E-commerce
Shopping through the internet.
What is E-commerce?
E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet. Whether it’s ordering a pair of shoes on your phone or selling handmade candles from a Shopify storefront — it all falls under the umbrella of e-commerce.
From individual creators to global giants like Amazon, e-commerce has become the default mode of business in the digital age.
Why is E-commerce Important?
In 2023, global e-commerce sales surpassed $6.3 trillion and are projected to grow to $8.1 trillion by 2026, according to Statista.
(Source: Statista)
This isn’t just a trend — it’s a transformation.
E-commerce allows businesses to operate 24/7, reach global audiences, reduce physical overheads, and gather powerful customer data. On the consumer side, it’s about convenience, speed, choice, and personalization.
In short: e-commerce is no longer optional — it’s essential.
How E-commerce Evolved
The rise of e-commerce didn’t happen overnight. Here’s a timeline of key milestones:
1) The Early Internet Era (1970s–1990s)
E-commerce roots can be traced to 1979, when British inventor Michael Aldrich connected a modified TV to a computer via telephone line — essentially inventing teleshopping. In 1994, the first secure online purchase was made — a Sting CD via NetMarket.
2) The Dot-com Boom (Late 1990s–Early 2000s)
Amazon and eBay launched in the mid-1990s, laying the foundation for modern online retail. By 2000, thousands of dot-com startups were selling everything from books to pet food.
3) The Mobile & Platform Era (2010s–Now)
With smartphones and platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and TikTok Shop, anyone can launch an online store. Mobile commerce now accounts for over 60% of all e-commerce sales worldwide.
(Source: Statista, 2024)
The Basics of E-commerce
There are three main types of e-commerce:
- B2C (Business to Consumer): Traditional online shopping — think ASOS, Apple, or Amazon.
- B2B (Business to Business): Businesses selling to other businesses — e.g. wholesalers or software platforms like HubSpot.
- C2C (Consumer to Consumer): Peer-to-peer selling on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Depop.
A newer category, DTC (Direct-to-Consumer), has emerged as brands like Gymshark and Glossier bypass traditional retailers.
Common E-commerce Mistakes
“Build it and they will come”: Launching a site without a traffic strategy (SEO, ads, social) leads to dead air. Visibility must be earned.
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Ignoring User Experience: A confusing checkout process or slow mobile site can kill conversions.
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Underestimating Brand Story: With competition high, storytelling and positioning matter more than ever.
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According to Baymard Institute, the average cart abandonment rate is 70.19%, often due to friction during checkout.
(Source: Baymard, 2024)
Where to learn more?
You can deepen your understanding of e-commerce through platforms like:
Or continue exploring this site for tools, guides, and future-facing digital strategies — one concept at a time.