Mobile commerce may soon blend with social networks

mobile social networking

mobile social networking

Starbucks and Square could benefit from the integration of mobile commerce and social media

Social networks may be able to take mobile commerce to new heights. Networks like Facebook and Twitter are beginning to play a larger role in influencing the purchasing habits of consumers, many of whom rely heavily on mobile technology. Recently, Starbucks partnered with Square, a mobile payment service provider, in order to provide consumers with more expansive mobile commerce options. This partnership presents a significant opportunity for social platforms to expand the reach of these two companies.

Partnership lacking social components

Social networks and mobile commerce are poised to benefit one another quite significantly. Because mobile consumers are typically have an uninterrupted connection to social networking sites, companies like Starbucks can reach out to them in a more dynamic way. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is not blind to the potential benefits that could be gained through making use of social networking. Schultz notes that the company’s current mobile commerce venture with Square is lacking a vital social aspect that could be filled by a platform like Facebook or Twitter.

Companies have yet to pursue social networking as a viable method of expanding mobile commerce

Square has already made waves in the mobile commerce sector. The company has managed to make mobile commerce more appealing to consumers and vendors through its various services. Square has yet to leverage the power of social networking to add further momentum to its efforts in mobile commerce, but that may soon change as Starbucks shows greater interest in utilizing the power of social platforms. Time will tell whether the companies begin pursuing the blending of social networking and mobile commerce in a serious fashion.

Availability of NFC-enabled mobile devices may stifle the growth of mobile commerce

Despite criticisms concerning security and accessibility, mobile commerce has proven to be a popular concept amongst tech-savvy consumers. Mobile commerce is gaining ground, but its progress has been significantly stifled by the lack of NFC-enabled mobile devices. Without these devices, consumers have limited capabilities in terms of mobile commerce. Though integrating social networks into a mobile commerce scheme may make mobile payments more widely available to consumers, mobile commerce may not find the success it needs until the availability of NFC-enabled mobile devices increases.

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