A new China-linked shopping app has surpassed retail giants Amazon and Walmart to be the most downloaded app in the US.
The e-commerce app, known as Temu and based in Boston, is linked to the same Chinese owner behind the social commerce outfit Pinduoduo. This is marketplace app that allows buyers to share products on third-party social networks such as WeChat and invite followers to form shopping ‘teams’ that can then buy products in build to earn discounts.
Temu made its debut on Super Bowl Sunday with a crafty video ad. Users will be able to buy virtually everything in the superstore, from home goods to electronics and apparel.
One heck of a video ad
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgNuwb9lpeg
Temu’s Super Bowl commercial invited consumers to ‘shop like a billionaire’. The 30-second spot focused on super-low prices that would allow customers to feel like they are splurging without using a lot of money.
“Through the largest stage possible, we want to share with our consumers that they can shop with a sense of freedom because of the price we offer,” a spokesperson of the company told CNN.
Very low prices
Products on the app indeed have eyebrow-raising prices, with a woman’s swimsuit going for just $6.5 and wireless earphones going for $8.50. Eyebrow trimmers are available for only 90 cents. These low prices have drawn comparisons to Shein, another Chinese fast-fashion company that offers a wide variety of inexpensive goods in the United States. Other companies that are competing on price include discount retailer Wish and Alibaba’s AliExpress.
With such an enthusiastic entry, Temu will likely pose a new challenge to existing retail giants. It’ll be interesting to see how users will adopt the platform.
Facebook’s parent company Meta has introduced a new subscription service dubbed Meta Verified. This new capability will allow users on the platform to acquire the sought-after blue verification badge on both Facebook and Instagram at a monthly fee of up to $15.
The new service was announced by Mark Zuckerberg in a Facebook post. Previously, the blue verification was only reserved for public figures such as actors, musicians, lawmakers, athletes, journalists, and other notable figures.
How will this work?
Meta Verified is currently available in both New Zealand and Australia as the company plans to expand it globally in the coming days. It’s a notable launch given that it will allow users on either Facebook or Instagram to verify their identity using a government-issued ID card. Some of the benefits of subscribing to this platform include added protection against impersonation attacks, easier access to customer support, as well as enhanced reach and visibility.
How much will it cost?
Meta has revealed that the verification badge will cost around $11.99 on the web and $14.99 on Android and iOS devices.
A quick fix for declining revenues?
While Zuckerberg emphasized in the announcement Facebook post that this service is meant to help increase authenticity and security across the company’s service, some have argued that the company may also be looking to plug reducing revenues. The company’s earnings have taken a notable dip in the last few years in part due to Apple’s implementation of stringent privacy changes on IOS that have affected the company’s ability to track their users’ internet browsing activity. Analysts projected that Apple’s changes would cost the company as much as $10 billion in lost revenues this year alone.
Twitter copycat?
New Twitter owner Elon Musk recently introduced a subscription service that would see users on the platform pay a monthly fee in exchange for a verification icon on their profiles. The company’s service (Twitter Blue) is now available in as many as a dozen countries around the world and has garnered more than 180,000 subscriptions as of January 2023. It’s likely that Meta took a cue from Twitter’s move and it’ll be interesting to see how users on both Facebook and Instagram adopt this new service. Some have argued that this is just another demonstration of a company running out of ideas after it recently scrapped live shopping on Instagram.
What are the implications?
Facebook has not charged customers to use its platforms in the 15 years that the company has been in existence. Instead, they have generated most of their revenues from advertising. In addition to helping the company plug its revenue troubles, Meta Verified could actually have positive implications for users. Increased security and authenticity could actually lead to more engagement and better user experience, allowing users to better engage with their audience.
Are you tired of giving generic gifts that don’t convey the message you want to express? ButterTree is a company that specializes in customizable blankets with heartfelt love messages that will warm the hearts of your loved ones.
We had the pleasure of interviewing the ButterTree team to learn more about their mission, their products, and what sets them apart in the crowded gift market.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your eCommerce brand?
