Week 31 - Visual Hierarchy & AI Marvels: Transforming Retail, Crypto Payments & Sustainable Shifts in eCommerce

Are you ready to revolutionize your eCommerce game? Join us on "The Checkout Point," your go-to podcast for weekly updates and deep dives into the latest eCommerce trends. This week, hosts Max and Rachel bring excitement (and expert insights!) to Episode 31, where they explore cutting-edge tactics poised to transform your business. Whether you're a founder, a marketing guru, or just deepening your industry knowledge, we've got something to pique your curiosity and enhance your strategies.

This episode is packed with vital topics:

• Discover the power of Visual Hierarchy and learn how strategic design can drive your sales through the roof.
• Dive into how AI is reinventing inventory management, helping businesses stay efficient and cost-effective.
• Unpack PayPal's groundbreaking 'Pay with Crypto' feature and what it signifies for your shopping systems.
• Explore green and sustainable practices within the booming second-hand market and how USPS is leading the charge with box-free returns.
• Anticipate how AI-driven tools like Facebook's 'Megaphone' are reshaping marketing, while stirring lively debates around privacy.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• 🎨 Master Visual Hierarchy: Boost your interface designs to maximize sales.
• 🤖 AI Advantage: Streamline operations and cut costs with smart technology.
• 💸 Crypto Commerce: Stay ahead with the latest in payment trends.
• ♻️ Sustainable Shopping: Leverage eco-friendly trends to appeal to modern consumers.
• 🚀 Marketing Innovation: Harness AI to personalize and enhance customer engagement.

Don't miss out on these transformative insights. Tune into "The Checkout Point," available now on Blikket.co and wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of eCommerce! 🌟

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Call to action & contact info 

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• Want to be a guest? checkoutpoint@Blikket.co

Transcript

Alex: 0:04

Welcome to the checkout point. Your quick dive into this week's e-commerce boss with me, Alex, powered by Blikket. These 20 minutes pack, the latest trends, news, and insights, let's navigate the digital marketplace together. Ready? Let's go.

Max: 0:27

Hey folks, welcome to the checkout point, brought to you by Blikket.co. I'm max buzzing with excitement to dive into this week's hot E-commerce trends.

Rachel: 0:36

I'm Rachel, also thrilled to be here. I'm, can you believe we're already at week 31 of our journey through the latest in e-commerce. This week's segments are packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Max: 0:46

First up, we're going to explore the magic of visual hierarchy. Ever wonder why certain buttons on a website just make you want to click? We're talking about that secret weapon for boosting your sales.

Rachel: 0:57

Oh, and speaking of visual hierarchy, I'm super excited that we just published a new blog post on our website titled Why Visual Hierarchy is Your Secret Weapon for Boosting Sales. We'll be diving deeper into that during the show.

Max: 1:09

Definitely can't wait to unpack that. Then we've got a segment on how AI is transforming retail, especially in inventory management. It's all about cutting edge tools that save money and meet customer demands perfectly,

Rachel: 1:22

and you won't believe what's happening with PayPal's new Pay with Crypto feature. Totally changing the game for online shopping. We'll take a deep dive into how it works and what it means for you.

Max: 1:32

Plus we'll talk about the booming world of secondhand sales and some really cool eco-conscious shopping trends that are shaping our future.

Rachel: 1:40

But that's not all. Have you heard about USPS's Box free returns? It's a game changer for e-commerce, convenience and sustainability. We're exploring how this move challenges other big players in the digital marketplace.

Max: 1:53

And finally, we'll dive into how AI driven tools like Facebook's megaphone are transforming marketing, making brand engagement more personalized, yet stirring up the privacy debate. It's a packed show today.

Rachel: 2:05

I'm all in Max. Let's get started and bring our listeners the best of e-commerce news and trends for week 31.

Max: 2:11

Absolutely, Rachel, let's dive into these fascinating topics and uncover some e-commerce strategies that might just revolutionize your business or shopping experience. Here we go, max,

Rachel: 2:27

Rachel.

Max: 2:28

Hey Rachel. So I was diving into our latest blog post on blet.co earlier today. And I've gotta say it's a real eyeopener about something a lot of us probably overlook when setting up our online stores.

