Why an App is Important for E-Commerce Businesses 20 Apr 2023

E-Commerce Businesses

What can we say about apps and e-commerce? These two words do not go together since they were not previously required. Did you realize that apps are propelling internet sales growth?
In the following lines, we will discuss the importance of mobile apps for organizations or businesses, thanks mostly to the proliferation of smart mobile devices and how consumers access the network to complete transactions.

Mobile applications are currently an essential component of any good Internet marketing plan. Users have altered their purchasing patterns. The smartphone is the most common way we access the Internet. This has encouraged the invention and development of many mobile applications developed by company owners to maintain their market position.

The sky is the limit for eCommerce businesses these days; according to one Pew Research Center study, 97% of internet users worldwide reported purchasing something online in the previous year alone.
Mobile commerce has grown in popularity in recent years, partly due to technological improvements like touchscreen screens, which simulate an experience comparable to visiting websites using a computer browser but provide no data storage. You’re probably asking why you should do it.

Why are mobile applications required in online e-commerce?

  • The advantages of speed and convenience

Because of the speed and convenience that cell phones provide for an online e-commerce company, sales have increased. Customers prefer mobile applications over webpages, with 78% preferring mobile apps to websites. Simply download an app that is browser-efficient, easy to navigate, versatile, responsive, and user-friendly. It avoids the hassle of remembering long URLs each time a consumer visits the page. Conversion rates on mobile applications are 130% greater than on mobile websites, which is an important point to consider.

  • Mobile app-based customer loyalty programs

If a consumer is interested in your product or service, he or she is more likely to download your e-commerce mobile apps. They go to your website and go through all of the facts and products. Apps are more likely to keep potential clients’ attention. A customer loyalty program, according to 64% of retailers, is an excellent way to interact with loyal consumers. Mobile applications for e-commerce enterprises assist in building a better brand and maintaining loyal customers. Customers that are loyal to a company are valuable assets, and giving prizes and incentives helps to attract them.

According to Adobe, 42% of smartphone users maintain a strong connection with the business when making a purchase using mobile apps. Loyalty programs, coupons, discounts, special offers, and other tactics for rewarding mobile app clients encourage them to use the service more frequently and keep users interested.

  • Customer support response time has been reduced.

When utilizing an e-commerce website or mobile app, the customer care response time should be swift since it boosts brand reputation. Customers feel significant when they receive a quick answer that fulfills their needs and expectations. When comparing mobile applications and websites, users prefer mobile apps because they have a faster reaction time and are well-built to meet their tastes, motivating them to use the service again. The feedback area allows you to learn about the products and services and provide a fast answer, which is a vital aspect of effective customer service.

  • Conversion rates are increased via mobile apps.

Mobile applications for e-commerce businesses have conversion rates that are three times those of mobile websites and one-and-a-half times those of desktop sites. Furthermore, mobile phones make it simple to access the different possibilities provided by e-commerce applications, which encourages buyers to stay on apps for an extended period. Mobile applications for e-commerce firms give a better user experience, quick navigation, and a user-friendly experience, which naturally leads to higher conversion rates.

A Mobile Application Is Required for a Successful Market Presence

It would be impossible for any of us to fathom life without our phones. From there, a crucial issue for all business owners arises: Do you believe it is beneficial for your brand to be there on someone’s smartphone 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

Without question, some mobile applications have become necessary in our lives. We use apps for everything related to the workplace, and many applications are so firmly embedded in business operations that it is impossible to imagine doing activities without them. Whether you operate a small or large business, this user interest or behavior should not go undetected by your brand. In summary, having a tailored mobile application and being present on the user’s smartphone means having a privileged position.

Experience from successful business models has demonstrated that mobile applications are a fantastic support for customer service and a vital tool, both for the relationship and communication with staff and customers as well as for their productivity.

Every modern company bets and spends on the creation of a mobile application since they only offer value and make a significant difference in a fierce struggle with the competition.

  • We have stores in our hands.

Though online shopping is becoming more popular, having an app is now required for customers to simply contact the firm. For example, if a consumer shops for groceries on a mobile website, she or he must spend at least 30 minutes doing so. Instead, he could have done the purchasing in 10–15 minutes if he had downloaded the brand’s app to his phone. Websites focus on the brand, whereas apps focus solely on commerce. App displays promote savings and deals, and the app is well-built with related visuals to keep clients’ attention while they purchase online.

  • Payment alternatives that are both quick and secure

Shopping on the app, in particular, offers secure payment methods. As a result, the buyer may pay without worrying about losing money. They pay via the One Time Password method, which sends a password to the registered cell phone number. As a result, this type of buying allows for safe payment. Once the purchase is completed, the payment details, such as the card number or UPI number, will be saved in the database and easily retrievable for future purchases. This facilitates speedy payment while buying online.

  • System of accurate tracking

Customers may use this app to conveniently track the specifics of the delivery items. If a consumer requests an item, the time of delivery (worst-case scenario) will be confirmed before the order is verified. If it is delayed or you need to know where the goods are, the client may easily monitor them using GPS. It provides the most accurate results to clients.

  • Developing a solid customer relationship

By providing messages and updates to clients via an app, the company can establish a close relationship with them. If a consumer installs a brand’s app, she or he will not do so unless they trust the brand. Clients will not switch to another branch if trust is established, ensuring a long-term relationship with the clients.

  • First and foremost, the buyer will be pleased with the quality of the brand or product.
  • They will then be aware of your brand’s discounts and offerings.
  • The client will continue to have a relationship with the brand only if he is satisfied with the aforementioned characteristics.
  • They will then be aware of your brand’s discounts and offerings. The client will continue to have a relationship with the brand only if he is satisfied with the aforementioned characteristics. Only an app will bring the aforementioned criteria to the customer’s location. As a result, it is critical in e-commerce.

