10 Types of Online Shoppers and How to Attract Them

Online shoppers are a diverse bunch. Some are casual browsers, while others are laser-focused on finding the best deal. Some are brand loyalists, while others are always open to trying new things.

Understanding the different types of online shopping is essential for any e-commerce business that wants to succeed. By knowing what motivates each type of shopper, businesses can tailor their marketing and sales strategies accordingly.

In this blog post, we will explore the 10 most common types of online shoppers and discuss how to reach them. We will also provide tips on how to convert each type of shopper into a paying customer.

10 Types of Online Shoppers & ways to attract them

Here is the list of 10 different types of shoppers:

Window Shoppers

Window shoppers are the popular type of online shoppers who browse products without any intention of buying them. They may be interested in learning more about a product, comparing prices, or simply looking for inspiration. Window shoppers can be frustrating for online retailers, but they can also be a valuable opportunity.

Here are some tips on how to attract window shoppers and encourage them to become buyers:

Create visually appealing product listings. Window shoppers are attracted to products that look good. Use high-quality images and videos to showcase your products and highlight their features.
Write informative product descriptions. Window shoppers want to learn as much as they can about a product before making a purchase. Write detailed product descriptions that include key features, benefits, and specifications.
Offer easy browsing. Make it easy for window shoppers to find the products they're interested in. Use clear and concise categories and subcategories, and offer search and filter options.
Create a sense of urgency. Limited-time offers and discounts can encourage window shoppers to buy now rather than later. You can also use social proof to create a sense of urgency, such as highlighting the number of people who have viewed or purchased a product.
Make it easy to buy. Once a window shopper is ready to buy, make it as easy as possible for them to do so. Offer multiple payment options and fast shipping.

Impulsive buyers

Impulsive buyers are people who make purchases without much planning or thought. They are often drawn to products that are new, exciting, or on sale. Impulsive buyers are a valuable customer segment for online businesses, but they can also be challenging to reach.

Here are some tips on how to attract impulsive buyers:

Create a sense of urgency and scarcity. Impulsive buyers are more likely to buy something if they feel like they need to act now or miss out. You can create a sense of urgency by offering limited-time discounts or by showing ecommerce shoppers that only a few items are left in stock.
Use high-quality product images and videos. Impulsive buyers are often drawn to visually appealing products. Make sure your product images and videos are high-quality and show off your products in the best possible light.
Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP). What makes your products different from the competition? Highlight your USP in your product descriptions and marketing materials so that impulsive buyers know why they should choose your products over others.
Make it easy to buy. Impulsive buyers want to be able to buy quickly and easily. Make sure your checkout process is simple and straightforward, and offer a variety of payment options.

Bargain hunters

Bargain hunters are the interesting type of online shoppers who are always looking for the best deals. They are often very price-sensitive and will spend a lot of time comparing prices from different retailers before making a purchase. Bargain hunters are also likely to be very coupon-conscious and will often use coupons and promo codes to save money on their purchases.

How to attract bargain hunters:

Offer discounts and coupons: Bargain hunters are always looking for the best deals, so offering discounts and coupons is a great way to attract them to your store. You can offer discounts on specific products, categories, or even your entire store. You can also offer coupons for a percentage off your customers' purchase or for free shipping.
Be transparent about your pricing: Bargain hunters want to know that they are getting the best deal, so it is important to be transparent about your pricing. Make sure that your prices are clearly displayed on your website and that you are not using any hidden fees or shipping costs.
Offer a price match guarantee: A price match guarantee is a great way to assure bargain hunters that they are getting the best deal possible. This guarantee promises that you will match the price of any competitor if a customer finds a lower price on the same product.
Highlight your sales and promotions: Bargain hunters are always on the lookout for sales and promotions. Make sure to highlight your sales and promotions on your website and in your email marketing campaigns. You can also use social media to promote your sales and promotions.

Need based shoppers

Need-based shoppers are online shoppers who are only interested in buying products that they need. They are not swayed by impulsive purchases or discounts. Instead, they do their research and compare prices before making a purchase.

Need-based shoppers are of the most valuable customer segment for online retailers. They are more likely to make repeat purchases and are less likely to return items. To attract need-based shoppers, online retailers should focus on the following:

Provide detailed and accurate product information.
Offer competitive prices.
Make it easy for shoppers to compare products.
Offer excellent customer service.

Brand loyalists

Brand loyalists are types online shoppers who are loyal to specific brands. They are more likely to buy from those brands, even if they are not the cheapest option. Brand loyalists are often willing to pay a premium for products from their favorite brands.

There are a number of reasons why e-commerce shoppers become brand loyalists. Some shoppers develop brand loyalty because they have had positive experiences with the brand in the past. For example, they may have been impressed with the quality of the product, the customer service, or the shopping experience. Other shoppers develop brand loyalty because they identify with the brand's values or image.

How to attract brand loyalists:

Offer high-quality products and services. Brand loyalists expect high-quality products and services from their favorite brands. If you want to attract brand loyalists, make sure you are offering products and services that meet their expectations.
Provide a great customer experience. Brand loyalists appreciate a great customer experience. This includes things like easy checkout, fast shipping, and responsive customer service.
Create a strong brand identity. Brand loyalists want to feel connected to the brands they support. Make sure your brand has a strong identity that reflects its values and image.
Build relationships with your customers. Take the time to build relationships with your ecommerce customers. This could involve interacting with them on social media, offering exclusive rewards and promotions, or simply providing excellent customer service.

