As per a report of Statista, “the number of smartphone users worldwide will reach up to 2.87 billion by 2020. It’s expected that over 2 billion people will make some form of mobile eCommerce transaction over the course of this year”. Not just this, according to the data provided by Adobe, “67% of online shoppers, who use their mobile devices of making purchases, prefer applications offered by their favorite companies and brands”.
Despite these alluring figures, a lot of eCommerce site owners has still not upgraded their store into a mobile app. Most of them still relies on the mobile responsive sites. During last year's holiday season, one-third of all online orders came from smartphone users. It is statistically proven that the mobile phone users are more likely to interact with your online store via smartphones and tablets that the desktop computers. However, the mobile responsive sites won't help in the long run. The online shoppers are finicky and won't hesitate in shopping from your competitor's site if there the slightest inconvenience in browsing. This is when an eCommerce mobile app can offer you the edge. A mobile store can effortlessly offer the shopping experience that would appeal to your customer base.
Considering the importance that a mobile application holds in today’s eCommerce ecosystem, having one for your business is a wise decision. Listed below is the top reason why you should invest in a mobile eCommerce store.
Tap the huge base of mobile-based shoppers
As per records, over 2 billion mobile phone users are expected to make some sort of online transaction by the end of 2017. More than 75% of the site’s traffic comes from the mobile devices and around 95% of the internet searches are done via the handheld devices. This specifies the potential opportunities that m-commerce has. In addition, the market size of the mobile eCommerce is estimated at $40 billion. A handy mobile application can help you tap this customer base and the huge market potential. The mobile channel can attract the convenience-craving consumers.
Standout from the crowd
Apart from the eCommerce giants, till date only 30-40% of the small business has delved into the mobile platform. On the other hand, the industry is flooded with the companies dealing in e-trading. Thus, having a mobile app can effortlessly get you the competitive edge. This is one of the ways to tap the market of the mobile-first users and stay ahead of the competition. One of the reasons for the statistics being low is technicalities involved in going mobile. There are DIYs that can help you develop your mobile store even without any technical knowledge. For example, Mobile app builder by Knowband or any other developer offers an easy way to upgrade your site into a mobile app without much hassle. The no-code Prestashop mobile app builder extensions, Magento mobile app builder and OpenCart mobile app creator for Android/iOS can seamlessly integrate integrate the respective stores into an application. The extended features of the app creator even convert your marketplace into a mobile application.
Stay at an arms distance to the customers
Reaching out to the right customer base is the key to boost the chances of conversions. While the desktop website drives the usual and, at times, irrelevant traffic, the mobile app will only appeal to the potential audience. Thus, launching an application can help you bring the entire store in pockets of the customers. With a mobile store, you are not time-bound and drag your consumers from whenever they are. The customers can browse your store whenever they feel like. In addition, the push notifications offered by the DIY mobile app builder makes marketing easier with personal marketing.
On-the-go marketing platform
Mobile apps can engage the customers to follow through on their purchases. 78% of the users prefer mobile apps over mobile sites on Smartphones. Market segmentation and targeting become easier with an application. The banners, ads email triggers and other such marketing tactics are effective. However, the presence of enormous advertising may slowly lose the impact on customers. The inbuilt push notifications in the apps trigger the purchase intention of the customers instantly. It is, hence, an effective means to keep them well-aware of the store’s offerings.
Creates brand equity and recognition
An app serves as a platform for engaging with the target audience. Benevolent apps focus on providing the possible solution to the store visitors instead of advertising. This creates the much-needed brand recognition amongst the customers in a subtle way. An app can save you from the slow process of data collection. These are an easy means to capture the information and the consumer’s preference. The information can be used to deliver personalized services. In addition, an edgy customer experience ensures a better brand image and recognition ultimately.
Simplified online transaction
The mobile store can create a direct channel for your customers. The easy accessibility, simplified search options and omnipresence, makes it easier for the customers to find their products whenever they want to. With an app, the users can complete their transactions with just a few taps. The quick sign ups and social login options make browsing easier. In addition, the single step checkout process reduces cart abandonment. The customers can even keep a check on their transaction history and track their order. The simplified transaction makes up for the pillars that can help your company stand tall.
Delve into the social platform
It almost goes without saying that the popularity of social media is increasing. This is a trend and not just a fad that is expected to stay. Integrating the features like social share, like, comments and in-app messaging can improve your business standing. Improving the visibility of your site and products on the social platform can enhance the user engagement. Thus, having a mobile app can help you achieve the much-needed social interaction.
Effective way of creating buzz
An app can boost the interest of the customers. The social sharing options can effortlessly create a buzz. An eCommerce website requires months of patience for ranking higher on Google’s SERP. On the other hand, the in-app offers and installation incentives can automatically motivate the customers to use shop from the store. Besides, the social sharing options can enhance the visibility of the store on the social media platform. The buzz-worthy apps can boost the engagement and conversions ultimately.
Personalize the user experience
The real time data can help you provide a personalized user experience. Customizing the app in order to offer a unique and distinguished experience is comparatively easier than that of the eCommerce sites. It is an economically efficient way to keep a check on the visitor’s behavior and manage the sales pitch as per their expectation.
Reach out globally
According to a report, 8 out of 10 largest iPhone and Android market is not English-speaking. Hence, localizing the store is the best way to reach out to the target audience globally. The multi-lingual apps can grab the huge untapped growth potential.
Wrapping up
With the m-commerce industry booming at the moment, it is worthwhile for every eCommerce company to invest in a mobile app. The significance of the mobile application in the industry is not a fad, but an unavoidable trend. Since the online shoppers have so many options to choose from, standing apart from the competition is must and an app can help you the much-needed edge.