Author: Rebecca

Though this may have been possible for the first generation of mobile efforts, times have changed.

When retailers first started to discover that mobile commerce was going to be vital to their survival, many of them responded by using their standard websites and optimizing the same content and layout so that it would be compatible with the smaller screens and navigation requirements of mobile devices.

This was a strategy that was somewhat effective for a while, but the channel has evolved since then.

The world of mcommerce is traveling at a breakneck speed, and it is continually in flux. The more brands, companies, and marketers discover about what consumers are expecting from this channel and what is effective, the faster it grows. Now, the websites that were originally optimized so that their standard formats would fit on smaller screens are being found to be inadequate within the sector.

Simply repurposing regular sites for mcommerce just isn’t enough for the mobile consumer.

An mcommerce website should not simply be a cookie cutter copy of the site designed for e-commerce. Before the mobile version is released, it is vital for companies to determine what features are truly central for driving engagement, and to make those elements the heart of the smartphone and tablet experience. For example, store locators – which are often considered to be rather secondary on standard sites – are among the most important features of a mobile commerce enabled website, and should be placed front and center in many instances.

A site meant for a smartphone needs to be stripped down to its bare minimum while still providing a rich and engaging experience. Functionality, compatibility, load time, ease of navigation, and driving consumers to act are all critical to mobile. Unlike the PC experience, it is isn’t simply a matter of placing information in front of the consumer. It needs to appeal to the individual on the go, with quick and simple mcommerce options that will be highly relevant and appeal on a personal level. Companies must never lose sight of this perspective if they wish to get the most out of what the channel has to offer.

China sees promising growth in mobile commerce

Mobile commerce is on the rise in China, according to a new report from Infiniti Research, a market research firm. More consumers are showing interest in mobile commerce as smart phones and tablets become more commonplace. These consumers are finding that paying for products, shopping, and even banking are more convenient using their mobile device than other methods. As such, mobile commerce has begun experiencing a swell of support from these consumers, sparking investment activity from the companies that aim to see financial gain from the growing phenomenon.

Report highlights the contributing factors to market growth

The report from Infiniti Research suggests that China’s mobile commerce sector will experience a compound annual growth rate of 41% from 2011 to 2015. The accelerating adoption of mobile devices is cited as one of the most significant factors to market growth. Growing demand for digital goods, such as catalogs, e-books, music, etc., is also contributing to the growing momentum behind mobile commerce. There is, however, a major concern that may derail some of the growth that mobile commerce is experiencing currently.

Consumers still concerned for their security

The report shows that consumers are becoming increasingly concerned for the security of their financial information. As more people participate in mobile commerce, it is becoming apparent that this sector could be an ideal target for hackers and other malicious parties that want to exploit the financial information of consumers. Many of the concerns regarding mobile commerce revolve around the use of NFC technology. This technology has, in the past, been targeted by hackers as an easy way to attain access to a consumer’s financial information.

Mobile commerce expanding throughout Asia

Despite issues regarding security, mobile commerce is expected to continue growing in popularity amongst Chinese consumers. The concept has also been receiving growing support throughout the rest of the Asian market, where mobile devices are becoming more common. Asia is quickly establishing itself as the mobile commerce hub of the world.