"M-commerce is a term that describes online sales transactions that use wireless electronic devices such as hand-held computers, mobile phones or laptops."
The purchase pattern has evolved, with the internet boom. On-store purchase is on a decline, with people opting for the convenience of online stores. Easy delivery and discounts have strengthened the cause to a heightened level. Also, availability of goods plays an important role, with goods from all across the world easily available with a click.
Naturally, M-commerce is on a rise, with a larger slice of total sales recorded. It is easy for any organization-big or small to cash in to this trend. Especially for emerging businesses, where they need to opt for intelligent business solutions without the inconvenience of budget fluctuations.
Here are a few reasons why opting for m-commerce benefits small businesses-
1. Boost Sales - CouponsOne of the most basic ways to inculcate M-commerce is to understand the potentiality coupons. The lure of coupons is immense in customer psychology. If played right, it can bring immense profit to your revenue, apart from a great buzz being generated. You can even set it up so that the customer gets a coupon, the moment they walk into your store. Be careful of spamming, though. No one wants to get a barrage of mails, promoting unnecessary deals. Keep the message short and engaging. Push notifications are generally seen as less intrusive because the customer has chosen to download your app, making it a wonderful tool to boost services.
2. Reward Customers - Loyalty schemesReward your customers through loyalty programmes. Here, for a certain amount of purchase, you can opt the said customer for loyalty programme. In this particular programme, you can provide special discounts, freebies and added benefits to make them feel special. This is a very good ploy to earn trust and referrals. Also, you can enlist "most loyal customers" to be the spokesperson/ambassador. This ensures great word-by-mouth publicity, which is crucial to earn recognition in the current business scenario.
3. Open a New Avenue for Sales - Mobile StorefrontYou can build up a simple mobile website, or you can opt a native app. Keep it basic, keep graphics light, and make it very easy for clients to navigate. This works great for any sort of purchase- goods and services. An interactive website helps, as it keeps the customer engaged. A good user-friendly website ensures larger scale of pay-per-click, leading to a rise in ROI. It is also said that an increase in number of purchase happens in those websites that are pro-customer and have high customer engagement policies.
4. Learn About Your CustomersApps are essentially flexible. One of their main use is to collect data about your customers. Every customer has a purchase pattern, which can be easily figured out through collation of data. An app can utilize these connections and voluntarily collect valuable information. Also, provide them an option to set up a profile. On the basis of profile parameters, you can customize the messages and services. This would enhance customer interaction and conversion of mere interest to purchase becomes comprehensive.
5. Engage Customers - AppsThere's a wealth of opportunity to get in touch with your customers, boost sales, and make things easier for everyone involved, though mobile apps. Apps can help you transform your smartphone into a powerful device. These tiny applications can fulfil almost all sorts of requirements. They enhance end-user involvement, making the device more productive to perform a plethora of general purpose computing operations.
ConclusionThrough M-commerce, can improve the productivity of their work even without spending too much money. The opportunities are endless, so get into the bandwagon before it's too late.
Guest Author
The author has a rich experience across different facets of running organizations in IT, communications, lifestyle and chemical domains. He has completed his Bachelors in Electronics and Industrial Electronics Engineering from D. Y. Patil College of Engineering from University of Pune and Post Graduation in International Trade, Marketing & Sales Management and Financial Management from H.B. Inst of Communications & Management, Ahmedabad and IGNOU, respectively.