How to boost your eCommerce with artificial intelligence: four ways to leverage it in your business

Since the launch of ChatGPT last year, it has become essential to learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to drive online business, because of the potential savings it can bring to companies in operational costs. This is key and is happening all over the world, with particular importance in the most technologically developed markets.

This means that the first companies to join the AI world are laying the groundwork for their own success. The good news is that you don’t need to be a multinational to use artificial intelligence as a tool in the growth of your project.

In this article, we will review how AI can become a strategic ally to boost your business. We will also explore some tools that your company can take advantage of today, with little training and effort. But before we get into the details, let’s start with an important question: what is AI?

Brief introduction to AI: why it is not really “intelligent”.

Here’s a very specific definition of AI from HubSpot: “Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence that creates algorithms and computer systems capable of executing simple and complex tasks that people perform. It is based on the idea that a machine can be programmed to mimic the way a human being thinks and acts.”

In other words, AI can perform a large number of complex operations and calculations immediately, surpassing the capabilities of the human brain. For example, if you teach an AI the rules of chess, it will simulate all the possibilities and become the best chess player in a matter of hours – or sometimes minutes. This is possible because the AI calculates all potential variables and always chooses the best move.

It needs a set of defined variables and specific instructions to accomplish what we want it to do. So instead of “replacing” the human brain, let’s think of AI as a giant calculator: it needs a human mind to give it instructions on what operations to perform. This is why we insist on thinking of AI as a tool and understand that – as with any tool – the results vary depending on how we use it.

How to use AI for your eCommerce growth

Getting the courage to incorporate AI into your business may sound intimidating, especially when there is new software being incorporated into your company’s processes every month. However, the reality is that AI is just another tool. Or rather, a specific type of tool that can be easily adopted by eCommerce companies of any size. That is, as long as they know where to look.

1. Smart recommendations

When we think about the differences between an eCommerce and a physical store, one of the most significant is the customer journey. In a traditional store, the customer wanders the aisles until a sales representative or manager shows up and helps them through the buying process. If that manager had not shown up, the customer might have left the store without buying anything.

2. Customer service

Customer service is another challenge facing eCommerce, and AI has many options for translating a salesperson’s humanity into a digital version. One of the most popular customer service solutions are chatbots.

While a chatbot may seem impersonal, today these bots are much friendlier and – more importantly – are more effective at delivering customer service. We are far beyond prefabricated responses. There are AI-powered tools that can learn from previous conversations and interact with humans naturally and effectively.

Imagine how much time you can save if you free an employee from answering all the requests from an eCommerce store. Having a support chatbot that resolves questions before moving on to a phone call becomes an excellent idea to reduce costs. But chatbot uses don’t stop there. Beyond addressing shopper feedback, chatbots also help generate more sales. According to this Ubisend study, 47% of consumers would buy things through a chatbot.

AI-powered tools can analyze customer interactions with chatbots and understand requests. In addition, chatbots can learn from conversations and improve the overall customer experience. These tools free up human time and consequently reduce costs.

Among the most important uses of artificial intelligence for eCommerce are personalized product recommendations. Tools like Voc.ai Chatbot, use artificial intelligence in order to enhance customer journey giving responses in 5 seconds or less. An interesting fact about this tool is that it learns from historical data and adapts to customer preferences.

3. Optimized product descriptions

Creating product descriptions for your eCommerce can be a daunting task, particularly when done manually. Beyond the time it takes, you also need to select the appropriate keywords to ensure shoppers can easily find your products.

Today, tools exist that can generate product descriptions based on keyword lists provided by your users. In just seconds, these tools can optimize descriptions by incorporating relevant keywords, adjusting tone, and targeting specific audiences — all powered by artificial intelligence.

4. Keyword Optimization

Some popular keyword research programs include: Semrush, Moz, Ahrefs, Uber Suggest, and Google Ads Keyword Planner.

AI is just another tool for any company – but it has impressive potential

In summary, AI enhances the online shopping experience while providing significant competitive advantages for early adopters to integrate into their businesses. Although it may seem daunting, AI can accelerate growth for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as large corporations. AI-powered tools enable smaller eCommerce companies to create marketing strategies and user experiences that were once only accessible to large enterprises.

Ultimately, if we don’t use technology to create equal opportunities for everyone, what is its purpose? We must embrace these advancements with open minds and take advantage of the new possibilities they offer.