Rachel: 2:39

Oh, you mean the post about visual hierarchy? Absolutely. Max. It's fascinating how something as let's admit, nerdy as visual hierarchy can actually be a secret weapon for boosting sales. Right.

Max: 2:53

You know, it's funny because everyone talks about having killer ads or snappy copy, but visual hierarchy, it's like this unsung hero in the background. After reading the post, it makes total sense. The layout, the design, it all guides the shopper's journey.

Rachel: 3:09

Exactly. And that first key point in the blog really stuck with me, where the eyes go, the mouse clicks follow. It's all about leading your customer's eyes through a page, using size, color, and typography to highlight what's most important, like say those buy now buttons.

Max: 3:25

And it's not just about making things bigger or bolder. The post talks about balance and not overwhelming your visitor. I think that's crucial because I've definitely been on sites where it feels like everything is screaming for attention.

Rachel: 3:36

Oh, the classic rage clicking scenario. Nothing sends me backing out of a website faster than that. But moving on to what I think was another super interesting point. The part about consistency through the website, it's like building a visual language that your visitors learn as they go.

Max: 3:53

Right? And it's not just pleasing aesthetically, but it reduces the cognitive load for shoppers. They don't have to relearn your website every time they move to a new page. It's like once you get the hang of one page, you feel more comfortable navigating the entire site.

Rachel: 4:07

It's all about creating that smooth, seamless experience, isn't it? I also particularly liked how the postives into real world applications. They didn't just tell us why it's important. They showed us with examples. Makes it much easier to relate and apply to your own projects.

Max: 4:23

Totally. Hey, for anyone listening who's got their own online store or thinking about sprucing up their digital presence, I'd really recommend checking out the full post. There are some gems about structuring content that could make a real difference in your conversion rates.

Rachel: 4:38

Couldn't agree more. And if you're like us loving a deep dive into how to make your online space better, this post is a gold mine. You can find it on our website. Just search for why visual hierarchy is your secret weapon for boosting sales on blet.co.

Max: 4:52

Trust us, your site sales will. Thank you. Alright, moving on. So we just talked about how visual hierarchy can totally boost your sales, right? But check this out. There's another game changer on the block. AI powered tools in inventory management for retailers. It's like having a super smart assistant who knows exactly what you need before you even need it.

Rachel: 5:17

Oh, I was just thinking about that. It's like imagine if your pantry could automatically refill your favorite snacks before you run out. No more snack emergencies, huh?

Max: 5:26

Exactly. These AI tools analyze sales data, predict trends, and can even reorder stock automatically, and it's like why? Guess what you're going to need when AI can do that for you? Right.

Rachel: 5:37

That sounds incredibly efficient. But here's what I'm wondering. Does this mean fewer errors in what gets stocked? I mean, no more surplus of unsold items just sitting around.

Max: 5:48

Spot on Rachel. It optimizes the inventory. So stores aren't just saving money by reducing overstock, but they're also meeting customer demand more accurately. Honestly, it's every retailer's dream. No way.

Rachel: 6:00

That reminds me, it ties right back to visual hierarchy from our previous segment. If AI ensures that the right products are in stock, then displaying them effectively using visual hierarchy techniques could boost sales even further.

Max: 6:12

Oh, totally agree. And speaking of tech and e-commerce, next, we're going to dive into another juicy bit. PayPal launching Pay with Crypto.

Rachel: 6:20

Gosh, it's all moving so fast. This integration of cutting edge tech and everyday shopping is super cool. Sometimes it does make you wonder about the pace of change, doesn't it?

Max: 6:30

I get that. It's like one day you're paying with cash and suddenly, bam, it's all about cryptocurrency, but it's about keeping up with these changes, embracing them even. I mean, speaking of embracing technology, how do these AI tools even get so smart?

Rachel: 6:46

Ah, classic machine learning. They learn from heaps of data. Every transaction, every customer preference, and even seasonal trends feed their brains. Over time, they just get better at predicting and managing inventory.

Max: 7:00

So you're telling me it's a bit like training a puppy, except it won't chew your shoes.

