It's been estimated, by the end of 2019, there will be 1.92 billion online shoppers around the world. That's roughly 25% of the global population. And by the year 2021, the number is expected to go up to at least 2.14 billion.

So, it's no surprise that the online retail industry is slowly taking over from traditional brick and mortar stores. Modern eCommerce players are investing more time, money and effort than ever. In a bid to enhance the online shopping experience for their customers. And they're turning to technology to do so. By investing in big data analytics and artificial intelligence, eCommerce stores are taking online shopping to the next level.

Here are a few types of AI/big data tools that should be a part of every online retailer's arsenal.

Making product searches easier

Any type of eCommerce web page would be incomplete without a search tab. An eCommerce web page could have thousands of products listed on the site, if not more. A search tab helps visitors find the products they're looking for without the need to navigate through all those pages of products. The easiest way to do this is by having a search tab with autocomplete capabilities.

Afterall, isn't the goal to provide simplified and faster experiences to visitors while shopping online?

By using an autocomplete plugin, you can significantly narrow down your visitors searches to specific categories. Thereby, saving some of their time. The plugin also helps visitors pick up from a search they left mid-way. Or discover products they've never heard of before. By completing partial search queries, you also cancel out the probability of typos.

However, building out an autocomplete feature can be daunting. And eCommerce platforms may not have the time or the necessary technical skills to do so. The simple and easiest way is to ask companies that do. Companies such Prefixbox, Loop54 and Swiftype offer product search solutions including autocomplete plugins.

Recommendations based on personal taste

In a recent report Accenture estimated that 91% of all online shoppers are more likely to buy from brands that offer relevant and personalized product recommendations to them.

Of course, retailers would need access to volumes of data in order to provide personalized shopping experiences. Especially customer data. However, it's an age where data security is a major global concern. One would think that retailers face a difficult time getting access to such data. Surprisingly, that isn't the case. Out of the 91% mentioned in the same report, nearly 83% of consumers are willing to share their data in order to receive personalized experiences from brands.

However, it's still important for eCommerce platforms to be personal, without being intrusive. You only need contextual and customer interaction data in order to provide personalized recommendations to visitors.

For example, Crayon Data's AI-based eCommerce personalization engine maya.ai helps online retailers create personal digital storefronts for every customer. Without the need for PII. Other companies who offer personalization solutions to eCommerce players are Vue.ai and Segementify.

Enabling conversations: voice commands APIs and chatbots

The future of digital engagement is voice-based interfaces. Constant innovation in conversational AI has resulted in consumers becoming increasingly dependent on virtual assistants like Apple's Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

In fact, studies show that by the year 2020, at least 30% of all web-browsing sessions will be hands-free and screenless. Online shoppers prefer to search for products online through voice commands. It's simpler, faster and much more convenient than typing.

Another way to engage customers in digital conversations is chatbots. They're easy to integrate with eCommerce websites. And are cost-effective. Currently, chabots have a repository of pre-registered answers. While they can't detect factors such as emotion, they can still assist customers with basic queries and troubleshooting. However, pretty soon chatbots will be emotionally intelligent as well.

Conversational AI platforms offered by companies like Conversable and Satisfi Labs, help eCommerce players engage their customers in open conversations. Which ultimately enhances the shopping experience.

Getting the word out

When you run an online business, it's essential to let consumers know about your brand. However, traditional methods of marketing and advertising are probably not the best solution for eCommerce portals. The store is digital. So, the channels for brand conversations should also be digital.

Which is why it's important for eCommerce platforms to use digital marketing and smart advertisement tools. And I'm not just talking about Google Ads and SEO. Though they are necessary in their own ways. However, there are other tools that are equally important. Including tools which help automate advertisements, monitor and optimize marketing campaigns, and monitor a brand's digital presence are equally as important.

AI-based marketing optimization platforms like HubSpot and HootSuite are both one-stop shops for a range of digital marketing solutions.

Influencer marketing is also a great way to market your brand and boost conversations. Influencer intelligence tools is a new and growing market. They help brands, including online retailers, automate and manage their influencer marketing campaigns. As well as offer social media tracking and analysis. SparkToro is one such tool.

See, try it out, like and buy. Digitally

Virtual and augmented reality has the potential to change the way we shop online. The technology helps shoppers view the products they're buying from a different perspective. Quite literally.

VR is a simulated digital environment. Which is experienced through separate elements like a headset and a controller. AR works by simply overlaying virtual elements onto the real world through a digital interface. Namely, a tablet or a mobile screen. While VR is a more immersive and exciting, it's still an emerging technology. And also, much more expensive and difficult to implement. AR, on the other hand, is far easier to adopt. Visitors can view products in a familiar environment. Or virtually try on products like clothes, accessories and make up. All on their mobile devices.

The best example for AR technology enhancing the shopping experience is Ikea's newly unveiled Place app. 

Enhancing experiences

At the end of the day, the purpose for investing in emerging technology is to create better customer experiences. Today's consumers are more than willing to engage with brands. On a personal level as well.  Despite the break-neck speed of the digital world, and the growing concerns of data security.

And in order to meet the growing consumer demands, the eCommerce industry is going to have to step-up its game. How? With a little help from our tech tools in this article and the other tools out there. Commerce companies will be well on their way to becoming an integral part of the global economy.