Category: Mobile Commerce

Though this may have been possible for the first generation of mobile efforts, times have changed.

When retailers first started to discover that mobile commerce was going to be vital to their survival, many of them responded by using their standard websites and optimizing the same content and layout so that it would be compatible with the smaller screens and navigation requirements of mobile devices.

This was a strategy that was somewhat effective for a while, but the channel has evolved since then.

The world of mcommerce is traveling at a breakneck speed, and it is continually in flux. The more brands, companies, and marketers discover about what consumers are expecting from this channel and what is effective, the faster it grows. Now, the websites that were originally optimized so that their standard formats would fit on smaller screens are being found to be inadequate within the sector.

Simply repurposing regular sites for mcommerce just isn’t enough for the mobile consumer.

An mcommerce website should not simply be a cookie cutter copy of the site designed for e-commerce. Before the mobile version is released, it is vital for companies to determine what features are truly central for driving engagement, and to make those elements the heart of the smartphone and tablet experience. For example, store locators – which are often considered to be rather secondary on standard sites – are among the most important features of a mobile commerce enabled website, and should be placed front and center in many instances.

A site meant for a smartphone needs to be stripped down to its bare minimum while still providing a rich and engaging experience. Functionality, compatibility, load time, ease of navigation, and driving consumers to act are all critical to mobile. Unlike the PC experience, it is isn’t simply a matter of placing information in front of the consumer. It needs to appeal to the individual on the go, with quick and simple mcommerce options that will be highly relevant and appeal on a personal level. Companies must never lose sight of this perspective if they wish to get the most out of what the channel has to offer.

Cyber Monday the most successful day in retail history

Cyber Monday has come and gone and left the retail industry rejoicing what has become one of the most successful holiday shopping weekends ever. Retailers saw record sales on Cyber Monday as shoppers flocked to e-commerce sites to make purchases online. According to IBM Digital Analytics Benchmark, online sales this year rose by 30% over what they had been on Cyber Monday in 2011. IBM suggests that Cyber Monday has become the most successful online shopping day the retail industry has ever seen.

Consumers flock online for major deals

Consumers did not just use their computers to buy products online, many of them also turned to their smart phones and tablets. Mobile devices accounted for a significant portion of the sales that retailers saw on Cyber Monday. Indeed, many retailers sought to engage consumers through various mobile commerce efforts that offered deals specifically to those that made purchases using a specialized application or a smart phones or tablet.

Mobile sales soar due to the efforts of retailers

Part of the success that retailers saw through their online platforms comes from the fact that they did not actually wait until Monday to begin providing deals. Traditionally, retailers wait until Cyber Monday arrives to begin offering online-only deals. This year, however, many decided to introduce these deals on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, hoping to take advantage of the holiday shopping buzz. This proved especially successful among mobile consumers who were eager to use their devices to find products they were interested in.

Consumers still have time to benefit from mobile commerce initiatives

Though the most significant holiday shopping weekend of the year has come to an end, mobile commerce is still expected to play a major role in the remainder of the holiday season. Consumers have plenty of time to continue shopping before Christmas arrives and they will also be able to take advantage of the deals offered by retailers as that day draws nearer.