Social shoppers are the types of online shoppers who are influenced by social media and the opinions of others when making purchase decisions. They may read social media reviews, follow influencers, or participate in online communities before making a purchase.

Social shoppers are a valuable target audience for businesses because they are more likely to trust the recommendations of others than traditional advertising. Businesses can attract social shoppers by:

Being active on social media and engaging with their followers. This includes posting informative and engaging content, responding to comments and questions, and running social media contests and giveaways.
Partnering with influencers. Influencers are social media users with a large following who can promote products or services to their audience. Businesses can partner with influencers by sending them free products to review, offering them affiliate commissions on sales, or sponsoring their content.
Creating a community around their brand. This can be done by creating a forum or online group where customers can ask questions, share feedback, and connect with other customers.

Convenience shoppers

Convenience shoppers are the types of online shoppers who value convenience above all else. They are more likely to shop on websites that offer easy checkout, fast shipping, and convenient return policies. Convenience shoppers are also more likely to shop on mobile devices, as this allows them to shop on the go.

To attract convenience shoppers, you should:

Make checkout as easy as possible. Offer multiple payment options and a one-page checkout process.
Offer fast and free shipping. Convenience shoppers are willing to pay a premium for fast shipping, but they are also more likely to abandon their carts if shipping is too expensive or slow.
Make returns easy and free. Convenience shoppers want to be able to return products easily and without hassle.
Optimize your website for mobile devices. Convenience shoppers are more likely to shop on mobile devices, so it is important to make sure that your website is mobile-friendly.

Tech savvy shoppers

Tech-savvy shoppers are individuals who are highly engaged with technology and tend to be early adopters of new gadgets, software, and services. They are comfortable using technology and are more likely to shop online than other types of shoppers.

To attract tech-savvy shoppers, you need to make sure that your website and online store are up-to-date and offer the latest features and technologies. You should also make it easy for shoppers to use their mobile devices to shop on your website.

Here are some specific tips for attracting tech-savvy shoppers:

Offer innovative features and payment options. Tech-savvy shoppers are always looking for new and innovative ways to shop online. Consider offering features such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and voice shopping. You should also offer a variety of payment options, including popular digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Make it easy to shop on mobile devices. More and more shoppers are using their mobile devices to shop online. Make sure that your website is optimized for mobile devices and that it is easy for shoppers to browse, search, and purchase products on their smartphones and tablets.
Use social media to connect with tech-savvy shoppers. Tech-savvy shoppers are active on social media. Be sure to have a presence on the social media platforms that your target audience uses. You can use social media to share product updates, offer exclusive promotions, and engage with shoppers.
Provide excellent customer service. Tech-savvy shoppers expect excellent customer service. Make sure that your customer service team is responsive and helpful. You should also offer a variety of customer service channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support.

International shoppers

International shoppers are the types of online shoppers who live outside of the country where the e-commerce business is located. They are a growing segment of the online shopping market, as more and more people have access to the internet and are willing to shop internationally.

International shoppers are attracted to a variety of factors, including:

Lower prices: Products from other countries may be cheaper than products from their home country. This is especially true for products that are not widely available in their home country.
Wider selection: International shoppers have access to a wider selection of products than shoppers in their home country. This is especially true for products that are unique to a particular culture or region.
Convenience: International shoppers can shop from the comfort of their own homes and have products delivered to their doorstep.

How Manifest AI, a GPT-powered AI chatbot, can help you convert all types of online shoppers on your Shopify store?

Whether it's a casual browser, a window shopper, or a comparison shopper, Manifest AI can help you turn all types of online shoppers into paying customers.

Manifest AI engages shoppers in real-time conversations, provides personalized product recommendations, answers questions, and guides them through the purchasing journey. With its conversational and informative capabilities, it caters to the diverse needs and intentions of online shoppers, making it easier to convert them into satisfied buyers and boost sales.

Here are some specific examples of how Manifest AI can help you convert each type of online shopper:

Casual browsers: Manifest AI can strike up a conversation with casual browsers to learn more about their interests and needs. Once it understands what they're looking for, it can recommend relevant products and answer any questions they have. This can help to convert casual browsers into active shoppers.
Window shoppers: Manifest AI can show window shoppers different ways to style the products they're interested in, or suggest complementary products. It can also highlight customer reviews and ratings to help window shoppers make informed decisions. This can encourage them to take the plunge and buy a product.
Comparison shoppers: Manifest AI can help comparison shoppers by comparing prices and features of similar products from different brands. It can also highlight unique selling points of your products to help them make a decision. This can help to convert comparison shoppers into paying customers.

Install Manifest AI for your online shoppers

Overall, Manifest AI is a powerful tool that can help you convert all types of online shoppers on your Shopify store. By providing a personalized and engaging shopping experience, Manifest AI can help you boost sales and grow your business.

Conclusion

The online shopping landscape is constantly evolving, as are the preferences and behaviors of online shoppers. However, by understanding the different types of online shoppers and their motivations, businesses can develop targeted marketing and sales strategies to reach them more effectively.

By leveraging Manifest AI, a GPT-powered AI chatbot, businesses can further amplify their ability to connect with online shoppers and drive conversions. By engaging shoppers in real-time conversations, providing personalized product recommendations, and answering questions, Manifest AI can help businesses to create a more seamless and enjoyable shopping experience for all types of online shoppers.