Why Does Your Ecommerce Business Need an App?

Today, e-commerce has become a significant part of our daily lives. Shopping online has made it easier for people to buy what they want from the comfort of their homes, and with time, more businesses are moving to digital platforms to sell their products.

Thus, the way people shop has changed, where more and more customers are using their mobile phones to make purchases.

This shift towards mobile shopping is called mobile-first consumer behavior. 

People now prefer using mobile apps over websites for their shopping needs because it is faster, more convenient, and offer a smoother experience.

The purpose of this blog is to explain why having a mobile app for your e-commerce business is no longer just a good idea. It is now essential. Also, we will go through how, with the help of an eCommerce app builder, you can make your business grow, improve customer satisfaction, and increase sales. We will take a closer look at how having an app can benefit your e-commerce business and why it should be a priority in your growth strategy.

Suggested Read: How to Create an App like Amazon?

The Rise of Mobile Commerce (M-Commerce)

Mobile commerce is growing rapidly as smartphones become the go-to device for online shopping. 67% of e-commerce sales worldwide now come from mobile devices, and this is expected to rise to 73% within two years. 54% of consumers prefer mobile apps over websites because apps offer a faster and more convenient shopping experience.

Mobile Sites vs. Mobile Apps

• Mobile Sites: Optimized websites for smartphones that can be slower and require constant internet.
• Mobile Apps: Faster, provide a personalized experience, and often work better with poor connections. App users view 286% more products and add to cart at an 85% higher rate than mobile-browser users.

The Convenience Factor for Customers

Mobile apps make shopping quicker and easier. Here’s how:

• Quick Access: Fast entry to your store with a few taps.
• Personalized Shopping: Apps remember preferences and offer tailored suggestions. 63% of consumers want a personalized experience.
• Push Notifications: Alert customers about sales and updates, with a 60% open rate.
• Offline Availability: Some features work even without internet access.

Key Benefits of an E-Commerce App

Improved User Experience

One of the main reasons an e-commerce business needs an app is to provide customers with a better experience. When users open an app, everything is faster and smoother compared to using a website on a mobile phone.

• Faster load times: Mobile apps are designed to load quicker than websites. This means when a customer opens your app, they can browse your products without having to wait for the page to load.
• Intuitive navigation and design: An app is built with simplicity in mind. It is easier to navigate because it is designed specifically for mobile screens. The menus and buttons are optimized for touch, making it a lot easier for customers to find what they need quickly.

Personalized Shopping

An ecommerce app maker platform helps you create an e-commerce app that allows you to offer a more personalized experience for each customer. Additionally, the help of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology can make shopping more enjoyable and relevant for your users.

• Use of AI for tailored product recommendations: Apps can track user preferences, browsing history, and purchase patterns. Using this information, AI can suggest products that are more likely to interest each customer. This makes the shopping experience more personalized and enjoyable.
• Personalized push notifications and alerts: You can send push notifications directly to users' phones about special offers, discounts, or new arrivals. These notifications can be customized based on their interests, increasing the chances of them making a purchase.

Increased Customer Engagement

Customer engagement is important for building relationships and loyalty. With an app, you can stay in touch with your customers and encourage them to interact with your business in various ways.

• Push notifications for promotions, reminders, and cart abandonment: When a customer adds items to their cart but does not complete the purchase, you can send a gentle reminder through push notifications. You can also send notifications about sales, new product releases, or special promotions to keep customers engaged and coming back for more.
• Loyalty programs and gamification: Many e-commerce apps include loyalty programs where customers earn points or rewards for making purchases. Some apps also add a fun element through gamification, where customers can unlock achievements or get rewards for certain actions, like making their first purchase or referring friends.

Higher Conversion Rates

An app can help increase the number of visitors who actually make a purchase. When people use apps, they are more likely to buy something because the process is made simple and convenient.

• Mobile apps vs. websites: conversion rate statistics: Studies have shown that mobile apps generally have higher conversion rates than websites. This means more people who visit your app are likely to make a purchase, compared to those who browse your website.
• One-click checkout and stored payment methods: When you create your app with the app builder, it allows customers to store their payment details, making the checkout process faster. With a simple one-click checkout option, customers can quickly purchase their items without having to re-enter their information every time. This reduces friction and helps increase sales.

