eCommerce stores are always looking for ways to increase sales, and a mobile strategy is the next logical step. In fact, over the past few years, m-commerce has exploded. Children in middle school have smartphones now, and a majority of adults own them as well. The convenience these apps offer is undeniable.
This post will tell you how eCommerce mobile app development will help boost sales while exploring what kind of apps work best in different scenarios.
1. How are mobile apps changing eCommerce?
eCommerce was first conceived on a desktop computer in the 1990s. It wasn’t until the 2000s that it grew into a significant industry. The online shopping experience was primarily limited to a fixed screen, which has changed drastically since then. Nowadays, you can find just about anything you would buy from a store on your smartphone or tablet, and it’s easier than ever to purchase those items using mobile devices.
That doesn’t mean that eCommerce hasn’t been struggling with challenges in recent years. Most significant websites have adopted responsive design, making them easier to navigate across platforms, but this solution falls short of genuinely optimizing an online experience for mobile devices.
Recently, it’s become increasingly clear that eCommerce needs an overhaul on mobile devices. As online shopping has grown, consumers have begun to expect more from their shopping experience. That includes apps, not just clean and responsive websites.
Mobile commerce reached new heights in 2013. That year, total U.S. smartphone spending reached $12 billion, marking a 61% increase year-over-year in complete m-commerce transactions. This coming year, experts predict that mobile shopping will grow even more.
Mobile shopping is the future of eCommerce, and mobile apps can help to make those features a reality. This trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
2. Why mobile apps are the future of eCommerce
Even the most streamlined, responsive, and mobile-ready websites often lack functionality. This creates a bad experience for users who expect better shopping experiences. Mobile apps offer a way to make up for shortcomings in website design. In addition, websites aren’t designed with real-time data at the forefront, but mobile apps have that capability built right into them.
In addition to real-time data and behind-the-scenes integration with a store’s website, mobile apps can also closely integrate with social media platforms and other channels through APIs. This is especially beneficial for eCommerce merchants who want to reach out to customers where they are on their smartphones or tablets.
3. What kind of apps are best for your eCommerce store?
Getting started with mobile apps is easier than you might think. To begin, start by choosing the right partner who can take care of the technical side of things, like making sure your app is optimized for mobile devices and capable of meeting all industry standards. From there, it’s just a matter of deciding which type of app will work best for your business.
Here are the most popular types of eCommerce mobile apps:
Merchant Apps
Mobile commerce begins with an online store or merchant selling products or services to customers through their website or another channel, such as social media and search engines. These apps are a platform for customers to interact with that store. They can use it to make purchases, get the latest news & promotions, and more.
B2B Mobile Apps
B2B mobile apps bridge the gap between buyers and sellers in ways other eCommerce apps cannot. These platforms are designed for businesses that want to sell to other businesses rather than consumers. They allow companies to be able to reach their existing customers as well as potential clients right on their smartphones or tablets.
Ecommerce Marketplace Apps
eCommerce marketplaces are the most popular type of mobile app in terms of sales. These platforms take advantage of a seller’s existing website and services to provide customers with new products to purchase, store listings, and more.
4. How can mobile apps increase sales?
Mobile apps have many benefits, but they aren’t just meant to draw more traffic or provide more information on products and services available in your store. Mobile apps can help to boost sales, which is the whole point of having one in the first place.
Here are a few ways mobile apps can help boost your eCommerce sales:
Real-time data:
With real-time data, it’s easier to make fast, informed decisions and make changes that will impact future sales with greater ease. This capability can also help to strengthen customer satisfaction by addressing complaints or concerns as soon as possible. The app allows real-time research into customer experience and satisfaction, which is a great way to improve your store’s reputation and retain existing customers. The immediacy of this information can also fuel new ideas for how your company can improve based on data collected from mobile devices.
Location-based marketing:
Location-based marketing (LBM) effectively targets potential customers with ads based on their shopping habits, preferences, and more. This data can also be used in real-time to make quick adjustments that enhance customer service and boost sales.
Supply chain optimization:
Sometimes you need specific products for certain parts of your store or the supply chain that runs through it. Using a mobile app for supply chain management enables you to easily track this information and create reports that can help optimize operations, increase inventory levels, and control costs accordingly.
Increase visibility via social media integration:
Integrating with social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter gives your mobile app the ability to connect to customers and provide that extra boost in sales.
5. How mobile apps help eCommerce stores succeed
Now that you know how mobile apps can increase sales, it’s time to look at how they’re helping eCommerce stores make the most out of their apps. The following are a few ways that mobile apps can help make your store more successful.
Improved customer satisfaction:
With all the data collected from real-time, location-based marketing options, you can use that information to improve your services and develop a more personalized experience for each customer. This will help increase customer satisfaction and overall retention—boosting revenues. Mobile apps allow you to create a better eCommerce experience that people want to use on their smartphones or tablets.
Better eCommerce Experience:
Mobile apps allow you to create a better eCommerce experience that people want to use on their smartphones or tablets. Specific data from your online store can respond to customer complaints, questions, and feedback in real-time. It can also develop new strategies that promote sales and customer growth.
How can we assist you in eCommerce mobile app development?
We at Zobi Web Solutions assist businesses that have struggled with their mobile app initiatives to make them successful. If you are ready to take your eCommerce store to the next level and increase revenue, visit our website today or call us at +1 214 272 0226. We’re glad to be of service!
Our solutions aim to enhance your mobile app’s functionality and maximize its potential. We want to ensure that our clients get the most out of their apps and are satisfied with their mobile apps. With our technical assistance, you will be prepared for the future and have a fully functional mobile app that can help your customers find what they need from your shop in the palm of their hands. We can help you with eCommerce mobile app development through our years of experience and dedicated mobile app developers. Don’t lag behind the competitive edge. Let us take care of your business growth with advanced technology.
Conclusion:
If you have a website or an online store, you know how important it is to have a mobile app in today’s technology-driven world. Mobile apps are becoming necessary for all businesses that want to reach their full potential. They can provide real-time data, location-based marketing options, and more. A mobile app can help boost sales and increase customer satisfaction in many ways!
If you want to learn more about how to use your mobile app to get the most out of it and create a strategy that will allow your eCommerce store to grow, contact us today! We’ll walk you through the process and make sure your app is customized to meet your needs. You can also visit our website to learn more about Zobi Web Solutions.
We look forward to working with you!
FAQ
What is the difference between an app and a mobile website?
Mobile websites are web pages that can be viewed through smartphones and tablets. Typically, these web pages are similar to their desktop counterparts regarding information presentation and design. However, mobile websites lack the features of a native app because these features are designed for mobile devices.
What are the benefits of mobile apps?
Mobile apps allow you to build a customized experience for your users based on their preferences and online behavior. This can include location-based marketing options that make it easier for potential customers to find what they need from your eCommerce store.