(And How to Stay Ahead Without Sounding Like a Sales Robot)
A few years ago, selling online was much simpler.
You could run a few ads, drop a link in your bio, throw in a catchy tagline, and watch the orders roll in.But today?
Consumers have evolved. Buyers are smarter. And trust? It’s harder to earn than ever.If you’re a digital business owner, whether you’re selling services, courses, digital products, or even food, understanding how people buy today can make or break your growth.
Meet Jane — A Modern Buyer in a Digital World.
Jane wants to buy a skincare product online. She sees an ad on Instagram, but instead of buying right away, she:
Googles the brand name
Checks their reviews on Instagram, TikTok, and Google
Asks her friend if she’s used it
Compares it with another brand that has a stronger online presence and better packaging
At the end of the day, she doesn’t go with the cheapest product. She goes with the one that felt more trustworthy, helpful, and human.
Now flip the script. Are you positioned as that business? Let’s talk about five key buying trends that shape how people buy online today, and how your business can adapt, grow, and win their trust.
1. Buyers Trust Reviews Over Your Pitch
Before people buy, they research, and they believe other buyers more than your bio. What You Can Do:
Ask your past customers for testimonials, written or video.
Display reviews boldly on your website, WhatsApp catalog, or Instagram Highlights. Let your happy clients do the selling for you.
2. People Hate Being Sold To, But They Love Being Helped
No one wakes up saying, “I hope I see an ad today!” People buy from those who feel like they understand their problem, not just those who shout the loudest.
What You Can Do:
Position your product/service as a solution, not a transaction.
Speak your audience’s language, show them you “get” their struggle. Educate before you pitch. Remember, If your offer doesn’t solve a real problem, no amount of branding can save it.
3. Human Connection Is Non-Negotiable
AI is everywhere, and that’s exactly why human touch is more valuable than ever. People want to know they can reach a real person. They want empathy, response, and relationship.What You Can Do:
Use your face and voice in your marketing (videos, voice notes, livestreams). Don’t hide behind generic branding.
Be accessible.Add a “Talk to Us” or WhatsApp link to your checkout page or bio.
4. You’re Always Being Compared, Stand Out.
Customers aren’t only looking at you. They’re checking your competitors too. What You Can Do:
Identify your unique value proposition—your “only we…” statement.
Highlight the features, experiences, or bonuses others aren’t offering. Instead of trying to do everything, own one thing extremely well.
Need help with this? [Read this post on how to position your offer so it becomes a must-have.]
5. People Buy What Feels Like a Necessity, Not a Luxury.
In a time of rising costs and limited attention, buyers prioritize necessity over novelty. But here’s the trick: You can make anything feel necessary if it’s positioned right.
What You Can Do:Tie your product to a pain point or daily inconvenience.Offer value-packed bonuses that increase usefulness, even if they didn’t ask. Use language like “essential for…”, “everyday solution”, “built to solve X…”
Final Thought: People Are People, Not Algorithms
Today’s customers don’t just want fast. They want real. They want connection. They want solutions. And above all, they want to feel seen, heard, and helped. So as you build your business, don’t chase trends without tracking how people actually behave. Don’t assume, observe. Test. Learn. Adjust.
Because if you’re going to sell to people online, you have to start treating them like people, not numbers.
Want Help Positioning Your Brand for Today’s Buyer? Let’s work together to build your credibility, differentiate your brand and make your offer feel irresistible and essential.
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