Retail has undergone significant changes over the past decade. Rapid technological progress and shifts in consumer habits have fueled the ecommerce boom, with more shoppers turning online for convenience.
To stay competitive, retailers are embracing artificial intelligence. This technology helps predict trends, streamline operations, and improve customer experiences.
If you are looking for ways to use AI in ecommerce, here are five practical examples. With them, you can generate AI images with DepositPhotos, write product descriptions with ChatGPT, and more.
How to use AI in ecommerce the smart way
Given the clear benefits of AI in ecommerce, 84% of online businesses now list implementation as a top priority. However, to unlock its full potential, companies should treat AI as an intelligent partner rather than just another tool.
In practice, this means using artificial intelligence not only to automate repetitive tasks but also to guide smarter decisions. For instance, AI can analyze search queries on your website and predict customer interests for the next week, month, or season. Combine these insights with your own customer knowledge, and you’ll be able to optimize product assortments and marketing campaigns.
Top 5 AI use cases in ecommerce
1. AI-generated product and lifestyle images
Artificial intelligence in ecommerce is a game-changer when you need high-quality product photos or lifestyle visuals without costly photo shoots.
Tools like the DepositPhotos AI Image Generator let you:
- Generate images of one product in different colors, backgrounds, and styles.
- Place products in realistic scenes—from cozy living rooms to busy city streets.
- Adjust model attributes such as ethnicity, gender, and body type to promote diversity and inclusion.
- Build a licensed photo library to keep fresh visuals ready.
- Remove backgrounds or unnecessary details instantly.
The process is simple: describe your idea, generate four image options, and download the one you like best.
2. Instant copywriting
AI-driven copywriting is another powerful application of AI in ecommerce. Instead of spending hours writing product descriptions, you can let AI handle the first draft.
How to use ChatGPT effectively:
- Provide AI with sample texts to capture your tone and style.
- Write clear, detailed prompts that include the key selling points.
- Generate multiple options, then refine them to match your brand.
- Test descriptions on product pages and measure performance.
With strong prompt templates and a bit of training, you can produce compelling product descriptions quickly and consistently.
3. Intelligent visual search
Visual search is already popular on platforms like Pinterest and Zalando. Adding this feature to your online store can dramatically improve the shopping experience.
To integrate it, you’ll need:
- An intuitive interface for customer use.
- An AI-powered image recognition system.
- Algorithms that match user-uploaded images with your catalog.
- Machine learning models that refine results over time.
Since implementing AI into online shopping may be complex, start small—apply visual search to a single product category before expanding.
4. Smart product recommendations
Ecommerce giants like Amazon generate 35% of their revenue through personalized recommendations. By suggesting products your customers genuinely want, you can boost sales by up to one-third.
Here’s how to build an effective recommendation system:
- Collect customer data on past purchases and browsing behavior.
- Use algorithms to create personalized suggestions.
- Apply collaborative filtering to recommend items based on similar customer behavior.
- Highlight frequently purchased-together products.
- Add “customers also loved” sections to increase discovery.
Look to platforms like Netflix, Etsy, ASOS, and Zalando for inspiration on recommendation strategies.
5. Intelligent trend forecasting
Trend forecasting is one of the most impactful AI solutions for ecommerce growth. It helps you predict which products will perform well and which may lag—allowing you to optimize inventory and avoid overstock.
AI can also anticipate:
- Popular categories and subcategories.
- Trending colors, textures, and patterns.
- In-demand materials and textures.
- Popular product features.
- Emerging design aesthetics.
With AI-powered commerce, you can spot opportunities early and adapt your assortment to match customer demand—keeping your brand relevant and competitive.
Examples of using AI in ecommerce
- Shopify introduced Shopify Magic for AI-generated copy, email campaigns, and image editing.
- Zalando built virtual fitting rooms where shoppers try clothes on their 3D avatars.
- Amazon recommends products with AI algorithms based on browsing and purchase history.
- Zara uses machine learning to adjust prices in real time according to sales and competitor activity.
- eBay employs artificial intelligence to detect and prevent fraud, protecting buyers and sellers.
To wrap up
Now that you know how to use AI in ecommerce, the next step is implementation. Even small actions can make a big difference. Start applying these strategies today and see how AI can transform your online business.
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