Technology solutions for Online shopping
Wireless, mobile computing, and mobile commerce
Online Shopping
Wireless, mobile computing and mobile commerce all promote businesses using devices such as smartphones, computers, and tablets all connected to a wireless internet source. These as affirmed by Ozok (2010) make the experience of most online customers perfect just by having the advantage of using a mobile device. Besides, the accessibility of goods and services has been increased and internet connectivity assured at all times. Online shopping is quickly growing and is expected to boom over the coming years.
More than 53% of online retailers as asserted by Cyr (2006) have gone the extra mile to launch an app that represents their business in the online world. Customers are more interested in deals and offer that are placed over online shopping. Moreover, consumers tend to like shopping online because it does away with the problems they experience in an online store. Many shoppers at this age like to save time and have a larger category of goods and services to choose from. As much as retailers might not want to integrate online shopping with mobile commerce is the right move towards expanding business.
Also, mobile commerce allows companies to join new markets and expound on a better opportunity. A great number of people as affirmed by Niranjanamurthy (2013) owns mobile devices. Many online businesses will gain a great user base that will in turn build and nurture a greater sales lead. Offers will be easily accessible for one will need to download any online shopping app to find the services and goods they need. As technology evolves, long ques in stores will come to an end as customers will be able to access offers anywhere without waiting.
Location-based marketing is a very beneficial plus adds clarity to online shopping businesses. One can relate to shoppers in real-time and by using interesting ways. Technologies such as geo-targeting as articulated by Cyr (2006) allow the retailer to know and determine the user’s location (geolocation) by this enabling them to deliver an ad or notification to the potential customer or visitor according to where they live.
On the other hand, another technology known as geofencing makes use of the GPS technology that works more the same as the Geo-targeting. However, one can define geographic boundaries by which text messages and e-mail alerts are triggered in case the user exits or joins a certain radius that a store or a hypermarket is located along. Also, Ozok (2010) affirms that beacons are less expensive devices that can transmit low energy messages using Bluetooth. The targeted customers must have their Bluetooth switched on and in a radius of about 300 feet.
Another wireless tool that is used to capture customers in the mobile Retargeting tool. While growing business Cyr (2006) articulates that it is important to remarket customers who have visited an online store. List-based retargeting uses a platform for instance Facebook or Twitter that people key in their phone numbers and email addresses. In this, it identifies users that they want to serve and retargets ads to them. Subscription services and large mailing lists are key when it comes to sending these messages.
Overall Benefits of M-commerce on business
Growth and efficiency as asserted by Niranjanamurthy (2013) are key when it comes to determining the future of a business. By smart shopping brands and retailers provide relevant content to users based on their shopping preferences. Also, customers fancy getting coupons, special deals, and promotions through mobile apps. Push notifications enable users to real-time get information, for instance, alerts about products in wait become available. Besides, Apps can aid in making purchases at physical stores (preview of products, mobile payments, and prices).
Instead of getting to a store and stand in line, Ozok (2010) affirms that with a mobile app we can buy easier and at a faster rate. Additionally, a variety of studies have shown that shoppers of this age fancy to browse products online before going to the store. A website is good, for sure, but mobile apps are better tailored for mobile devices. Moreover, apps can be updated anytime. All this means that shopping ecommerce apps are comfy.
Apps also as articulated by Cyr (2006) encourage sharing on social media, and people love sharing new amazing purchases with the world for the growth of the business. Ecommerce apps integrate social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest to offer such an option. Moreover, Facebook and Twitter have already added Buy buttons within posts and pages. Social media marketing strategies always have something new and exciting to put forward. And one final thing to top it all off is the nearest store location. With this feature leveraging GPS technology and installed in a shopping app customers can find and navigate to any store.
References
Cyr, D., Head, M., & Ivanov, A. (2006). Design aesthetics leading to m-loyalty in mobile commerce. Information & management, 43(8), 950-963.
Ozok, A. A., & Wei, J. (2010). An empirical comparison of consumer usability preferences in online shopping using stationary and mobile devices: results from a college student population. Electronic Commerce Research, 10(2), 111-137.
Niranjanamurthy, M., Kavyashree, N., Jagannath, S., & Chahar, D. (2013). Analysis of e-commerce and m-commerce: advantages, limitations, and security issues. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 2(6), 2360-2370.