Building Brand Loyalty and Trust: eCommerce App

Customers want to feel connected to the brands they shop with. A mobile app can help your e-commerce business build stronger relationships with your customers. Here’s how:

Always-On Presence on Customer’s Home Screen

When customers download your app, it stays on their phone’s home screen, offering quick access to your store. This constant visibility keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds, making them more likely to return. 38% of users return to an e-commerce app 11+ times, and 50% will return within 30 days of purchase.

Enhanced Brand Recognition and Recall

An app helps strengthen brand recognition. The app icon and notifications make your brand more memorable, building trust over time. 85% of people expect websites to look as good on mobile as on desktop, so having a smooth app experience is key to maintaining positive brand perception.

In-App Customer Support and Chatbots

An app offers easy access to a customer support chatbot, increasing reliability and trust. Customers appreciate quick help, which leads to greater loyalty. 73% of retail consumers spend more after a positive support experience, proving that fast, efficient support is crucial for building trust

Suggested Read: 12 Features Your E-commerce Apps Should Have

Competitive Advantage of Having an eCommerce App

The e-commerce market is full of similar products, making it hard to stand out. Here’s how having an app gives you an advantage:

Stand Out in a Saturated E-Commerce Market

With many online stores offering the same products, an app sets you apart. 67% of e-commerce sales now come from mobile devices, and having an app helps you tap into this growing market, giving you a professional edge.

Offer Features Your Competitors Might Lack

Apps allow you to offer extra features like personalized shopping and loyalty rewards. 82% of consumers are more likely to shop where there’s a loyalty program, so your app could be the reason customers choose you over competitors.

Better Insights from App Analytics

Apps provide valuable insights into customer behavior, helping you refine your products and strategies. App users convert at a 130% higher rate than mobile website users, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition.

Common Concerns and How to Overcome Them

When thinking about building an app, you might have some concerns. Let’s look at how to overcome them.

Cost of App Development and Maintenance

App development can be expensive, but an AI app builder offers an affordable solution. Such tools allow you to create an app without hiring expensive developers. You can choose templates, customize them, and easily maintain your app without additional costs.

Cross-Platform Considerations (Android/iOS)

Developing separate apps for Android and iOS can be costly. However, many AI app builders allow you to create apps that work on both platforms. This saves time and money, ensuring your app reaches a wider audience without extra effort.

Integration with Existing E-Commerce Platforms

If you already have an online store, don’t worry. Many app builders integrate with platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, so your products, customer data, and orders sync automatically. This makes the process seamless and easy to manage.

How eCommerce App Maker Helps Store Owners

An eCommerce app maker is a powerful tool that enables store owners to easily create and manage their own mobile app without needing to know complex coding. Here's how it can help:

Simplifies the App Development Process

With an eCommerce app maker, store owners can create a custom mobile app quickly and without technical expertise. This eliminates the need for expensive developers and allows for a more affordable and efficient app development process.

Enhances Customer Engagement

An app created using an eCommerce app maker makes it easy to engage customers directly through push notifications, personalized offers, and promotions. This increased interaction helps improve customer retention and loyalty.

Boosts Sales and Conversion Rates

Apps provide a more seamless shopping experience, resulting in higher conversion rates. The ease of access and personalized features make it easier for customers to complete their purchases.

Offers Detailed Insights

An app builder allows you to collect valuable data on customer behavior, including what they browse, purchase, and engage with. These insights help you make smarter business decisions and tailor your marketing strategies.

Strengthens Brand Recognition

By offering a mobile app, store owners can strengthen brand recognition and build customer trust. The app stays on customers' devices, keeping your brand front and center and making it easier for customers to return.

Suggested Read: How to Create an Ecommerce App Using Appy Pie’s Ecommerce App Builder?

Conclusion

Having an app for your e-commerce business comes with numerous benefits. It boosts customer engagement, improves brand recognition, and gives you a competitive edge in a crowded market. It also provides valuable insights through analytics and allows you to offer features your competitors might lack.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying relevant and competitive means adapting to new trends. A mobile app makes it easier for you to stay in touch with your customers, offer them a personalized experience, and keep them coming back.

Now is the perfect time to take action. Start planning or developing your e-commerce app today, and take the next step in growing your business and building lasting customer relationships.