Amazon was launched in 1994, and it was only selling books. Today, it is an eCommerce giant. But has it captured all the eCommerce markets? Not really!
As of January 2023, there are nearly 8 billion people in the world. Of these, only 30% shop online. That means 2 in 3 people still don’t shop online. But they will shop in the near future. Fair to say that there is and will be a growing demand for e-commerce mobile app development services.
Are you also planning to build an eCommerce app? We have good news for you. This article uncovers the key aspects that you as a business owner need to keep in mind while developing an eCommerce mobile app.
Benefits of Having an eCommerce Mobile App
An eCommerce mobile app offers numerous benefits for businesses.
- Firstly, an eCommerce app enhances customer engagement and loyalty. Other than great products, eCommerce offers customers. convenience-something they love hands down. This boosts sales as customers can shop anytime, anywhere.
- Secondly, the app enables owners to gain insights into customer preferences, needs, and expectations, helping them tailor marketing strategies effectively.
- Finally, the app facilitates personalized buying journeys through features like recommendations, easy checkout, and prompt customer support.
Overall, an eCommerce mobile app offers business owners the ability and capacity to foster higher customer satisfaction, loyalty, revenue, and a positive brand image.
Understanding the Target Audience and User Experience
Who are you building your app for? What are their needs and preferences? Who are your major competitors in the segment and how is their app designed? These are crucial factors to consider in developing an eCommerce mobile app.
Unless you know who you are building for, you are most probably playing a game of chance. And given how competitive eCommerce segments are, it would be unwise to leave your product design to chance.
Here’s what your app should have:
- It should have an intuitive and easy to navigate interface, with a clear layout and concise product descriptions.
- The app should also provide multiple payment options and secure transactions to ensure that customers feel safe while making purchases.
- Additionally, the app should be optimized for mobile devices, with fast loading times and minimal data usage.
Features to Consider for an eCommerce Mobile App
There are several essential features that an eCommerce application should have. Below we have listed the key ones. Adding them to your app will help ensure a seamless shopping experience for customers.
- Product Catalog: A comprehensive catalog of products with high-quality images, descriptions, and pricing information.
- Search Functionality: A search bar that allows customers to find products quickly and easily.
- Shopping Cart: An option for customers to add products to their cart and save them for later.
- Checkout Process: A simple, secure, and straightforward checkout process with multiple payment options.
- Account Management: A feature that allows customers to manage their account details, view order history, and track shipments.
Security and Payment Gateway Integration
Security and payment gateway integration are critical aspects of eCommerce mobile app development. But equally important are measures for protecting customer data and preventing fraud.
So while you offer app users seamless and multiple payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets; don’t ignore the security of your app and comply with industry standards and regulations. The most prominent among these is the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
Testing and Launching the ecommerce Mobile App
Back in 1994, when Amazon was launched, it was one of the pioneers in the eCommerce space. it had the freedom to falter, adapt, and evolve. But now the eCommerce segment is crowded and competition is cut-throat. So, users expect a ready-to-use top-notch app on their mobile screens. Anything half-baked or buggy is bad for business and long-term reputation.
That’s why it becomes essential to ensure thorough testing before launching your e-Commerce mobile app. Here are some tips to help:
- Test the app on multiple devices/platforms to identify any compatibility issues and ensure a smooth user experience
- Test key functionalities such as order placements, checkout process, wishlist management, product search, and filtering.
- Assess the performance of your app under different loads and stress levels. Conduct tests to determine how the app handles high volumes of traffic, simultaneous user activity, and data processing.
Post-Launch Support and Updates
Do you know app maintenance costs around 20% of the initial app development cost? That’s not just a lot of money, but a lot of business time and resources as well!
And you can make a wise choice by outsourcing your needs to an enterprise app development company. Why outsource app support and updates?
- Cost-effectiveness: Outsourcing eliminates the need for additional resources, infrastructure, and training costs.
- Expertise and specialized skills: Outsourcing allows you to tap into the knowledge and technical skills of professionals who are experienced in app support and updates.
- Focus on core competencies: By outsourcing, you can allocate more time and resources to business activities that drive growth and innovation.
- Scale on demand: Based on your business needs, you can scale the app without worrying about the recruitment or downsizing process.
- Best testing practices: Outsourcing gives you access to the latest tools and best practices, and your app stays up-to-date and competitive in the market.
Choosing the Right Enterprise App Development Company
Choosing the right enterprise app development company is critical for the success of an eCommerce mobile app. As a business owner, hire a company that has proven experience and expertise in developing eCommerce apps.
Additionally, consider factors such as pricing, project timelines, communication channels, and support services. Ask for quotes or cost estimates from multiple potential partners, and evaluate them.
eCommerce Mobile App Development Services and Pricing
It’s hard to put a tag on the eCommerce mobile app development costs. Several enterprise app development companies offer eCommerce mobile app development services, with pricing models ranging from hourly rates to fixed project costs.
Once you have a list of potential partners, compare the pricing and services offered by each. Evaluate the advantages they bring and then select the one that best meets your needs and budget.
Final Words
Developing an eCommerce app that stands out is not easy. It requires careful planning, execution, and post-launch support. We’re sure you will have a successful eCommerce app for your business if you consider the points mentioned above in this article.
However, if you lack the expertise and recourse, it is always wise to hire ecommerce mobile app development services. Outsourcing too can be flexible!
For instance, if you lack maintenance and support resources, you can outsource these tasks to reliable e-commerce mobile app development services. This allows you to leverage their expertise while focusing on your core business operations.
