Anticipating the Disruption: How My Field Will Transform and My Uncertainty About the Future

Navigating Change: Reflections on the Future of the eCommerce Industry

As a seasoned professional in the eCommerce landscape, I’m experiencing a profound transformation in my industry that has left me pondering my career trajectory for the first time. At 30 years old, I’ve devoted nearly two decades to the world of digital commerce, beginning my journey at just 14 and progressively climbing the ranks since 2015. My roles have ranged from sales to key leadership positions such as Director of Project Management, Director of Operations, and currently, Director of Partnerships at my agency.

Throughout my career, I’ve collaborated on a variety of projects, from web development and design initiatives to expansive SEO and marketing campaigns, with initiatives costing anywhere from $20,000 to over $1 million. I’ve been at the forefront of critical strategies such as Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), UI/UX planning, and upsell techniques, providing me with a broad and deep understanding of the eCommerce ecosystem.

However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our industry in ways I never expected. A stark example comes from a former agency where I once worked, which had a robust team of 25 copywriters solely focused on SEO. A recent conversation with a colleague revealed a drastically reduced team of just four writers, paired with a substantial increase in billable services—over $20,000 more per month. It appears that advanced AI tools are now capable of replacing many junior writing roles, allowing lead writers to refine AI-generated content that adheres to copyright regulations.

Moreover, I learned that another agency eliminated its entire U.S. development team in favor of developers from Latin America, leveraging tools like ChatGPT for communication through platforms like Jira and Slack. This shift emphasizes not only cost efficiency but also the increasing reliance on AI to streamline processes that were once reliant on experienced human expertise.

While I am not suggesting an imminent collapse of our industry, the trends are evident. AI technology is now capable of transforming Figma designs into functional websites and generating precise coding for implementations, such as upselling, with minimal developer input. I am also witnessing a significant shift in Google’s approach to SEO, where AI-driven methodologies are increasingly overshadowing traditional practices.

As I reflect on the fate of our field over the next five years, I find myself in a state of uncertainty amid this wave of automation. Currently, I am pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and contemplating a transition back into a Head of Project Management or Senior PM role