn how to attract more of your ideal customers.

Many customer management systems offer email templates and surveys as part of the platform. Be sure to check this out before signing up for a new service. Getting good feedback and suggestions from your customer base makes future purchasing decisions easier and faster so get started as soon as possible.

Any Questions?

The trends of 2021 are here and most Australian e-commerce businesses are in a great position to take advantage of them. Of course, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a review of your processes please get in touch. We are always happy to help.

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Simple Financial Habits for Business Owners

By 360Accounting Services • November 5, 2025

Simple Financial Habits for Business Owners Running a business comes with a myriad of responsibilities, and sometimes, financial management can feel overwhelming. However, by adopting a few simple financial habits, business owners can maintain better control over their finances, ensure long-term stability, and reduce stress. This blog post will outline some essential practices that can make a significant difference. 1. Separate Business and Personal Finances This is perhaps the most fundamental rule for any business owner. Commingling funds can lead to confusion, complicate tax filings, and make it difficult to accurately assess your business's financial health. ● Open Separate Accounts: Set up distinct bank accounts and credit cards for your business. ● Avoid Personal Expenses from Business Accounts: Even small, seemingly insignificant personal purchases from your business account can create headaches. ● Pay Yourself a Salary: Treat yourself as an employee of your business and pay yourself a regular salary. 2. Track All Income and Expenses Accurate record-keeping is crucial for understanding where your money comes from and where it goes. This information is vital for budgeting, forecasting, and tax preparation. ● Use Bookkeeping Software: Invest in reliable accounting software like MYOB, Xero, or QuickBooks. These tools automate many tasks and provide clear financial reports. ● Categorise Transactions: Consistently categorise your income and expenses. This helps you identify spending patterns and areas for improvement. ● Keep Receipts: Digitise or keep physical copies of all business-related receipts. This is essential for auditing and expense verification. 3. Regular Review of Financial Statements Don't just record transactions; understand what they mean. Regularly reviewing your financial statements will provide insights into your business's performance. ● Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement: Review your P&L monthly to see your revenues, costs, and profits. ● Balance Sheet: Check your balance sheet quarterly to understand your assets, liabilities, and equity. ● Cash Flow Statement: Analyse your cash flow regularly to ensure you have enough liquidity to meet your obligations. 4. Create and Stick to a Budget A budget is your financial roadmap. It helps you allocate resources effectively, prevent overspending, and work towards your financial goals. ● Develop a Realistic Budget: Base your budget on historical data and realistic projections. ● Monitor and Adjust: Regularly compare your actual spending to your budget and make adjustments as needed. ● Allocate Funds for Taxes: Set aside a portion of your income for taxes, as estimated taxes can be a significant surprise if not planned for. 5. Build an Emergency Fund Just like personal finances, businesses need an emergency fund to weather unexpected challenges, such as a sudden drop in sales, equipment breakdown, or economic downturns. ● Set a Target: Aim to have at least 3-6 months of operating expenses saved. ● Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your operating account to your savings account. 6. Regularly Reconcile Bank Statements Bank reconciliation ensures that your internal records match your bank statements. This helps catch errors, detect fraud, and verify the accuracy of your books. ● Monthly Reconciliation: Reconcile your bank accounts and credit card statements every month. ● Investigate Discrepancies: Promptly investigate any differences between your records and the bank's records. 7. Seek Professional Advice While these habits provide a strong foundation, there will be times when you need expert guidance. ● Consult a Bookkeeper or Accountant: A professional bookkeeper or accountant can help set up your systems, ensure compliance, and provide strategic financial advice. ● Tax Planning: Work with a tax professional to optimise your tax strategy and ensure you're taking advantage of all eligible deductions. By consistently practicing these simple financial habits, business owners can gain a clearer picture of their financial health, make informed decisions, and pave the way for sustainable growth. Start implementing these habits today, and watch your business thrive. For more detailed guidance and personalised support, contact us at 360 Accounting Bookkeeping Services. We're here to help your business succeed. Contact Us: Phone: Parikshit Kikla (PK) Email: pkikla@360accountingservices.com.au Website: https://www.360accountingservices.com.au/