Our company (Olinessa) is named after our two children, Vanessa and Oliver. Vanessa is a type of
butterfly, and Oliver was named after the olive tree – hence ButterTree! Our pride in our family company can be felt in the quality of our super soft blankets.
We see our customers, a part of our ButterTree Family through our warm blankets which are given to your loved ones as a warm hug.
What challenges or obstacles did you face when starting and growing your brand, and how did you overcome them?
As the brand ButterTree, when starting and growing, we faced the challenge of standing out in a highly competitive market. The blanket and gift industry has many players, and it was important for us to differentiate ourselves with unique and high-quality products.
To overcome this challenge, we focused on offering blankets with creative and endearing quotes, paired with a soft and comfortable fabric. We also made sure to prioritize excellent customer service and prompt delivery, which helped us build a loyal customer base. Additionally, we utilized social media and influencer marketing to spread awareness about our brand and reach a wider audience. Through these efforts, we have been able to grow and establish ourselves as a trusted and beloved brand in the blanket and gift industry.
What sets your blankets apart from others in the market and what is your unique brand value?
Unique designs and emotional quotes and phrases
Gift packaging, perfect for any occasion
Extra soft 280 GSM fleece (compared to the typical 22 GSM fleece in the market)
5 inches longer than others, ensuring no cold toes
Machine washable for convenience and easy care.
Can you share the creative process behind designing the nice messages on your blankets?
Ideation – we gather ideas for messages and quotes that are emotionally impactful, inspiring, and relevant to a wide range of customers.
Research – we conduct research to understand current trends in the gift and blanket market, as well as customer preferences and sentiments.
Brainstorming – our team members come together to discuss and build upon the ideas generated in the ideation stage.
Conceptualization – based on the ideas and research, we conceptualize the messages and quotes that will be featured on our blankets.
Design and Prototyping – our in-house designers create mockups and prototypes of the blanket designs featuring the chosen messages.
Testing and Refinement – we test the prototypes and gather feedback from customers and team members to refine and perfect the designs.
Finalization – once the designs have been refined, they are finalized and ready for production.
This creative process allows us to ensure that our messages are impactful, relevant, and of the highest quality.
Can you share any memorable customer experiences or feedback that showcase the impact your products have had on people’s lives?
How has your brand evolved since its inception and what future plans do you have for growth?
At ButterTree, we are constantly striving to improve our offerings to meet the needs and desires of our customers. We take pride in listening to customer feedback and incorporating it into our design process.
In recent years, we have made significant progress in enhancing the quality of our designs and expanding our product line to reach a wider audience. We have introduced Spanish language versions of our best-selling designs, enabling us to better serve the Latin American community in the United States. Additionally, we have expanded our presence by offering our products in new marketplaces and countries, while also working to enhance the overall customer experience.
Conclusion
ButterTree stands out as a company that puts thoughtfulness and love at the center of everything they do. Their blankets are soft, high-quality, and customizable, making them the perfect gift for any occasion and any season. This brand is now available on Logie and we are excited to see the kind of content our creators make. If you have any questions regarding ButterTree, let us know by replying to this spotlight.
Many brands and marketers on the platform have been looking forward to this in order to capitalize on the #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt trend.
While in-app shopping hasn’t quite yet picked up in a massive way in the west, the sector has made tremendous progress since the pandemic. TikTok is among the platforms that is taking initiative to help push the sector to the next level – launching new features, initiatives, and partnerships.
A report shared by AdAge showed that a selection of US-based retailers now have access to the company’s upcoming in-stream shopping tab from within their profiles.
“Brands in the beta so far include Pacsun, pop culture products boutique Three Little Mingos and beauty brand KimChi Chic. Apparel retailers Revolve and Willow Boutique also appear to be part of the test. TikTok is not confirming or naming merchants as part of the testing phase, according to a spokesperson.”
Based on screenshots shared online, the in-stream shopping flow includes a shop overview along with a direct purchase flow. This is different from the regular TikTok shop process where consumers are redirected to the retailer’s website to purchase.
In TikTok’s country of origin (China), the app has seen massive success with its in-stream commerce. The Chinese version of the app, Douyin generated most of its revenue via in-app purchases.