Rachel: 7:05

Laughs. Exactly. Max. Only a lot less messy. But honestly, it's fascinating how this could reshape the shopping experience. It's like instead of reacting to trends, these tools help stores to be a step ahead.

Max: 7:17

And being a step ahead is always key, whether you're managing a store or just trying to navigate through life. Right.

Rachel: 7:24

Couldn't have said it better myself. It's amazing how technology not only keeps evolving, but also keeps creating new possibilities for every aspect of life, including how we shop.

Max: 7:34

For sure. It'll be super interesting to see how all this plays out in the next few years, especially with crypto payments on the rise too.

Rachel: 7:40

Absolutely. And speaking of which, I can't wait to jump into our next segment about PayPal and crypto. I think our listeners are going to find that super informative.

Max: 7:49

Oh, absolutely. Stay tuned folks, because you won't wanna miss what's coming up next. Alright. Shifting gears from our deep dive into AI and machine learning and e-commerce. Let's talk about something that's super cool and kind of related because it's also techie and innovative. PayPal just rolled out a new feature called Pay with Crypto. Check this out.

Rachel: 8:15

Oh, that's interesting. I mean, with everyone buzzing about cryptocurrencies. It seems like a pretty timely move, right? But how does it actually work?

Max: 8:24

So it's pretty slick. Essentially, if you've got cryptocurrency like Bitcoin in your PayPal wallet, now you can just zap it over to pay for your stuff just like you would with regular money. Super handy, right?

Rachel: 8:36

That is handy. But here's what I'm wondering. How secure is this? I mean, paying with crypto must have some extra layers of tech to keep everything safe.

Max: 8:44

Great point. From what I gather, PayPal has been super proactive about integrating some robust security measures. They're all about keeping those digital dollars, or in this case, digital Bitcoin Super secure.

Rachel: 8:58

Makes sense. And I guess that also ties into what we were talking about before with ai, right? Using advanced tech to make these new systems as foolproof as possible.

Max: 9:07

Exactly. Rachel. It's all about making sure the tech not only does something cool, but also does it safely.

Rachel: 9:13

And it's pretty wild to think about paying for everyday items with what used to be this mysterious online currency, isn't it Feels like something out of a sci-fi movie.

Max: 9:22

Totally. I mean, if my 12-year-old self could see me now if a skateboard online with Bitcoin, he'd think I'd become some kind of time traveler.

Rachel: 9:31

I just have to jump in here. Speaking of buying online, PayPal's move is well timed with how much shopping has moved online, especially post pandemic innovations like Pay with Crypto really could change the game.

Max: 9:43

You nailed it and it's neat thinking about tomorrow's segment on e-commerce sales strategies and consumer trends. I mean, if today we're talking about paying with crypto, who knows? Tomorrow maybe we'll be discussing how these payment methods are shaping consumer behaviors.

Rachel: 9:59

That's such a good point. Just like when Amazon reported those huge numbers and used good sales in Europe, it's not just what we buy, but how we choose to pay. That's evolving,

Max: 10:08

right? It's like every bit of tech in our wallets and on our phones is part of this big interwoven tapestry of commerce. Pay with crypto is just the latest thread

Rachel: 10:17

and it will definitely be something to watch how quickly people adopt it and what other companies might jump on the crypto payment bandwagon

Max: 10:25

for sure. Hey, and if any of you are already using Pay with Crypto to buy your funky hats or whatever's cool nowadays, hit us up. We'd love to hear how it's going.

Rachel: 10:34

Absolutely. It's all about seeing tech in action in real life. Thanks for bringing this up, max.

Max: 10:40

Anytime Rachel talking tech is always a blast, especially with you. So we just talked about the cool new features and payment systems, like paying with crypto, right? How futuristic is that?

Rachel: 10:54

Oh, absolutely. And speaking of futuristic, check this out. Amazon sold over 2 billion euros in used goods across Europe this year alone. Now, that's a lot of pre loved treasure finding new homes.

Max: 11:06

No way, $2 billion. That's like a whole lot of zeros. Rachel makes you wonder, huh? All those secondhand books, gadgets, and who knows what else, making their merry way around Europe.

