Gettin' Trendy Wit It: My eComm Experience

Before I knew anything about SEO or fulfillment centers or customer acquisition funnels (still not 100% on that last one), I just knew I wanted to sell something online. That was the vibe. I’d scroll past videos of people turning a $12 investment into a $12K side hustle, click out of them two minutes later, and still somehow be convinced: this could work for me too.

And I wasn’t wrong—it could work. But eComm? Whew. It's a beast of its own. From print-on-demand stores to affiliate links, from TikTok shops to digital products, I’ve dipped a toe into more than a few trends, trying to figure out what sticks. Spoiler: not all of them do. But every attempt taught me something about what it really takes to show up online and sell with intention.

Photo by emirkhan bal on Pexels

When I first got into eComm, I thought I was just a few Canva mockups away from financial freedom. I figured if I could build a cute brand, post consistently, and manifest a little, the money would follow. What I didn’t realize was that eCommerce—especially in this era of endless trends—isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about understanding timing, platforms, people, and honestly, yourself.

I’ve spent the past few years experimenting with different eComm models. Some made sense on paper but flopped in practice. Others looked cringe at first but turned out to be smart plays if you knew how to move. There were moments I felt like a genius, and others where I questioned if anyone actually wanted what I was offering. (Spoiler: sometimes they didn’t, and that’s part of the process.)

This isn’t a tutorial. It’s not a case study. It’s just me, reflecting on the eComm trends I’ve tried—what worked, what didn’t, and what I’d tell anyone trying to figure out their own way in.

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Why eCommerce Still Matters (Even When It’s Tough)

Before we jump into the trends, it’s worth asking: why even get into eCommerce?

For me, it wasn’t just about making money online. It was about independence. Creative control. The chance to build something that felt like mine, even if it flopped. And for a lot of us, that’s the draw—eComm offers a way to bypass traditional gatekeepers and get your ideas out into the world, whether you’re selling physical products, digital downloads, or just testing the waters with merch.

It’s not always easy, and it’s definitely not passive income (at least not in the beginning). But in a world where attention is currency and authenticity sells, eCommerce is one of the few spaces where you can shape your own lane—and potentially turn your side hustle into something sustainable.

It’s not just about selling products. It’s about building presence, learning your audience, and growing with the market.

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So... What Even Is eCommerce?

At its core, eCommerce (short for electronic commerce) just means buying and selling stuff online. That’s it. Whether it’s a $5 digital sticker pack or a $500 pair of sneakers, if money changes hands over the internet, it’s eComm.

But the world of eCommerce has gotten way bigger than just "click and buy." These days, it includes everything from running full online stores to selling products through social media to offering digital services, subscriptions, and even virtual goods. You don’t have to have a giant warehouse or a huge team—you just need an idea, a platform, and a way to connect with people who want what you’re offering.

It’s not always pretty, and it’s definitely not always fast. But it’s still one of the most accessible ways to create, experiment, and grow a brand or business without needing a ton of upfront investment.

And honestly? That’s part of why eComm trends are so interesting to me. They’re not just about flashy buzzwords or “what’s hot right now”—they’re little snapshots of how people are building, selling, and connecting online. Some trends stick, some burn out fast, but each one teaches you something.

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So... What Are Some eComm Trends Worth Knowing?

So, if you're thinking about jumping in (or just curious what’s been going on), here’s a look at a few eComm trends I tried—or at least got way too deep into watching from the sidelines:

1. Print-on-Demand Everything

After my rough start with dropshipping, print-on-demand felt like a softer landing. You design something—a t-shirt, a tote bag, a notebook—and when someone orders it, a third party prints and ships it for you. No upfront inventory costs, no printing press in my living room.

The catch? Margins are thin unless you build a brand people really want to buy from. And designing cute merch is one thing—getting strangers to care enough to click “add to cart” is a whole different hustle. Still, it taught me how to create products I actually loved, not just what I thought would sell fast.

2. Digital Downloads (aka the Low-Key Lifesaver) 

Selling digital downloads (like templates, eBooks, or planners) became the hot move for a lot of broke-but-creative girlies like me. No shipping drama, no stock issues, just upload and go.

I dipped my toes into it with some simple social media templates, and even though it didn’t make me rich overnight, it did show me how powerful it is to create something once and sell it over and over. Passive income isn’t always glamorous, but it’s real—and way less stressful than arguing with suppliers across time zones.

3. Marketplace Hopping

When you can’t build traffic to your own store, why not set up shop where the traffic already is? That’s what marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and even TikTok Shop are for.

I spent way too many nights debating whether to list products on Etsy. (Spoiler: I should’ve.) Marketplaces take a cut of your sales, but they also come with built-in audiences who are already looking to buy. Lesson learned: Sometimes it’s smarter to ride the wave than try to build your own ocean.

4. Subscription Boxes and Bundles

Subscription boxes aren’t just for makeup anymore. In 2024, everything from snacks to self-care kits to planners gets bundled up and shipped monthly.

I always thought subscription models were just for the big brands, but starting small is totally possible. Bundling products or offering a “surprise” item each month builds loyalty and keeps people excited to stick around. Even if I never launched a full box myself (yet 👀), it completely changed how I thought about customer retention.

5. Influencer Collabs (Even If You’re the Influencer)

By 2024, "influencer collab" doesn’t just mean teaming up with someone who has 100k followers. Micro and nano influencers (a.k.a. normal people with loyal audiences) are winning too.

I learned pretty quick that if you can build even a small, genuine community, you don’t have to beg for attention—you can create it. Partnering with others or even treating yourself like the brand is how a lot of small eComm projects are thriving. It’s less about looking famous and more about actually being trusted.

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels

At the end of the day, eComm isn’t just about chasing trends or launching the next viral store. It’s about finding creative ways to connect with people, solve real problems, and build something that feels good to you.

Trends will come and go (trust, they always do), but if you stay curious, flexible, and true to what you actually care about? You’ll always have a place in this space.

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If you’re figuring it out like I am, you’re already doing better than you think. I’m sharing more behind-the-scenes, experiments, and lessons learned as I keep building—follow along, and let’s grow together.