While live shopping hasn’t had as big an effect in the West as it has in China, there’s increasing enthusiasm. More and more consumers are turning to influencers to help choose what product to purchase. It’s likely that TikTok’s ongoing push will help it establish authority in the sector and get ahead of the competition in 2023.
In a world where social media influencers dominate our feeds with perfectly curated content, some are pushing back against the trend. Anti-influencers, also known as “real influencers” or “de-influencers” are on the rise, advocating for more authenticity and transparency in social media.
What are Anti-Influencers?
Social media influencers built their careers around influencing and getting people to buy things.
Anti-influencers are individuals who intentionally confront the traditional standards of influencer culture. These users are utilizing their profiles on TikTok, Instagram, and other networks to tell their followers what they should not buy, pushing back against the pressure to splash more cash to hop and viral trends.
The Appeal of Anti-Influencers
The hashtag #deinfluencing has garnered over 76 million views on TikTok, not to forget that the movement is still spreading.
There are a few reasons why anti-influencers are becoming more popular in the social media landscape. To start with, there’s the notion that many influencers promote unattainable beauty standards, unrealistic lifestyles, and unhealthy products.
Anti-influencers offer an alternative to this ‘toxic’ culture. They position themselves as being focused on prioritizing authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability, which resonates with followers who are tired of the constant pressure to be perfect. Anti-influencers bank on being more reliable by showing their followers the unfiltered realities of their lives.
Is De-Influencing a Threat to Influencer Marketing?
Social media and e-commerce are interlinked in many ways, and the number of Americans who research merchandise on social networks is up 42% since 2015 (based on data from market research firm GWI). Social-media-influenced shopping often motivates impulse decisions. Gen Zers’, who are big proponents of social commerce, are about 23% more likely to shop on impulse and as much as 27% less likely to dedicate time to researching the best deals.
One thing is very clear though: de-influencers are leading the charge in promoting more sustainable and ethical practices. By advocating for conscious consumerism and promoting products and brands that align with their values, de-influencers are creating a more positive and inclusive space for their followers. So, all factors considered, de-influencing could be a real threat to the over $16 billion creator marketing economy. It’ll be very interesting to see how influencer culture evolves in response to this challenge.
Since the height of the pandemic, platforms like Instagram have seen a surge in live-stream shopping, allowing brands and businesses to engage with their audience in a more intimate and interactive way. Live shopping makes it easier for vendors to demonstrate products, offer exclusive deals, and run giveaways, all while building brand loyalty and generating revenue.
The majority of platforms in the US have been launching one feature after another to expand their social commerce capabilities and align with this demand. Interestingly, however, Meta appears to be one company that is moving against the current.
The company has announced that starting March 16, 2023, Instagram users will no longer be able to tag products while live streaming. This capability has been broadly available to U.S. businesses and creators since 2020. It’s clear that other broadcasting functions, such as broadcast scheduling, inviting guests, and Q&As, will not be affected.
This announcement comes even as the company abandoned its live shopping push on Facebook in August last year. It’s somewhat surprising given that all other major platforms in the US are scrambling to set up in-app shopping experiences. Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram, and virtually every other app are introducing their own live shopping initiatives/experiences.
It’s likely that the company is looking to cut costs and streamline its operations as it ushers in a ‘year of efficiencies’ in 2023. But there’s also the risk that the company could miss out on a key segment, especially as live shopping continues to take root in the US. There are clear indications that more demographics are turning to key opinion leaders for help with purchase decisions. Brands are also increasingly capitalizing on live shopping to drive interactions and provide the immersive experiences that the modern consumer craves.
With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing popularity of live streaming, it’s no surprise that live-stream shopping has become a major trend in the retail industry. Live stream shopping is a form of interactive shopping that allows consumers to shop for products in real time through a live video broadcast. Whether it’s through a shoppable livestream, a shoppable post, or a shoppable video, live stream shopping provides consumers with a unique and engaging shopping experience.
So what are the top live stream shopping statistics, and what do they tell us about the future of this innovative form of retail? Here’s a closer look:
💲Live streaming will be a $35 billion industry in the US alone by 2024, so you should know all about it.
