Mobile phones are an integral part of our lives, for communication, businesses, shopping, and more. 9 out of 10 people in the United States own a smartphone and an average user checks the phone over 150 times a day. The addiction is undeniable, as 68% of users sleep with their mobile phone next to them.
The increasing utility of mobile phones has attracted businesses. Majority of businesses now have a mobile-friendly online presence, if not a mobile app. 70% of the web traffic happens on a mobile device, indicating the shift towards smaller screens. However, mobile phones are evolving. Latest technologies have revamped mobile dynamics. Thus, the need to adopt and adapt to changing m-commerce trends.
This article explores the trends regulating the m-commerce arena.
1. Creating an Omnichannel Shopping Experience
Customers look for similar experience across platforms. Businesses today are available on different channels including retail stores, websites, and mobile apps. A customer must feel exactly the same aura and essence when scrolling through the mobile app that he feels in the retail store of the brand. The company’s ability to optimize across platforms determines the efficiency of its m-commerce channel.
Long gone are the days when having a mobile app for your business was sufficient to please the customers. Now people want to have multiple options, each offering the same level of excellence. Don’t offer platform-specific offers, such as a 50% discount for purchases from the app. Instead, deliver the same content on whichever device they wish to use.
2. Offering Mobile Image Recognition
The mobile image recognition technology is the breakthrough that will take m-commerce to new heights of engagement. The technology allows users to post a picture and find the closest product available in the store, from the database of reference images. The technology can scan QR codes and barcodes, recognize 2D objects like artwork and books, translate text in a foreign language, and identify relevant products.
It’s helpful to look for products you love but don’t know the name, category, or place to find them. The image recognition lets users post pictures of random products and on a mobile phone that supports the technology. The app will display the most relevant products available.
The technology also allows customers to compare the prices of different sellers offering the product or relevant products, enabling smarting purchase behavior.
3. Increasing Usage of Chatbots
Chatbots have been in town for long. We are familiar with Siri and Alexa and by now, have a basic understanding of how they work. Chatbots are virtual robots that talk with users and provide information. The technology replicates patterns of human interaction, enabling chatbots to learn without natural language processing. The system provides predefined characters combined with machine learning.
Chatbots have been on the rise lately for they solve multiple problems. Firstly, chatbots perform monotonous tasks that can be performed by a robot. For example, interested users can chat with the bot to inquire about product availability, size availability, expected delivery time and more. The chatbot will fetch information from the database, saving time and efforts.
Secondly, the customer support team can be allocated elsewhere, since chatbots will take care of the other work. The team can then focus on business development and enhancing the customer experience.
Thirdly, chatbots reduce the response time. Unlike humans who require manual effort to find information, chatbots instantly respond to queries by automatically acquiring information from the database. Fast response solves customers’ concerns quicker, boosting customer satisfaction and encouraging them to purchase.
Chatbots provide instant gratification by responding immediately. Thus, a great trend in the m-commerce industry.
4. Including Augmented Reality to Boost Conversions
Online shopping comes with several reservations, one being whether the product will look good in real or not. Alexis may wonder whether the glasses will suit her or not. Robin wonders whether the sofa will complement the curtains or not. This is where augmented reality comes into practice.
The technology allows users to virtually try the products. For example, Alexis can try the glasses as she would in a retail store. Robin can virtually place the sofa in the room and see if it goes well. Research shows that 40% of shoppers are willing to pay more for products if they can experience it, through augmented reality, before purchasing.
Since customers know what to expect from the actual product, the decisions to purchase is easier to make. Also, setting realistic expectations reduces chances of disappointments.
5. Allow Payments in a Single Click
Single-click payments are yet to become popular. Currently, Amazon enjoys a monopoly in payments in one click. The feature lets customers complete the order in one click only. The system stores the payment information and offers customers to make the payment by simply tapping a button. It encourages repeat purchases and saves the trouble of entering the information again, benefitting from impulsive purchasing. Faster and easier shopping experience boosts customer satisfaction.
Single-click payments are great to ignite the purchasing desire. For example, Melisandre can buy her favorite perfume before the sale ends, even while she does not have her credit card around and does not remember the credentials. The app would fetch her payment details and allow purchasing without having to re-enter the details. It offers high-end convenience and comfort.
Mobile commerce solutions have become integral for businesses, considering the increased usage of mobile phones. People prefer shopping via mobile phones as the device is with the user for over 16 hours. It is convenient to purchase from the phone, while scrolling through the products, sometimes even unintentionally. We discussed some exciting trends in the article that will rule the m-commerce industry in the coming days.
Mobile phones are all about convenience and ease of use. These trends help expand the level of convenience, offering an unrivaled user experience. Let your mobile commerce platform add to your competitive edge, by technology-driven services that are impossible to find in another m-commerce app.
