The m-commerce market will see new contenders between 2020 and 2025 and is expected to hit $710.4 billion by 2025. Currently, the payment markets are captured by old players like PayPal, Google, Apple, and SAP. But in the coming years, there will be more opportunities.

M-commerce (mobile commerce) has become a dominant force in the digital economy, driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and mobile internet.

What is M-Commerce?

M-Commerce, deals with buying and selling of goods and services through smartphones, tablets etc using  digital transactions. It doesn’t require physical contact between two people for sending or receiving the money.

Examples of M-Commerce

1. Mobile Shopping Apps:
   • Amazon: The Amazon mobile app allows users to browse, shop, and track orders seamlessly.
   • eBay: Users can bid, buy, and sell items directly from their smartphones.
   • Shein: A popular fashion app offering affordable clothing and accessories.
2. Mobile Payment Systems:
   • Apple Pay: Allows users to make contactless payments using their iPhones or Apple Watches.
   • Google Pay: Enables payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and loyalty card integration.
   • PayPal: A widely used app for online and in-store payments.
   • UPI: Popular in India, allow users to scan QR codes or UPI id to pay for goods and services.
3. Food Delivery Apps:
   • Uber Eats: Users can order food from local restaurants and track delivery in real-time.
   • DoorDash: Offers a seamless mobile experience for food delivery and pickup.
4. Ride-Hailing Services:
   • Uber: Users can book rides, track drivers, and pay through the app.
   • Lyft: Similar to Uber, it provides a mobile-first experience for transportation.
5. Mobile Banking:
   • Chase Mobile: Allows users to check balances, transfer funds, and deposit checks via their smartphones.
   • Revolut: A digital banking app offering currency exchange, budgeting tools, and more.
6. In-App Purchases:
   • Spotify: Users can upgrade to premium subscriptions directly within the app.
   • Mobile Games: Games like Candy Crush or Clash of Clans offer in-app purchases for extra lives, power-ups, or virtual goods.
7. QR Code Payments:
   • Alipay and WeChat Pay: Popular in China, these apps allow users to scan QR codes to pay for goods and services.
8. Social Commerce:
   • Instagram Shopping: Users can browse and purchase products directly from posts and stories.
   • TikTok Shop: Integrates e-commerce into the platform, allowing users to buy products featured in videos.

Ways to Increase M-Commerce Sales

Increasing mobile commerce (m-commerce) sales requires optimizing the mobile shopping experience, leveraging technology, and understanding consumer behavior.

• Smartphones account for around 45% of all US web traffic, with 15% of adults using their smartphones as their primary source of internet access at home.
• A recent survey found that 96% of young adults (ages 18 to 29) own smartphones, while only 61% of those over 65 own one.
• Approximately 76% of adults have purchased items using their mobile phones.
• Here are effective strategies to boost m-commerce sales:

1. Optimize for Mobile User Experience (UX)

• Responsive Design: Ensure your website or app is fully responsive and adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes.
• Fast Loading Speed: Optimize images, use caching, and minimize code to reduce load times. Slow loading can lead to cart abandonment.
• Intuitive Navigation: Simplify menus and make it easy for users to find products and complete purchases.
• Thumb-Friendly Design: Place buttons and key elements within easy reach of the user's thumb for one-handed use.

2. Leverage Mobile Apps

• Develop a Dedicated App: A well-designed app can provide a smoother shopping experience compared to a mobile browser.
• Push Notifications: Use personalised push notifications to re-engage users, promote offers, and remind them of abandoned carts.
• App-Only Discounts: Offer exclusive discounts or early access to sales for app users to encourage downloads and repeat usage.

3. Simplify the Checkout Process

• Guest Checkout Option: Allow users to check out without creating an account to reduce friction.
• Autofill Forms: Enable autofill for addresses and payment details to speed up the process.
• Multiple Payment Options: Offer popular mobile payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and digital wallets.
• One-Click Purchasing: Implement one-click buying options for returning customers.

4. Use Personalisation

• AI-Driven Recommendations: Use machine learning to suggest products based on browsing history, past purchases, and user preferences.
• Personalised Offers: Send tailored discounts, promotions, and product recommendations via email or push notifications.
• Dynamic Content: Show personalised banners, ads, and product listings based on user behavior.

5. Implement Social Commerce

• Shoppable Posts: Integrate shopping features on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to allow users to purchase directly from social media.
• Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers to promote products and drive traffic to your m-commerce platform.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share photos and reviews, which can be used as social proof.

6. Optimize for Voice Search

• Voice-Activated Shopping: Ensure your platform is compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
• Long-Tail Keywords: Optimize product descriptions and metadata for voice search queries, which are often more conversational.

7. Leverage Augmented Reality (AR)

• Virtual Try-Ons: Allow customers to visualize products (e.g., furniture, clothing, or makeup) in their own environment using AR.
• Interactive Product Demos: Use AR to showcase product features and benefits in an engaging way.

8. Offer Free and Fast Shipping

• Free Shipping: Provide free shipping thresholds or promotions to encourage larger purchases.
• Real-Time Tracking: Offer real-time order tracking to keep customers informed about their delivery status.
• Same-Day or Next-Day Delivery: Partner with logistics providers to offer faster delivery options.

9. Retarget Abandoned Carts

• Push Notifications: Send reminders to users who left items in their cart.
• Email Campaigns: Use personalized emails with product images, discounts, or incentives to encourage completion of the purchase.
• Exit-Intent Popups: Offer a discount or free shipping when users attempt to leave the site without completing their purchase.

10. Invest in Mobile Advertising

• Social Media Ads: Run targeted ads on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to reach mobile users.
• Google Ads: Use mobile-optimized search and display ads to drive traffic to your m-commerce site or app.
• Retargeting Ads: Use retargeting campaigns to re-engage users who have previously visited your site or app.

11. Enhance Security and Trust

• SSL Certificates: Ensure your site is secure with HTTPS to protect user data.
• Trust Badges: Display security badges, customer reviews, and ratings to build trust.
• Clear Return Policy: Make your return and refund policies easily accessible and transparent.

12. Gamify the Shopping Experience

• Loyalty Programs: Reward customers with points, discounts, or exclusive offers for repeat purchases.
• Spin-the-Wheel Discounts: Use interactive games to offer discounts or free shipping.
• Referral Programs: Encourage users to refer friends in exchange for rewards.

13. Use Video Content

• Product Demos: Create short videos showcasing product features and benefits.
• Live Shopping: Host live streams where influencers or brand representatives demonstrate products and answer questions in real-time.
• User-Generated Videos: Encourage customers to share video reviews or unboxings.

14. Optimize for Local Searches

• Local SEO: Optimize your site for local search terms to attract nearby customers.
• Google My Business: List your business on Google My Business to appear in local search results.
• Location-Based Offers: Send targeted promotions to users based on their location.

15. Analyze and Optimize

• A/B Testing: Test different layouts, CTAs, and designs to see what works best for your audience.
• Analytics Tools: Use tools like Google Analytics, Hotjar, or Mixpanel to track user behavior and identify areas for improvement.
• Heatmaps: Analyse heatmaps to understand how users interact with your mobile site or app.

In A Nutshell…

Smartphones and the internet have revolutionised how companies do business today. From m-commerce to providing customer support, companies are increasingly using digital tools and platforms to increase customer engagement and drive business growth.