5 tips to be successful in mobile commerce

Tip 1: Usability is key in mobile commerce

Good usability is key in mobile commerce, to ensure that the online shopping experience is as frustration-free as possible. Factors here include

• intuitive operation,
• search functions and accessibility features, and
• a well-designed website or app.

Don’t forget that not all user-friendly features on a desktop are equally useful on a smartphone or other device. For example, selecting the quantity you want to order on a mobile device is easy using two keys (- and +), while a drop-down box is more useful on a desktop.

Tip 2: Straightforward contact options

If customers have questions about a product, the ordering process or shipping, they tend to look for a fast, simple, and direct method of communication. Since many users make e-commerce purchases on their smartphone, one option is to allow them to make just one call to get answers. Communicating via live chat is another practical option that is also becoming increasingly common in mobile commerce. You can either program a bot to respond on behalf of your brand or use staff from your customer service department to talk to users.

Tip 3: Select the appropriate technology strategy

Should you choose an app or a mobile website? A lot of thought needs to go into this decision as it will affect the investment costs, operations, and the options available to your brand for ongoing development. While maintaining a responsive website is often less demanding than an app, the latter creates new forms of interaction and allows you to track data that may be useful for your brand. The key here is to set priorities and weigh up the two options carefully.

Mobile commerce also offers a range of features that are designed specifically for mobile devices – QR scanning, touch, vibrations, or even a click-to-call button. If you incorporate features like these into your online shop, it creates mobile added value for customers and also makes shopping fun.

Tip 4: Secure payment process

Offering a secure payment process is a crucial factor in making sure that your users do not leave your brand’s online shop without ordering the items in their shopping cart. Customers will not complete a purchase if they have doubts about whether the transaction is secure. If they are unsure, then there is a high risk that they will abandon the order process – even if their shopping cart is full. The following elements will help you and your brand to build the trust needed in mobile commerce:

• Simple payment methods such as PayPal or buying on account
• A progress bar so that the customer can see exactly where they are in the payment process
• The option to place an order as a guest

Tip 5: SEO check

If you want your brand’s online shop to have a strong mobile presence, then performing well in the search engine rankings is worth its weight in gold. You should therefore experiment with Google’s rules, by using keywords and creating appropriate links, as this will increase your chances of boosting your ranking, achieving a better conversion rate and improving your sales volume.

Optimizing local searches can also be a good approach in mobile commerce, as it allows users in your vicinity to quickly find your brand’s store.

Mobile commerce: strategy for success

Mobile commerce is continuing to gain ground, so it is more important than ever to offer online shoppers a buying experience that leaves them wanting more. If your brand’s shop has a user-friendly design, and you offer a secure payment process and straightforward contact options, then you have cleared the way for an impressive mobile experience.

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