Shopping at the Speed of Life
24/10/2023
Video Commerce
Live Shopping is a new trend that has emerged in recent years, and it is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for businesses to sell their products online. Live shopping is essentially a virtual shopping experience that takes place in real-time, allowing customers to interact with the seller, ask questions, and make purchases directly from the live stream. In this article, we will explore the world of live shopping platforms, including what they are, how they work, and some of the most popular options available today.
What is Live Streaming?
Live streaming refers to the process of broadcasting video content over the internet in real time. This technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it allows businesses, influencers, and content creators to connect with their audiences in a more immediate and engaging way. Live streaming can be used for a variety of purposes, including product launches, webinars, Q&A sessions, and more.
It is also a powerful tool for businesses looking to increase customer engagement and build brand awareness, as it allows them to interact with their audiences in real time and create more personalized experiences by converting and boosting sales in real-time.
What is Live Shopping?
Live Shopping is a form of e-commerce that allows businesses to sell their products in real time through a live stream. Essentially, it is like a virtual shopping channel where customers can tune in and watch a host or presenter showcase products and provide commentary, while also interacting with viewers and answering any questions they may have. Viewers can then make purchases directly from the live stream, often through a simple one-click process, without having to leave the platform or switch to another website.
Live shopping platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in Asia where they have been embraced by businesses and consumers alike. Livestream shopping has emerged from China. It was initiated in China in the mid 2010s. Then as a subsidiary of Alibaba in 2016, livestream shopping took off and kept expanding. In 2020, the market estimation of livestream shopping was $170 billion. In China, for example, live shopping has become a multi-billion dollar industry, with some platforms attracting tens of millions of viewers for each live stream. In the West, live shopping is still a relatively new concept, but it is quickly gaining traction as more businesses look for new ways to reach customers in the digital age.
How do Live Shopping Platforms work?
Live shopping platforms work by providing businesses with the tools they need to create and host live shopping events. Typically, these platforms will offer a range of features and tools, such as video streaming capabilities, e-commerce functionality, and social media integration, that allow businesses to create engaging and interactive live shopping experiences.
Another important feature of live shopping platforms is the ability to interact with viewers in real time. This allows hosts and presenters to answer questions, respond to feedback, and engage with customers in a way that is not possible with traditional e-commerce platforms. This level of interaction can help to build trust and rapport with customers, which can lead to increased sales and brand loyalty.
buywith offers an exciting shopping experience for brands to use brand reps and influencers to host one-on-one live shopping sessions. You can host live events and target your audiences in an interactive way.
The live experience enhances the overall shopping experience and customers have much clarity about the products and services that they are about to purchase. Also, this includes answering questions, receiving feedback and getting social proof that can enhance your credibility and reputation.
One of the key features of live shopping platforms is their ability to allow customers to make purchases directly from the live stream. This is often done through a simple one-click process that takes viewers directly to a product page where they can complete their purchase. Some platforms may also offer features such as real-time inventory updates and the ability to offer discounts or promotions during the live stream.
Benefits of Live Shopping Platforms
There are several benefits of live shopping for businesses, including increased customer engagement and loyalty, the ability to reach new audiences, and the ability to showcase products in a more personalized way.
- Increased Customer Engagement and Loyalty
One of the main benefits of live shopping is increased customer engagement and loyalty. By interacting with customers in real time, businesses can build trust and rapport over time, which can lead to increased sales and repeat customers. Live shopping events also allow businesses to showcase their products in a more immersive and interactive way, which can help customers make more informed purchasing decisions.
- Ability to Reach New Audiences
Live shopping also allows businesses to reach new audiences. By partnering with influencers and personalities who have a large following on social media, businesses can tap into new markets and expand their reach beyond their existing customer base. This can lead to increased sales and brand awareness over time.
- Showcase Products in a More Personalized Way
Finally, live shopping allows businesses to showcase their products in a more personalized way. By interacting with customers in real time, businesses can provide product recommendations and answer questions, which can help customers make more informed purchasing decisions. Live shopping events also allow businesses to showcase products in a more immersive and engaging way, which can help customers visualize how products will look and feel in real life.
- Popular Live Shopping Platforms
There are several popular live shopping platforms available for businesses, including social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as dedicated live shopping platforms like buywith and Shopify Live.
buywith: The name you can trust
buywith is a live shopping platform that allows businesses to create live shopping events and connect with potential customers in real time. This platform was launched in 2018 and has quickly gained popularity among businesses looking for innovative ways to sell products LIVE.
buywith offers a range of features to help businesses create engaging and interactive live shopping experiences. These include the ability to showcase products in real-time, offer discounts and promotions, and interact with customers through live chat.
We have a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with our patented smart screen technology. Also, this includes the”Shop with me” experience where the host can take shoppers on a live journey to the store you are shopping and showcase the products, answer questions, provide personal recommendations and create an immersive experience overall.
buywith offers an intuitive dashboard to track sales and analytics in real time, giving them valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. This can help businesses optimize their live shopping events and improve their overall e-commerce strategy.
Overall, buywith is a powerful platform for businesses looking to create engaging and interactive live shopping experiences. With its range of features and ease of use, buywith is quickly becoming a go-to platform for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition and connect with customers in real time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, live shopping platforms and livestream shopping have taken the e-commerce world by storm, offering a new and exciting way for businesses to sell products online. With the rise of platforms like buywith, businesses can now easily create and host their own live shopping experiences, engaging with customers in real time and showcasing their products in a dynamic and interactive way. Livestream shopping platforms offer a unique opportunity for businesses to build stronger connections with their customers and drive sales, while buyers can enjoy a personalized shopping experience from the comfort of their homes. As these platforms continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting features that will further revolutionize the world of e-commerce.
Chief Marketing Officer at buywith
Yael Kochman is the Chief Marketing Officer at buywith, a leading video commerce platform and creator marketplace. Yael is a retail and commerce innovation expert and marketing leader with over 15 years of extensive experience in marketing and business development. Recognized as among the 100 influential people in retail tech and acknowledged by HubSpot as one of the 59 female marketers to follow, Yael’s remarkable career spans co-founding Re:Tech, an innovation hub for retail tech.
Marketing Manager at buywith
Inbal Leitner, is the Marketing Manager at buywith, a leading live shopping platform and creator marketplace. With a rich background spanning over 10 years experience in B2B2C marketing and retail, Inbal is a dedicated marketing professional who expertly blends her passion and expertise. As a livestream shopping expert, she leverages her profound knowledge to craft innovative marketing strategies, ensuring compelling and fostering engaging shopping experiences for users.
Additional articles
Additional
articles
Stay updated
We’ll keep you in the loop on all the latest news and insights about livestream shopping