Navigating Change: The Transformative Impact of AI on the eCommerce Industry

As the landscape of the eCommerce sector evolves at an unprecedented pace, many professionals, including myself, are grappling with uncertainty about the future. At 30 years old, I find myself reflecting on a career that commenced at the young age of 14. Over the years, I have progressed through various roles in eCommerce agencies, including Director of Project Management, Director of Operations, and currently, Director of Partnerships.

My experience has primarily revolved around web development, design projects, and large-scale SEO marketing campaigns. I’ve played a pivotal role in the success of numerous projects, with budgets ranging from $20,000 to well over $1 million. My contributions have encompassed everything from optimizing conversion rates (CRO) to strategizing user interface and user experience (UI/UX) and upselling tactics.

However, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence within our industry is reshaping the way we operate, quicker than I ever expected. A striking example comes from a former agency, once bustling with 25 dedicated copywriters in its SEO department. A recent conversation with a colleague revealed that the team has dwindled to just four writers. Remarkably, their operations now generate $20,000 more in billable work each month compared to my time there, primarily due to the integration of AI—automating tasks traditionally handled by junior writers, while lead writers now focus on fine-tuning prompts to avoid copyright concerns.

In another instance, an agency where I previously worked transitioned entirely from a US-based development team to a workforce in Latin America, leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for internal communications via platforms such as Jira and Slack.

While I do not believe that my industry is on the brink of collapse, the implications of these changes are clear. AI capabilities are advancing rapidly, from building websites directly from Figma designs to generating complex code for upsell functionalities—eliminating the need for extensive development teams. Additionally, I have observed AI’s influence on traditional SEO practices and Google’s AI-driven search functionalities overtaking conventional methods.

In light of this rapid transformation, I find myself navigating a sea of uncertainty regarding my career path over the next five years. I am currently pursuing my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and contemplating a transition back into a Head of Project Management or Senior PM role, potentially in a different industry altogether. While I am unsure of where this journey will lead me, one thing is