Leveraging commerce to showcase your diversity

Are you looking to showcase your company's commitment to diversity? If so, you may be wondering how you can use your online store to show that your business is actively working towards inclusivity. In this post, we'll discuss some of the ways you can use e-commerce to demonstrate your efforts.

Sizing

First and foremost, it's important to consistently curate images of your products on people of different body types and sizes. This can be done through photoshoots, user-generated content, or even by working with influencers who represent a diverse range of body types. Once you have these images, it's time to integrate them into your platform.

Refinements, also known as filters, are a crucial component of any commerce platform. They allow customers to quickly and easily find products that meet their specific needs and preferences. One key aspect of this is product size, and for many customers, it's important to see products on people of different body types and sizes. In this article, we'll discuss how you can use commerce refinements/filters to show size diverse images on your e-commerce platform.

One option is to create a size filter that allows customers to select their preferred size, and then display images of the product on models of similar sizes. This can be done by assigning a size to each image and then linking those images to the relevant size in the filter. This way, when a customer selects a specific size, they'll be shown images of the product on models of similar sizes.

Another option is to incorporate size-diverse images into your product descriptions and product pages. You can add multiple images of the product on different body types and sizes, and then allow customers to view each image by clicking on a button or dropdown menu. This way, customers can get a better idea of how the product will fit their body type, even if they don't use the size filter.

You can also highlight diversity in product descriptions: Including information about the diversity of the people who made the product, or information about the cultural heritage of a particular item, this can help to show the diversity of your offerings.

It's also important to consider making size information readily available for customers. This can be done by including size charts and detailed size descriptions on your product pages.

Language

Be mindful of language: The language you use in your product descriptions, marketing materials, and customer service interactions can impact the level of inclusivity and diversity that your customers experience. Ensure that your language is neutral and avoids using stereotypes or insensitive language.

Accessibility on the Site

Accessibility is important for commerce platforms because it ensures that all users, regardless of ability, have equal opportunities to access and utilize the platform. This includes individuals with disabilities such as visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. Providing accessible interfaces and features not only benefits users with disabilities, but also creates a better user experience for everyone. For example, using clear and descriptive language, providing alternative ways to navigate the platform, and designing interfaces that are easy to use and understand, can improve overall usability and customer satisfaction. In addition, accessible commerce platforms can reach a wider audience, including older individuals and those with temporary disabilities. By prioritizing accessibility, commerce platforms can create a more inclusive and diverse user base, leading to increased customer engagement and satisfaction.

AR/VR

You can also consider offering virtual try-on features, such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR), to help customers see how a product will fit on their bodies. This can be achieved by using a camera to capture the customer's image and superimpose the selected clothing item over it in real-time. AR technology can also track the customer's movements, allowing them to see how the clothing item fits and moves on their body. This provides a more immersive and interactive shopping experience for the customer compared to traditional product photos and helps them make informed purchasing decisions. Using AR for virtual try-ons can also reduce the need for returns due to fit issues, as customers can see exactly how the item will look on them before making a purchase. Additionally, AR technology can be integrated with a commerce website to provide a seamless and convenient shopping experience, without the need for customers to physically visit a store.

Hiring

Hiring a diverse team is important for all businesses because it brings a variety of perspectives, experiences, and skills to the table. A diverse workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, as employees with diverse backgrounds bring unique ideas and approaches to the table. Furthermore, a diverse team better reflects the demographics of your customer base, leading to a deeper understanding of their needs and preferences, which can improve customer satisfaction and drive sales. In addition, a diverse and inclusive workplace can also increase employee engagement, as employees feel valued and supported. A diverse team can also help your business stay ahead of the competition by attracting top talent and retaining employees, as well as building a positive company culture and reputation. Ultimately, by creating a workplace that values and celebrates diversity, an ecommerce business can foster an environment that supports innovation, creativity, and success.

The Takeaway

Creating a commerce platform that showcases your diversity initiatives and efforts doesn't have to be a daunting task. Incorporating these tips into your eCommerce platform can help to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all customers. By showing diversity, you can build stronger relationships with your customers and demonstrate your commitment to promoting inclusivity.