👜 Apparel and fashion are expected to be among the top categories – Mckinsey
📺 YouTube is the most popular live commerce platform in the US with 30.2% of businesses using the platform. Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Amazon Live follow closely behind. – RetailTouchPoints
📹 Live Commerce Conversion Rates are Up to 9x higher compared to conventional commerce – Logie
🧑🏽🎤 Livestream selling attracts a conversion rate of up to 70% for Luxury goods – BCG
🛒 The aggregate volume of orders grew by up to 237% during the pandemic – Logie
📈 Click to action customer engagement on shoppable live streams increased by up to 213% during the pandemic – Logie
🐉 China will remain the country with the most live stream commerce buyers – Statista
🛍️ Up to 20% of U.S. consumers have participated in or are familiar with live stream shopping – Statista
📦 20.8% of retail purchases will take place online in 2023 – Forbes Advisor
🏪 Amazon retains the highest market share of all e-commerce companies at 37.8% – Forbes Advisor
🧾 Most cart abandonments result from additional costs such as shipping, taxes, and fees – Forbes Advisor
📡 Live stream shopping is popular among young consumers. 59% of 18-24 year-olds and 56% of 25-34 year-olds reported using live stream shopping in the past year – Hootsuite
🖧 Live stream shopping can drive up to three times more sales compared to traditional e-commerce – Facebook
🌎 Live stream shopping is becoming more popular not just in China, but also in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world – Forbes
👩🏼🎤 Influencer marketing is becoming an increasingly important driver of live stream shopping growth. Influencers are using live stream shopping to monetize their content, and to provide their followers with a unique and engaging shopping experience – Digiday
Conclusion
The top live-stream shopping statistics demonstrate the growing popularity and potential of live-stream shopping as a form of interactive retail. Whether it’s through shoppable live streams, shoppable posts, or shoppable videos, live-stream shopping is providing consumers with a new and innovative shopping experience and is driving growth and sales for retailers and influencers alike. As live-stream shopping continues to grow in popularity, it’s important for retailers and influencers to stay ahead of the curve and embrace this exciting new form of retail.
Logie has joined the Amazon Advertising Network as an official partner. This new collaboration will enable the company to deliver a comprehensive solution for Amazon brands and sellers looking to take their social commerce efforts to the next level.
By joining the advertising network, Logie is now among select companies and agencies that are trusted to actively help Amazon Advertisers achieve their marketing goals. The key aim of the Amazon Advertising Network is to allow brands to focus on their core competencies while still being able to drive results and maximize return on investment.
What is Amazon Advertising Partner Network?
The Amazon Advertising Partner Network is a program that works with selected agencies, technology providers, and consultancies to offer clients the best-in-class solutions for advertising on Amazon. By becoming a part of this network, Logie is now positioned to help Amazon brands and sellers reach their target audiences through influencer marketing on the Amazon Live platform and elsewhere.
More brands and opportunities for Logie creators
This partnership will enable us to work with a more diverse range of brands across a range of industries including Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Fashion, Financial Services, Grocery, Hospitality, Publishing, Telecom, Toys, and Games. This means that our creators will be able to choose and promote more and more top brands as our platform and community continue to grow.
New innovations and partnerships are in the works
2023 is projected to be a big year for social commerce as consumers turn to key opinion leaders to overcome the trust barrier. As an increasingly influential player in the space, Logie is working to launch more innovative tools, develop intensive learning materials to enhance platform usability, and seal more partnerships to drive results for both brands and creators on our platform.
Valentine’s Day is a time when people are willing to spend more on gifts and experiences to show their love and appreciation for their significant others. As a content creator, you have the unique opportunity to tap into this market and maximize your sales this Valentine’s Day.
This post highlights a few tips that can help you make the most out of it.
1. Get Started Earlier Rather Than Later
Every vendor is competing to get their audience’s attention on Valentine’s Day. Planning ahead of everyone else can give you an advantage and help create content that is relevant, timely, and engaging. Start by brainstorming ideas for content, promotions, and giveaways, and set a schedule for when you will publish each piece. Think about your target audience and what the yare looking for. Putting all these into consideration can help you tailor your content and promotions to attract the right people and increase your sales.