Rachel: 11:17

It does, and it's interesting because it ties back to what we were discussing with payment innovations. There's this whole economic ecosystem sprouting up. Not just how we buy, but also what we're buying. I mean, selling used items isn't new, but at this scale that says a lot about consumer trends, right?

Max: 11:37

Speaking of trends, I was peeking at this article about predictions for the 2025 holiday shopping season. You won't believe some of these guesses. They're saying green tech gifts will be the big hit. Think solar powered chargers or reusable water bottles that track how much you drink.

Rachel: 11:53

Wait, seriously, that's super cool, but also kind of a game changer. I've noticed more people really caring about sustainability lately, and hey, if that's what's trendy, I'm all for it. But here's what I'm wondering, how much of these predictions actually come true? I mean, they've been saying hoverboards are coming back every Christmas since 2015.

Max: 12:14

Oh, those elusive hoverboards. But you've got a good point. I think we're seeing something like a shift in conscious consumerism, people not only buying smart, but also thinking smart about what their purchases mean for the planet.

Rachel: 12:28

Exactly. Which ties back so neatly with our next segment on the modernization of e-commerce shipping and returns. Imagine USPS offering box free returns at the post office.

Max: 12:38

That's absolutely wild. It's like everything's connecting. Payment options, sales trends, even how we handle returns. The digital shopping world is evolving so fast. Sometimes it feels like you blink and there are a dozen new trends or technologies to keep up with.

Rachel: 12:54

Honestly, it keeps things exciting though. Right? And it's all linked. Eco-friendly products, smarter returns methods, innovative payment options. They're all parts of this big buzzing commerce ecosystem.

Max: 13:06

Buzzing is the right word. It's like watching a live map of the world where new routes keep popping up all the time.

Rachel: 13:13

And that's what's fascinating about following these trends. They're not just numbers on a screen or tech announcements. They're reflective of how our worldviews and lifestyles are changing. Every purchase, every technological advancement tells a story.

Max: 13:27

Couldn't agree more. And hey, speaking of stories, I think that about wraps up what we wanted to chat about today with Amazon's big moves and the holiday shopping predictions, man, can't wait to see what's next.

Rachel: 13:38

Yeah, it's definitely gonna be interesting to watch how all these predictions play out and the next time we chat about e-commerce, you also, who knows, maybe we'll finally have those hoverboards. Eh

Max: 13:47

one can only hope Rachel. Keep your fingers crossed and your crypto wallet ready. Okay, so we just talked about how Amazon is crushing it with used good sales in Europe right now. Check this out. It seems like USPS is jumping into the modern e-commerce game too.

Rachel: 14:07

Oh, absolutely, max. I was just reading about this. Apparently the postal service is now offering box free returns at their post offices. That's pretty game changing for lazy packers like myself.

Max: 14:19

I hear you. I mean, how many times have you gotten something online, decided to return it, and then realized you trashed the original packaging?

Rachel: 14:27

Exactly. And it's not just about being lazy, honestly, think about the environmental angle here. Less packaging means less waste. I'm just slightly skeptical though. I'm wondering how they manage those returns without boxes. Sounds chaotic.

Max: 14:41

Right? But here's the deal. From what I understand. You just take your item to the post office and they'll handle it from there. They have all the necessary packaging on site, so it streamlines the whole process.

Rachel: 14:54

Wait, seriously. That does sound super cool. Do you know if there's an extra charge for this wizardry?

Max: 14:59

It seems like there's no additional cost to the customer for the packaging. USPS handles it as part of their return service. They're really stepping up their game to compete with big players. You know,

Rachel: 15:11

that's such a good point. Speaking of big players, this reminds me of our next segment about artificial intelligence and marketing. It's all about adapting and upgrading technologies to keep up with consumer expectations,

Max: 15:22

right? And it's not just about technology, but also convenience. Making returns this easy could really boost customer satisfaction. Oh, I just have to jump in here. Imagine pairing this USPS service with AI to predict returns before they even happen.

Rachel: 15:38

Ha, that would be wild. Back to the box free returns. It ties in nicely with what we discussed about the surge in secondhand sales. More purchases online, mean potentially more returns, and making that process painless is crucial.

