Image source: rippll.co
Have you ever gone shopping during your morning train commute or while waiting for the bus? Chances are the answer is probably yes. It’s no secret that customers appreciate the convenience of using their mobile devices for shopping online. Smartphones and tablets have allowed consumers to purchase everything quickly and easily while on the go, from a perfect birthday gift for a loved one to that new pair of shoes they’ve been eying for what seems like forever!
Image source: shinyshiny.tv
According to a recent survey, the US m-commerce industry (that’s “mobile commerce, of course) topped $25 billion in consumer spending last year. In just four short years, that figure is expected to surge to over $100 billion. It’s hard to believe from those numbers that a decade ago, the majority of people didn’t even have the option of shopping on their smartphones. This explosion in popularity is happening for a few reasons. Some are obvious and others are not so obvious.
First, let’s focus on the obvious. Perhaps the largest driver for growth is the sheer amount of people that have access to mobile devices. Over half of the United States population now owns a smartphone, and one-third own tablets. Mobile devices have also become more secure over time, meaning that consumers are more comfortable with sharing sensitive information such as credit card numbers with m-commerce retailers on their smartphones and tablets.
Image source: theguardian.com
But some reasons behind the growth of the m-commerce industry are probably a little less obvious. The most notable difference is that mobile has caused a cultural shift around the world. Mobile has changed everything from the way we communicate to the way we purchase goods and services. This kind of widespread access has created a culture of immediacy, as well as an outlet that allows for people to connect with loved ones whenever they want and access things that they’re searching for quickly and easily while on the go. So whether a smartphone user is looking for a recipe or a new sweater for their fall wardrobe, they can now find what they need instantaneously.
Consumers have also become more accustomed to using their mobiles in general for activities like browsing the web, updating their social media profiles, and shopping on the go. As a result, more and more businesses have shifted their marketing focus to create optimized sites and apps, which make it much easier for consumers to find them online and make purchases quickly and easily from their mobile devices.
The message here is clear: if your business does not have an optimized website or mobile app, you are missing connections with potential customers. The m-commerce industry is expected to experience a serious growth surge in coming years. So if your retail business does not have a mobile presence, there’s no better time than now to begin developing one!
Image source: uzonyc.com
Have you been thinking about developing a mobile strategy for your business? Instant.ly can help ensure that your mobile efforts will help you truly engage your target audience. Get started with our integrated survey, sampling, and analysis program today!