2. Come Up with Some Winning Ideas
Consider finding something unique and special for your target audience. This could be a limited edition product or a customized service tailored to their needs. Bring in some discounts and special deals to keep your audience excited. Anything from a limited time offer on a specific item to a generous coupon can do the magic. Make sure to share whatever deals you come up with on all platforms in order to maximize reach.
3. Create Super Engaging Content
Create content that is both entertaining and informative. Share stories, tips, and advice related to Valentine’s Day, and encourage your audience to share their own experiences. Use eye-catching images and videos to make your content more engaging and shareable. A gift guide with a list of unique and thoughtful gifts that and personalized recommendations could do the trick.
4. Host a Valentine’s Day Live Stream
Hosting a livestream dedicated to Valentine’s Day’s picks is a great way to galvanize your audience and get people buying. You could focus on anything that clicks with your audience, from a live cooking class to a DIY craft session. Encourage your audience to share your shoppable content with their friends, family members, and colleagues.
5. Run a Social Media Contest
A social media contest is a fun way to engage with your audience and drive sales. A Valentine’s Day-themed contest, such as a photo contest or a love letter writing contest might just do. Promote the contest on your social media platforms and encourage participants to share it with their own followers.
6. Collaborate with a Local Charity
Consider donating a portion of your Valentine’s Day sales to a local charity or hosting a charity event to raise awareness and funds for a cause that is important to you. This will not only make a positive impact, but also demonstrate your commitment to social responsibility and help you stand out.
Conclusion
In addition to boosting your sales, Valentine’s Day can be another great opportunity to connect with your audience. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new this year. Your audience will appreciate the extra effort, and you will reap the benefits in increased sales and revenue.
Got any extra Valentine’s Day tips and ideas that have worked for you before? Share them with us in the comments section below.
Using influencers to generate your images and photos can truly boost your sales on Amazon and it is an increasingly popular strategy for Amazon sellers.
Logie will produce award-winning images and photos with our pool of creators who have a huge reach on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
IMAGING:
Time to revamp your Amazon listing with the Logie imaging services that include:
Image Editing
Product Photo Shoot
Female Model Photo Shoot by Top Amazon Influencers
Male Model Photo Shoot by Top Amazon Influencers
Lately, Amazon has expanded their Amazon Influencer program to also allow creators to live stream on product pages, and upload shoppable videos as well as photos and posts.
Our services also include –
ENHANCED BRAND CONTENT:
Enjoy EBC product videos produced by Amazon’s top content creators and influencers
Logie makes it super easy to create content, imaging, and videos with Amazon’s A-list influencers. We make your life super easy. You no longer need to look for the right content creators and influencers to take amazing sellable pictures, and videos or go live with your products, as Logie will take care of it for you!
One of the most effective ways for Amazon sellers to use influencers is to give them products to review and promote. Influencers can provide honest reviews and endorsements of products, which can be invaluable for Amazon sellers looking to build trust with their audience.
Influencers can also create content that drives traffic to their Amazon listing, such as unboxing videos or product tutorials as well as upload this content directly to the product page! In addition to product reviews and content, influencers can also be used to run social media campaigns and giveaways. This can be a great way to generate buzz and increase engagement with potential customers. Influencers can also be used to target specific demographics, such as age, gender, or location.
Ultimately, Amazon sellers can use influencers to create content, drive traffic, and increase sales. By leveraging the reach and influence of influencers, Amazon sellers can increase their visibility, build trust, and ultimately drive more sales.
Logie is transforming the way brands connect with creators by using AI algorithms that allow for “Perfect Matching” to take place. No need to use the existing marketplaces that use filters and back-and-forth communication. Logie automates the entire process.
Some real, authentic, lifestyle content generated by Logie creators for brands:
Logie streamlines influencer discovery, product distribution, and content performance to drive measurable sales for eCommerce brands. We also equip content creators with the smart tools, brand partnerships, and commission opportunities they need to turn content into income.