Max: 15:52

Totally. And while we're at it, considering how integral, fast and reliable shipping is for brands like that D two C watch brand, we're about to talk about simplifying returns is just as critical. Keeps customers happy and loyal.

Rachel: 16:07

For sure, max. It's all about building that trust and convenience, and who knows, maybe this will set a new standard for returns. I can see other companies jumping on the bandwagon.

Max: 16:17

Definitely, Rachel. It'll be interesting to see how this impacts the whole e-commerce ecosystem. Less hassle, less waste, and happy customers could be a real win-win win scenario.

Rachel: 16:27

Oh, to live in a world where I can return things without scavenging for a box 2024 really is the future, huh?

Max: 16:34

Totally. A box free future sounds pretty neat to me. Let's keep an eye on how this plays out. And speaking of Neat, wait till you hear about how AI is transforming marketing in our next segment.

Rachel: 16:44

Ah, can't wait to dive into that. But so far it sounds like USPS is really onto something with this box free return idea. It'll be interesting to watch.

Max: 16:58

So, shifting from our chat about the USPS, shaking up e-commerce shipping, we're diving into something equally fascinating. How AI is transforming marketing. Have you heard about the Facebook megaphone that's boosting this direct to consumer watch brand?

Rachel: 17:14

Oh, definitely. It's intriguing how these tools are kind of revolutionizing how brands engage with customers, but I'm curious, what exactly is this megaphone? It sounds super powerful,

Max: 17:24

right? So it's this new AI driven feature from Facebook and it basically helps brands amplify their reach. Think of it as a digital loudspeaker without the annoying feedback.

Rachel: 17:35

That's such a neat analogy. So it's like when we talked about those box free returns, it's all about making things easier and more effective. But here's what I'm wondering. How do they ensure that the messages don't just become more noise?

Max: 17:48

That's the million dollar question, isn't it? It's all about smart targeting. The AI analyzes tons of data. Things like user preferences, their previous interactions, and even the time they're most likely to shop. Say you're a fan of vintage watches. Facebook's AI might notice that. And then bam, you're seeing ads from this watch brand, right? When you're ready to splurge.

Rachel: 18:12

Honestly, as long as it isn't showing me ads for luxury yachts I can't afford. But seriously, it sounds like a game changer for smaller brands.

Max: 18:19

Exactly. And it's really leveling the playing field. These small to medium businesses now have a megaphone just as loud as the big players.

Rachel: 18:27

Speaking of leveling up, that reminds me of the upcoming chat we have about Shopify, where Chaz Dean boosted his average order value by 21% just by switching platforms. Seems like both tools and platforms are key in this digital age, huh?

Max: 18:42

Absolutely, Rachel. Whether it's AI and marketing like Facebook's megaphone or choosing the right e-commerce platform, it's all about finding the right fit for your business strategy. So what's the catch with AI in marketing? I bet there's a bit of skepticism out there.

Rachel: 18:57

Well, you nailed it. I'm not entirely convinced that all that glitters is gold. With ai, there's a thin line between personalization and privacy concerns. How do customers feel about being analyzed to such an extent?

Max: 19:11

Spot on. It's a bit of a balancing act, ensuring users feel helped, not watched. That's where transparent communication comes in. If brands are upfront about how they use data, customers can feel more at ease.

Rachel: 19:24

True. And as these technologies evolve, it's going to be fascinating to see how the dialogue around them grows, especially discussions about ethics and ai.

Max: 19:32

Couldn't agree more. Curious to see where it all goes from here. Especially with so many tools popping up every day. Maybe we'll all get our personal AI assistance soon reminding us to buy milk or more realistically, another pair of shoes.

Rachel: 19:47

Max, I think your AI would just send you memes all day.

Max: 19:49

You know me too well, Rachel, and speaking of knowing, I can't wait to dig into some more of these insights about Shopify in our next segment. It's really shaping up to be a deep dive into today's digital toolkit.

Rachel: 20:01

Absolutely. And each piece of the puzzle is critical. From AI and marketing to platform optimizations, it all ties back to providing value and a great experience to the customer.