How Can Mobile E-Commerce Apps Benefit Your Business?

Let’s take a closer look at how a mobile eCommerce app might benefit your business:

  • Marketing Channel: Direct to Customer

Customers are now constantly connected to brands thanks to mobile devices. Mobile devices have also altered how we connect with brands, get information, and shop. Customers are increasingly shopping on mobile devices, and firms must include these gadgets in their marketing plans. This contributes to a shift in the way customers interact with brands.

To capitalize on the potential of connected customers, organizations must provide regular and persistent interaction through mobile eCommerce. The mobile commerce app not only allows users to stay connected with the business, but it can also be utilized to successfully distribute promotions, offers, and coupons to customers.

  • Improved customer service

Customers today expect a tailored and consistent experience throughout their relationship with a business. And that is not feasible if your primary line of communication with your clients is your website. If you want customers to keep coming back to your brand, mobile applications can help.

You may obtain vital data about your consumers by combining the capabilities of upcoming technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, AR, and VR in a mobile eCommerce app.

  • Better Conversion Rate

There is no question that mobile eCommerce apps increase conversion rates. And, in the end, it’s the only thing that matters since it generates income.
So, if you’re an eCommerce business owner wondering, “Why do I need a mobile app?” This is your solution for improving conversion rates. When customers want to buy a product, they expect a simple purchasing procedure, which you may achieve by employing a mobile app. There are several causes for this:

  • Push alerts, for example, are features of mobile apps that aid in conversion.
  • For quick checkouts, mobile apps preserve all payment and shipping information.
  • Mobile apps can leverage device characteristics such as cameras to place orders.

You may also incorporate mobile wallet applications into your e-commerce app to simplify the checkout process. These applications reduce the quantity of information customers must submit during the checkout process. As a result, e-commerce is perceived as a simpler and more comfortable alternative than other channels, increasing organizations’ total profitability.

  • Brand Recognizability

Increased brand visibility is one of the most significant benefits of mobile commerce and a compelling incentive to invest in mobile eCommerce app development. Because most customers spend hours on their mobile devices, firms may easily engage with them by using a mobile e-commerce platform.

However, a company must provide a high-quality mobile app experience that people will enjoy. Users become agitated quickly on small displays, and according to Statista, 32% of app users delete an app if it is difficult to use, resulting in poor UX.

As a result, combine clever branding strategies with stunning UI and UX designs to leave a lasting impression on mobile clients. Furthermore, to increase the effectiveness of your e-Commerce app branding, you must respond to all of your consumers’ inquiries. The more the brand understands its clients, the better it will be at addressing their concerns.

  • Improved Efficiency and Revenue Growth

Mobile applications are said to be easier to maintain and utilize. Even though their implementation is sometimes referred to as pricey, they are generally capable of meeting consumers’ requirements and greatly increasing revenue. The link is straightforward: a fantastic mobile app with the correct concept and functionality attracts more consumers. More clients equals more orders, which means your revenues are rising.

‘Push Notifications’ are another instrument that aids in brand reputation and revenue growth. Businesses may use push notifications to immediately communicate information to their clients and inspire them to place urgent orders.

  • Customer Loyalty

Brands rely heavily on mobile applications to connect with their customers. Businesses no longer choose roadside banners, website banners, billboards, Facebook or newspaper advertisements, or email marketing to influence clients. At the moment, mobile eCommerce applications are going to rescue businesses since they let brands know their clients better by remaining closer to them with only a “finger tap.”

Customers spend the majority of their time on mobile applications, so make sure your business provides product details and contact information and encourages them to buy. Here are some ways a mobile

eCommerce app might help you increase client loyalty:

  • A constant brand value is maintained by keeping a consistent style and layout on a mobile platform that customers can rely on.
  • Give your consumers a personalized experience by offering priority features and relevant suggestions based on their searches and purchases.
  • Use push notifications to connect with your consumers about specials and special offers, or to notify them when things are back in stock.
  • You may encourage your consumers to return by implementing loyalty programs such as discounts, incentives, bonuses, or new collections.

Providing effective communication assistance between your brand and consumers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via live chat or a chatbot

  • Saves time

In the end, what clients want is something that simplifies their lives and saves them time. Assume your target demographic is millennials or Generation Z. Because of their shorter attention spans (12 seconds for millennials and just 8 seconds for Gen Zers), you will have to count every moment while developing your marketing approach. Furthermore, according to a Google analysis, the bounce rate of a mobile website increases with each second it takes to load a page. According to the same survey, a mobile landing page takes at least 22 seconds to fully load, and 53% of customers leave and abandon the basket if a mobile page takes more than 3 seconds to load. That is a major issue.

The only answer is to use a mobile eCommerce app. Mobile applications load 1.5 times faster than eCommerce websites. Furthermore, data retrieval in mobile apps occurs in the blink of an eye, delighting customers by delivering a smooth purchasing experience and saving time.

To summarize

More than ever, users and customers utilize mobile devices to access the Internet and make transactions. Remember that mobile marketing and investment in the creation of mobile applications for enterprises or individuals are now realities. If you are in charge of marketing in your company, you should not overlook the creation of a mobile application since it will prove to be an excellent corporate strategy for the growth of your firm.

 

Vignesh G

eCommerce Consultant

About the Author:

Vignesh Gopalakrishnan leads the e-commerce team at Velan. He has transformed many businesses to digital platform by delivering scalable eCommerce solutions. With more than 6 years of experience in various e-commerce platforms like Magento, Shopify, Prestashop, and Bigcommerce, his team delivers custom eCommerce solutions catering to small, medium and large enterprises worldwide. He can be reached at [email protected]

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