Mobile commerce is becoming more important for retailers
|Mobile and social channels may help the e-commerce sector grow more this year
Mobile and social channels may be the key drivers of e-commerce growth this year, according to Monetate. The firm notes that mobile commerce, in particular, experienced a period of healthy growth and activity during the 2014 holiday season. During this time, mobile purchases increased by 45% over what they had been during the time period of 2013. Approximately 16% of all e-commerce traffic came from mobile devices as well, making mobile a valuable channel for the larger digital commerce space.
Improved mobile experience may be needed in order to ensure that consumers continue to shop on their smartphones and tablets
Monetate notes that mobile experiences are improving, which is making it more likely for consumers to participate in mobile payments in some way. A good experience encourages consumers to continue using their mobile devices to shop for and purchase products online and at physical stores. Poor experiences have the opposite effect, especially if they become inconvenient and considered a burden to consumers that have come to favor mobility.
Engaging consumers in innovative ways can bring them deeper into the world of mobile commerce
Loyalty programs could be the key to further success in the mobile commerce space
Loyalty programs may be one of the first steps in driving deeper personalization of the mobile shopping experience. These programs offer rewards to shoppers that favor particular retailers. Monetate notes that these programs are the most profitable type of initiative that retailers can utilize. They also exist as a way for consumers to customize their experiences with the retailers that they are supporting.