Max: 20:16

So, jumping right off our last chat about AI and marketing, it's fascinating to look at how these tech overhauls affect companies. Take Chas Dean for instance. Honestly, their shift from Magento to Shopify boosted their average order value by a whopping 21%.

Rachel: 20:33

Wait. Seriously, that's a pretty massive leap. I was just thinking about how migrating platforms seems like such a headache, but clearly it's more like, what do they say? Short-term pain for long-term gain.

Max: 20:45

Exactly. And imagine this, you're playing a video game where every level up gives you bonus points. Kinda like Chas Dean leveled up to Shopify and bam, 21% more points. I'd say that's a game changer.

Rachel: 20:58

That's a fun way to put it, max. But here's what I'm wondering. With these big tech moves, are we staring at the dawn of a new e-commerce era? Because you know, Shopify's stock itself spiked by over 2.5% recently.

Max: 21:11

Oh, for sure. That's super cool to watch. It's like seeing your favorite underdog sports team start to make a major comeback, but it's crucial to think, is this just a lucky streak or the start of a winning season?

Rachel: 21:23

Right, and not to rain on that parade, but we've got Wall Street waving some caution flags too with downgrades for Shopify and Unity. It's a bit of a rollercoaster.

Max: 21:32

Totally. It's like one minute you're up the next you could be bracing for a drop. But speaking of tech impacts, back in our previous discussion on ai, we touched on how savvy strategies can lead brands to sensational success. Kind of like what might be happening with Shopify now.

Rachel: 21:49

True, true. And speaking of strategies, the Motley Fool mentioned three growth levers that could really power Shopify's next chapter. It's all tied up with their innovations, market expansion, and believe it or not, sustainability initiatives. It seems like they're not just growing, they're maturing.

Max: 22:06

Maturing, huh? Like going from a wobbly toddler to a confident teenager hitting their stride on the pitch.

Rachel: 22:12

Perfect analogy. And hey, let's not forget, every stage has its puzzles to solve, right. Is Shopify gearing up to solve bigger e-commerce puzzles ahead? What's your take?

Max: 22:22

Well, analyzing the play by play. We've got our finger on the pulse here. I guess like any good game or business strategy, it's all about staying nimble and adapting, whether it's Shopify today or AI tools tomorrow, the trick is rolling with the punches

Rachel: 22:38

spot on Max. It's about catching the wave at the right time. Guests will just have to watch this space to see how Shopify maneuvers through these choppy waters.

Max: 22:46

And for anyone hitching a ride on this e-commerce rocket ship, buckle up. It's gonna be an interesting journey. And just like that, we're wrapping up week 31 here at the checkout point by Blikket.co. Thanks for hanging out with us today. It's been a blast diving into all these e-commerce breakthroughs.

Rachel: 23:06

Absolutely, max. This episode was packed with some fascinating discussions from the power of visual hierarchy to the Innovative Pay with Crypto feature. By PayPal, I mean, who knew that just tweaking where your buy now button sits could potentially spike your sales? Right.

Max: 23:24

Seriously, the simplest things can have such a huge impact. Don't get me started on the box. Free returns with USPS total game Changer makes you wonder what'll be next in the convenience playbook.

Rachel: 23:36

Definitely something to look forward to. Speaking of looking forward, if you enjoyed today's episode, we'd love it if you joined us again next week for more e-commerce insights. And yes, I'll make sure Max tone's down the jokes. Just a tad.

Max: 23:49

Hey, now I think the listeners come for the news, but stay for the humor. Jokes aside, remember to check out Blikket.co. If you're craving more resources and cool stuff to help you navigate your e-commerce journey.

Rachel: 24:03

Couldn't have said it better myself. And as we always say, we're here to help make sense of the digital shopping landscape, whether you're a seasoned tycoon or just starting out.

Max: 24:12

So we'll catch you next week. Stay curious and remember the world of e-commerce never sleeps. We do recommend at least trying to get some shuteye.

Rachel: 24:20

Sleep is crucial indeed. Take care everyone and keep innovating. See you next time.

Max: 24:24

Bye now.