How many times do you check your computer in a day? How about your mobile phone? Did you know that over 40 million Americans carry smart phones like a 24×7 mobile pet? Imagine connecting with these customers, wherever they are. This is the current trend in doing business, known to many techiepreneurs as: Mobile Commerce. If your business is not taking a slice out of the mobile market, you are missing a lot on your business prospects.
Mobile Commerce: A Holy Grail
Thanks to the breakthrough in mobile technology, users can now connect with even the smallest business on the Web though their handheld. Estimates have shown that over 130 billion text messages are sent each month, and most of the Gen Y users feel that their phone is the top device they own. Many analysts forecast that mobile commerce is the next step in the future of E-commerce, where expected revenues will rise up to $5 billion by the year 2012. All these figures translate to one thing: Your Business Should Take Charge of Mobile Commerce!
What are the Hottest Trends in Mobile Commerce?
Recent case studies made by Microsoft’s GM of mobile advertising found out that there is a major shift in how people use their mobile phones today. Before, a mobile phone is just a device for making and receiving calls. Now, it is a multimedia gadget catered to give you “info-on-the-go”. The current trends include:
1. Electronic Payments
In the future, people won’t have to carry a huge bulk of credit or debit cards to pay for their purchases. All they need is to carry their mobile phones and use it to pay for goods. Not only will you have convenience, but you also have a safer payment system that works.
2. Discount Coupons
Major retail chains have been testing scannable bar codes in a customer’s mobile phone. In the next 1 – 2 years, we can see plenty of mobile coupons sent to users.
3. Real-Time Updates
From Forex, weather forecasts, the latest football game, or product updates from your favorite brand – mobile commerce helps consumers stay updated anywhere they are, minus the need to go online. Also, many users can make real-time reviews. They can also use GPS to find their favorite stores and restaurants.
4. Social Mobile Networking
It is already happening. . . where people spread the buzz over the mobile phone. Because it is easier to carry and use than netbooks or notebooks, we can see more users engaging with each other using a mobile device. If you run a business, get your Web site mobile-friendly where you can tap a lot of customers from the social mobile networking scene.
5. Mobile Advertising
Unlike costly print advertising, mobile ads can cost next to nothing – while giving you the farthest reach. You can send your customers text messages about your latest promotion. For example, if you’re running a deli, you can send a short text about your lunch deals before the clock strikes twelve. With many people opting-in to the Do Not Call List, it’s time to switch to mobile advertising. Just make sure your clients opted-in for messages to be sent to their phones.
When doing business today is more than just doing it storefront, you need to get some leverage and engage your customers in every way you can. Mobile devices have been bringing people closer and you can take advantage of this community by taking your business on the mobile Web. Are you ready for the next step?
Tags: b2b, c2b, cellphone business, ecommerce solutions, electronic commerce, mobile advertising, mobile commerce, smartphone commerce, technology mobile, technology trends
