Google has already made a name for itself in the mobile arena with Android, the flexible operating system that powers smartphones manufactured by Motorola, Samsung, T-Mobile and others. The Mountain View, California-based company is looking to build on that name with a new product by the name of Google Wallet. According to the search specialist, it is a mobile friendly solution will not only enhance the shopping experience for the consumer, but for the merchant as well. Here is a closer look at this new offering and how a business can take advantage.
Inside Google’s Wallet
After months of preparation, Google Wallet is finally open for business, officially unveiled on September 19. So what is it exactly? If its creator has its way, it will be the tool consumers reach for when they want to shop and the one all merchants want to support in their stores. Google Wallet is powered by Near Field Communication or NFC, a technology that works by activating a built-in chip that enables one device to transfer data to another within its range. Thanks to NFC, people using Google’s nifty new service can simply use their phone to make purchases instead of pulling out a credit or debit card.
With Google Wallet live and in circulation, merchants can now dive in and start taking advantage. Following are some ways businesses can benefit:
Boost Traffic
Google Wallet is revolutionary on its own, but gets even more interesting when factoring Google Offers into the equation. Designed to be a competitor to Groupon, Offers allows businesses to entice local consumers with unbelievable deals that give them the opportunity to enjoy major cost savings. These very same offers can be pushed through Google Wallet, which in turn, gives consumers the ability to redeem those deals right on their cell phones.
Provide Better Service
Google Wallet will undoubtedly make shopping faster and easier for the people and businesses that use it. Shopping can be a hassle in today’s busy world, but consumers using Wallet can bring some order to the shopping experience. With this digital technology handy, they can buy the items they want by just tapping a button on their device instead of scrambling for a card, cash, or coupons.
Improve Customer Retention
If it is one thing that stands out about Google Wallet, it is the convenience it aims to create. Not only does it let users securely store their payment information, but also the loyalty cards they receive from merchants. Businesses who participate in Google’s partner program can potentially score big by creating new, targeted loyalty initiatives, or enhancing existing ones.
Is Google Wallet the next big thing in marketing? That all remains to be seen, but its core technology, NFC, could be the key that sparks a new and exciting trend in mobile commerce. This one has potential that can be detected from miles away, so if your recognize it, you owe it to yourself to learn more about Google Wallet and how your business specifically can start reaping the rewards.
Aidan Hijleh is a freelance copywriter and serves as the Non-Profit Partnership Liaison for Benchmark Email. Aidan advocates free email marketing services to assist with the flourishing of grassroots organizations.