The year is drawing to a close, and it's high time to both reflect on the results of 2023 and think forward to 2024. As you’ve guessed, that's precisely what we're going to do in this short (retro)perspective article that features insights directly from Amasty's CEO.
Ready to learn about the four key aspects that Amasty believes will be vital for e-commerce growth in 2024? We're excited to share them along with our progress in them so far and strategies to keep succeeding next year!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for E-commerce
While neural networks and large language models have certainly sparked controversy this year, Amasty has chosen to leverage AI for the efficiency of its clients. Our latest offering, AI Content Generator, helps companies incorporate the functionality of OpenAI's ChatGPT right into their stores. Such integration allows teams to swiftly generate article drafts, craft SEO-friendly metadata, and publish dynamic product descriptions in bulk, saving time and effort.
To maximize the impact across the industry, we’ve targeted our AI Content Generation tool not just at Magento but also at Shopify, BigCommerce, and Wix — the e-commerce platforms that we plan to keep closely working with in 2024. We’re already rolling out upgrades with enhanced functionality for our products and will continue to do so next year as we closely monitor the evolution of AI.
Responsible Data Collection with Effective Advertising
As tech giants like Google and Apple realign with increasingly strict privacy regulations, e-commerce businesses grapple with challenges in customer data analytics and policy compliance. Amasty strives to support its clients with secure tools such as GDPR Pro, Cookie Consent, and California Consumer Privacy Act. A newly released product – Omnibus Price Tracker – is indispensable to ensure compliance with EU Omnibus Directive, build customer trust, and boost revenue via price transparency.
But while caring for the legal safety of our customers, we acknowledge the need to understand your audience and aim to provide you with responsible yet effective solutions. Our GA4 with GTM support module makes for seamless integration between your Magento store and Google Analytics 4, offering valuable insights into your customers' behavior and preferences. It lets you track product impressions and clicks, observe shopping cart and checkout events, monitor customer account events, and assess promotions performance.
Since another Google's 2023 initiative, Automated Discounts Program, has already shown a remarkable 43% increase from Google Shopping Ads sales, we've cooperated with Google to bring you a new 3-in-one Magento 2 solution. Our Google Automated Discounts extension (now on pre-order and available as a beta package) integrates Magento with Google Merchant Center and lets you boost ad conversions through tailored auto-discounts powered by Google's AI algorithms.
To help you better track user interactions following ad clicks and thrive in the world without third-party cookies, Amasty has also launched – and is continuously expanding – its own line of pixel products:
- Facebook pixel helps you optimize Facebook ads, create lookalike Facebook audiences, and seamlessly integrate Facebook Analytics with Magento.
- Microsoft Ads allows for easy integration of the UET Tag into your store. It helps you activate over 10 built-in events to track user actions, establish conversion goals based on events, and formulate precise remarketing lists.
- Pixels for TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) also focus on post-ad interaction tracking, audience building, and ROAS measurement. Both modules are currently available for discounted pre-order and are scheduled for release in early 2024.
Balance of Looks & Performance
In the online retail space, performance always translates to profitability. Recognizing the value of operational smoothness, Amasty has been running performance audits and backed up customers with the robust functionality of its Page Speed Optimizer.
Besides that, we’ve also kept advocating for Hyvä – a theme that combines aesthetic appeal with maximum performance. As we shared in one of our 2023 Hyvä migration success stories, switching to Hyvä can reduce store loading times to under a single second.
We’re working hard to make our modules Hyvä-compliant, too. While drawing a clear distinction between front-end and back-end Hyvä-compatibility, we are soon to reach an impressive milestone of 100 Hyvä-friendly extensions! As we move into 2024, Amasty is committed to making all our products work seamlessly with Hyvä, solidifying our position as the go-to provider for Hyvä-compatible solutions.
WCAG and ADA Compliance
It’s a fact that in light of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and the EU's strengthened EAA (European Accessibility Act) planned for 2025, accessibility directly impacts e-commerce legal security. But above all else, it plays a crucial role in connecting with diverse audiences and fostering an environment of inclusivity.
In collaboration with Hyvä and Snowdog, Amasty has been driving change in the e-commerce sector by prioritizing adherence to WCAG and ADA regulations. We’ve already given some of our Hyvä-compatible modules – FAQ, Social Login, Blog Pro, Product Labels, and Custom Form – a WCAG 2.1 AA makeover and will continue the A11Y agenda in 2024. Our ultimate goal is to make all of our extensions WCAG and ADA-compliant, ensuring that our clients meet all legal requirements.
Embracing 2024: A Word from Amasty CEO
"While the significance of AI, responsible data collection, the Hyvä technology, and accessibility will carry into 2024, Amasty is fully prepared to lead the way in these trends for our valued customers.
But Amasty is more than just a follower. We are committed to not merely keeping pace with changes but actively shaping the future of e-commerce experiences. Working with our diverse clients, we strive to move the industry forward by providing products and services that genuinely impact online retail businesses. In addition to that, we continue to actively support the open-source Magento community by contributing to Mage-OS.
Collaboration, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach are the keys to success in e-commerce in 2024 and onward – that’s what everyone at Amasty firmly believes in."
Sergej Derzap
Amasty CEO
