Mobile Commerce: A model you need to know

Mobile commerce, also known as m-commerce, is an online sales model designed for mobile device usage, especially smartphones.

Today, many consumers access information through their mobile devices—whether for ordering food, chatting with friends, working, browsing social media, and, of course, shopping.

This shift in consumer behavior has caught the attention of businesses and requires adaptation. It’s not enough to have a responsive website that adjusts to these devices; ideally, companies should invest in mobile-first platforms to enhance user experience and increase sales opportunities.

In this article, we explore the concept of mobile commerce along with valuable market insights, opportunities, and actionable tips for businesses. Check it out!

What is Mobile Commerce?

M-commerce is a term used to describe sales made through mobile devices. With the widespread use of these devices, consumers are increasingly accustomed to shopping online at different times and in various situations.

The convenience brought by smartphones has created a favorable environment for businesses to expand their sales and develop new ways to engage with their audience.

Why should Mobile Commerce be considered?

The “E-commerce Trends 2024” study, cited in a Forbes article, provided interesting insights into the market, demonstrating the relevance of mobile commerce for both businesses and consumers. Here are some key findings from the research:

• 62% of consumers make between 2 to 5 online purchases per month.
• 85% of Brazilians make at least one online purchase per month.
• 58% of consumers believe that online shopping offers lower prices compared to physical stores.
• 57% cite convenience as one of the main reasons for shopping online.
• 71% of respondents reported making purchases using their smartphones.
• 65% research product information on social media before completing a purchase.

As you can see, these are significant numbers indicating a strong movement among consumers toward online shopping via smartphones.

What are customers’ preferences in Mobile Commerce?

To succeed in the m-commerce market, businesses need to understand their customers’ profiles, needs, and consumption habits. All business and sales strategies should be based on this analysis.

Among general consumer preferences, the ability to contact the company via WhatsApp and active engagement on platforms like Instagram stand out.

Offering diverse payment methods is another crucial factor. The most commonly used options among consumers include credit cards, debit cards, PIX, and bank slips.

PIX payments, in particular, have grown considerably and can be a practical solution for both customers and businesses, provided there is an integration process that facilitates code generation and payment.

The goal is to ensure that the mobile shopping experience is intuitive, seamless, and secure.

How to work with Mobile Commerce?

To implement m-commerce, businesses can offer access to their online stores via web browsers, mobile apps, and/or social media platforms.

• Web Browsers: This approach functions similarly to desktop e-commerce, where customers access a brand’s website or marketplace through their mobile browser. To ensure a smooth experience, platforms must be responsive and optimized for mobile devices.
• Mobile Apps: Apps are becoming increasingly popular in mobile commerce as they provide a more dynamic experience compared to browsers. Brands can develop their own apps or partner with marketplaces to expand sales opportunities.
• Social Media: Social commerce is growing exponentially, and brands should take advantage of this consumer behavior by maintaining an active presence on social media platforms.

Integrating products directly into platforms like Instagram is an excellent way to attract more customers, especially those who use social media to seek recommendations and insights from influencers and content creators.

The Future of Mobile Commerce

Mobile commerce is already an established, tested, and proven model in the market. Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from this approach.

Retailers should explore the various possibilities offered by browsers, apps, and social media, creating an environment that attracts new audiences, boosts sales, and helps them stand out in an increasingly dynamic and competitive market.

If you haven’t invested in mobile commerce yet, now is the time to rethink your strategy and take advantage of everything this model has to offer. After all, the future of retail is right in the consumer’s hands.

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