These days, the way people discover products is rapidly changing. According to recent stats, 48% of Gen Z and 51% of millennials rely on social media for product research, from shopping recommendations to restaurant ideas and even recipes. In 2024, 1 in 4 consumers made purchases directly through social media, adding up to $335 billion in sales, or about 3% of global e-commerce. By 2029, social commerce is expected to make up over 5% of the market.

With features like TikTok Shop, Instagram Checkout, and Facebook Marketplace, social media has really become a go-to spot for shopping. Let’s see how you can adapt to this shift and thrive in the age of social commerce.

Why Social Media is Replacing Search Engines

Social media is reshaping how we discover products. Its algorithms personalise content to match our preferences, making product recommendations more relevant and increasing the likelihood of a purchase.

Unlike traditional search engines, platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer rich visuals (photos, videos, and interactive posts) that engage users in a way text alone can’t.  Short-form videos, for example, let you see a product in action, making it more convincing.

Plus, when people share reviews or influencers recommend products, it builds trust and credibility. And with real-time trends, products can gain instant exposure, allowing businesses to go viral and reach a wider audience.

What Sellers Need to Do to Adapt to This Shift

Optimising Product Posts

Social media algorithms prioritise content based on engagement and relevance. To ensure your products appear in users' feeds, it's essential to optimise product posts with the right keywords, hashtags, and descriptions. By leveraging BigSeller’s AI Generate, you can generate optimised product descriptions and tailor the listings for better visibility and engagement. This optimisation increases the chances that your content will be prioritised by social media algorithms, reaching more potential buyers.

Creating High-Quality Visuals

Content that stands out visually whether through eye-catching images or high-quality videos has a higher chance of engagement and discoverability. With BigSeller’s Picture Editor, you can easily enhance product images using features like filters, resizing, color adjustments, and text customisation. The platform also offers a one-click white background remover and allows for the addition of stickers, borders, and watermarks, helping you craft visually appealing images that stand out across various platforms.

Setting Up a Social Media Shop

Linking your online store to social media makes it easier for people to see and buy your products without leaving the app. If you're currently managing multiple online stores and looking to expand into social media selling, BigSeller can help. Using BigSeller, you don’t have to switch between different platforms anymore as your marketplaces (TikTok, Shopee, Lazada), website (Shopify, WooCommerce), and social media (Facebook) can all be handled under a single dashboard.

Leveraging Micro-Influencers

Micro-influencers are becoming a key element for e-commerce products. They may have smaller followings, but their audiences are much more engaged and trust their recommendations. This is different from big celebrity endorsements, which can feel less personal. To see how much your store benefits from influencer partnerships, BigSeller’s Profit Report is a great tool. You can track data like Affiliate Partner Commission on TikTok or Sponsored Affiliate Marketing Fees on Lazada.
 

Let’s Embrace the Social Media Shift with BigSeller!

Social media is now where people discover and buy products, so if you’re not selling there yet, you’re missing out. BigSeller provides an all-in-one solution that helps you manage everything from handling orders, optimising product listings, or managing multiple stores. You don’t need to switch between platforms anymore as everything can be done from one place, making it easier for you to grow and succeed.

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