Online shopping has become a go-to for nearly anything. For everything from clothing and shoes to electronics, and even food, Americans love the vast selection and convenience the internet has to offer when it comes to shopping.
Online shopping is becoming so standard that America’s retail stores are closing faster than ever. In fact, 42% of U.S. consumers now search and purchase products online rather than in-store.
Everybody Loves Amazon
In 2017, if you’re an American shopping online, you’re most likely buying through Amazon. In fact, more than 50% of American households have an Amazon Prime membership. What’s more, greater than 70% of high income households are subscribed.
But why?
Rather than offering the lowest prices, Amazon has taken the ‘ease and convenience’ approach to locking in its loyal shoppers and members. One-click, unparalleled selection, low or no shipping charges, etc. are what really keep us coming back.
“On Amazon I can buy nearly every non-perishable item I need, for reasonable prices, within seconds, on my phone or my laptop, and it pretty much always just works and shows up within days and I don’t need to think about it… It removes a source of boredom, frustration, and distraction from my day-to-day life.”
(Jaap Weel, Programmer. Economist.)
Did you know you can even order pizza through Amazon?!
In today’s fast-paced world where everyone is looking to save time and capitalize on convenience, it’s no surprise we have become addicted to Amazon.
Not only is Amazon dominating the online shopping sector of the internet, but it is even beginning to creep up on Google when it comes to organic search.
Sorry Google, First Stop: Amazon
Google is no longer unrivaled as a search engine; Amazon is starting to dominate the e-commerce sector of online searches. Statista notes, the majority of online shopper’s head straight to this retail giant first, before using search engines, including Google.
Among 5,000+ American online shoppers, Amazon is (by far) the most popular first choice destination for shoppers looking for a particular product, according to a UPS survey.
The report states 38% of 5,000 surveyed shoppers say they now use a retail marketplace to search for their products; 29% of those head straight to Amazon, 9% to another marketplace, such as eBay, 12% say they head to a retailer website, and just 4% to a retailer app.
Only 15% of Americans use a search engine, such as Google, first when looking for a product.
The UPS report states, “In their quest for efficiency, serious shoppers want to find the most information on the greatest number of products in the least amount of time… Marketplaces in general have positioned themselves as the first stop for heavy shoppers, who are doing more shopping online.”
Google: Its Far From Over
While Google has long been established as the number one resource when it comes to finding something online, Amazon is now exceeding it as the American online shopper’s first stop.
Does this mean the end of Google? Certainly not.
Though we may no longer head straight to google when looking for a new pair of shoes or wireless headphones, its influence on the digital world continues to be immeasurable.
To partner with a team that can help your business capitalize on the ever growing Amazon platform, contact Thrive Internet Marketing today.
