E-commerce vs. Mobile Commerce: Are They the Same?

It is quite common to use the terms 'Ecommerce' and 'Mobile Commerce' interchangeably, but is this right?

No, it's not.

Ecommerce and Mobile Commerce are two distinct terms covering two different aspects of business. Though there are similarities, and maybe because of it, these two terms appear confusing.

Ecommerce is a wider term, and mobile commerce is a part or branch of it. But to understand the terms clearly, let's focus on each at a time.

What is Ecommerce?

Selling and buying through an online marketplace is called eCommerce. Ecommerce, which stands for electronic commerce, trades goods and services online. It is winning customer's hearts because it gives them the ease of buying from their homes and getting them delivered without extra effort or time.

A virtual shopping experience where touch and feel are replaced by click and purchase.

Popular eCommerce platforms include Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, etc.

Ecommerce platforms can be run via a website version or a mobile app.

What is Mobile Commerce (M-commerce)?

M-commerce is a subset of electronic commerce. Buying and selling products online via a mobile-first approach, i.e., via application, comes under the Mobile commerce category.

Mobile commerce, where the purchases are made from a mobile phone via a fully developed and responsive application, with increasing phone usage and dependency on cell phones, proportionately adds to the ease of buying. One app, one click, and it's done!

Key Differences Between Ecommerce and Mobile Commerce

Understanding the points of difference is important since both concepts are co-related and, to an extent, interdependent.

1. Device Used

Ecommerce: Here, we assume that shopping uses a laptop or desktop. Mostly, the web version is used to execute the purchase transaction.

M-commerce: In mobile commerce, the only medium through which to buy anything is the mobile application of that particular platform. You can download the application on your phone and access it to make purchases.

2. User Experience

Ecommerce: The entire user experience largely depends on the website. How is the website made? Is it user-friendly? Is it easy to navigate? Does the website load quickly? All these factors contribute to the user experience.

M-commerce: The entire focus is on mobile applications. However, the question remains: is the application easy to surf? Is the design of the mobile app self-explanatory? Is the app bug-free?

The emphasis is on the small screen and how it will impact customer's buying decisions.

3. Accessibility and Convenience

Ecommerce: Since a laptop or desktop is required, convenience is at stake, leading to limited accessibility.

M-commerce: Nowadays, mobile phones are continuously accessible 24*7/. Therefore, for mobile shopping, the accessibility is higher than for e-commerce.

4. Payment Methods

Ecommerce: The modes of payment depend on the integrations done to the web version.

M-commerce: Here, the same funda applies depending on the integrations done with the application.

5. Marketing and Engagement

Ecommerce: This point of difference plays an impactful role. The channels being used for marketing and engagement are quite different. Here, the help of SEO, Google Search, email marketing, and social media is considered.

M-commerce: Marketing and engagement can be done smartly with the help of push notifications, SMS marketing, customized offers, and coupon codes.

6. Security Considerations

Ecommerce relies on website security measures and user awareness to protect transactions.

M-commerce: Incorporates device-level security features like biometric authentication (fingerprint, face ID) and secure mobile payment systems.

How does LEO Mobile App Builder Transform Mobile Commerce?

From the points of difference, it is clear that mobile commerce outshines most of the points.

Average order values are 10% higher on mobile shopping apps.

Therefore, an online business needs to develop a mobile application that can help accelerate revenue and build a communication channel between customers and sellers.

Building a business application is important but not easy. Multiple factors must be considered, missing out on them can lead to a major drawback.

Taking professional help to build a mobile application for the business is the best decision to safeguard your investment and develop an error-free application. Platforms like LEO App Mobile Builder can help build apps professionally.

With the LEO Mobile App Builder, developing an application for Android and iOS has become easy and convenient. Also, features like a drag-and-drop landing page builder, one-click checkouts, in-app discounts, creating wishlists, and multilingual currency toggles make the LEO App the first choice of entrepreneurs.

Why Does Every Shopify Store Need a Mobile Commerce Strategy?

Take your Shopify store one step ahead with mobile commerce. The undeniable perks of mobile commerce make mobile apps a necessity for online businesses.

Here's a gist of points that underline the importance of mobile commerce.

Mobile applications are the easiest and most convenient way to do shopping. 57% of shoppers won't recommend a business if they have a poorly designed mobile website.

Mobile optimization facilitates the opportunity to grow sales and has an improved conversion rate.

Mobile applications can build a strong base of communication between buyers and sellers. The offers, coupon codes, and special discounts can be put across effectively.

Strong mobile applications can also give a competitive advantage. 

If mobile marketing is done effectively via mobile applications, it will encourage customers to stay brand loyal.

With the help of push notifications, the cart abandonment rate can be reduced drastically.

Looking to turn your Shopify store into a powerful mobile app? A React native mobile app for Shopify store offers a seamless shopping experience, faster performance, and better customer engagement. Learn how to build a feature-rich mobile app for your Shopify store effortlessly.

The Final Statement

Shopify store owners are on your toes if you haven't yet developed an application for your business. With the help of mobile applications, the survival game of online companies can be aced. Also, quick growth can be expected with a well-developed application, as it will promote the concept of mobile commerce.

Mobile application is no longer an option, it is necessary to meet the ever-expanding market and competition.