Why Customers Love Mobile-First Online Payment Processing

When Amazon launched back in 1994, the notion of an online bookseller seemed absurd. Why would people buy books from a website instead of a store? 

But Amazon proved its critics wrong—and transformed e-commerce in the process. Today, the idea of a business that doesn't sell products online seems even more unlikely.

Online payment processing is a major concern for modern retailers. Although many have adapted to e-commerce, there's still plenty of room for growth. Today, having an online store isn't enough to ensure success. As more customers shop from their smartphones and tablets, a mobile-friendly online store is key.

Read on to learn more about how going mobile can drive revenue—and long-term growth. 

Mobile-First Online Payment Processing Drives Sales

When it comes to online payment processing, mobility matters. Real talk: If your business can't handle mobile shoppers, you're going to miss out on sales. Over time, this missed opportunity can snowball into major losses. 

To keep things simple, you can think of mobile sales in main two buckets:

• Online sales that occur on a customer's mobile device (i.e. smartphone or tablet)
• In-person sales that use mobile technology

Let's take a closer look.

First up: Online sales involving mobile devices. Sure, some customers still shop online via their laptops or desktop computers. But a growing number of sales happen on smartphones and tablets. Customers shop while waiting in line, lounging on the couch or during their lunch breaks—all from their mobile devices. Offering mobile-optimized sales cuts down on friction and increases sales accordingly.

Next up: Mobile technology for in-person sales. Today, companies can choose affordable payment processors that don't require an old-fashioned register. These solutions allow you to process payments with light hardware and an app-based payment processor. With the right mobile solution, you can process payments when and where you want.

Either way, the same message is clear: Your online payment processing strategy should include going mobile.

Apps and Mobile Web Pages Support Online Payment Processing

At this point, you might be wondering how apps fit into online payment processing. When is a website enough, and when does it make sense to build a mobile app? These questions often come up in conversations about online payment processing.

Today, retailers like Ikea and Nordstrom have sophisticated apps loaded with high-tech features. Want to buy a new couch? You can use augmented reality to preview how it will look in your living room. Want to replace a past purchase? Your personalized app profile remembers everything you've bought. 

These kinds of custom apps are eye-catching. But they're also costly, and often out of reach for small businesses. Don't worry—although apps can be beneficial, your business may not need to build one at all.

Apps work best for businesses that attract repeat customers. In general, retailers who have a loyal customer base benefit most from a mobile app. For example, local restaurants can invest in an app to speed up online orders. Often, a DIY app builder can provide a solid app at a fraction of the cost.

But there are other ways to improve your online presence for mobile shoppers. Optimizing your existing website should be at the top of your priority list. This approach builds on the e-commerce presence you already have, taking it to the next level—no app required. 

How Mobile-First Online Payment Processing Is Different

If you've already established an e-commerce site, you might assume you're in the clear. After all, smartphones and tablets provide internet access. iPhone and Android users alike can always open an internet browser and shop away.

Unfortunately, this is a common pitfall for retailers. Too often, shopping from a mobile internet browser feels clunky or frustrating. Similarly, you could read Anna Karenina on your iPhone—but if you have a tablet that's optimized for mobile reading, why would you?

The success (or failure) of your mobile shop comes down to user experience (UX). The bottom line is that your e-commerce store needs to be optimized for mobile experiences. 

Here's a quick list of what mobile shoppers are looking for:

• Easy-to-read text that isn't too small
• Images or multimedia that loads instantly
• Intuitive check-out pages
• Webforms that pull up the right mobile keyboards
• Visual cues that speed up the payment process

Online payment processing should be able to accommodate these features. Look for a user-friendly interface that remains legible, no matter how shoppers access it. 

It's Time to Improve Your Online Payment Processing

If your company hasn't gone mobile, it's time to rethink your online payment processing. contactless payment allows you to accept payments online, through an app or even via SMS. 

To recap, mobile payments offer significant benefits including:

• Flexible shopping options
• Better user experience
• Increased sales
• Higher revenue
• Long-term business growth

Still have questions about payment processing? GoSite is here to help. Download our free payment processing fact sheet to learn more!