Businesses are well-aware of the importance of building a good e-commerce website to expand their presence and growth on the internet. It’s one of the first steps when starting online. But that’s only half the task unless they have also developed a corresponding mobile e-commerce app.
The tremendous growth in smartphone users has changed the way people shop. Mobile commerce sales are projected to exceed $430 billion in 2022 and $710 billion in 2025.
As mobile purchases continue to increase, a business cannot afford to ignore the audience base that depends solely on their phones to make purchases. And building an application is the best way to target them. This article explains in detail why a mobile e-commerce app is absolutely necessary for a business.
Key differences between e-commerce on website and mobile
Before exploring the advantages of a mobile application for e-commerce, let’s look at how it differs from a website
| E-commerce on website | E-commerce on mobile app |
| Can be accessed through search engine | Can be accessed after installing on phone |
| User interface is more navigational | User interface is more interactive |
| Is able to effectively attract a sizable audience | Is able to efficiently engage the audience |
| Limited features when compared to a mobile app | Has scope for introducing and updating features frequently |
| Has limited scope for personalisation | Offers a greater scope for personalisation |
| Is comparatively cost-effective | Can be relatively costly to build |
Also read: E-commerce Challenges Faced by Businesses and Ways to Tackle Them
Why does your business need a mobile e-commerce app?
Here’s how a mobile app can help businesses achieve a competitive edge and reach out to a bigger target market.
An app offers a better browsing experience
The mobile app is capable of offering a superior browsing experience based on the prior activity of the user. An app’s user interface is designed with the objective of catering to a buyer’s perception and interaction while making it as simple as possible.
Additionally, a mobile app layout does away with inessential icons or buttons leading to minimal distractions and quicker purchases. It also allows the user to manage their browsing by editing settings and preferences.
A mobile app can reduce cart abandonment
Mobile apps can help reduce cart abandonment compared to a desktop because when a user shops through an app, their preferences, payment details, addresses, etc, are already stored, saving the effort of repeatedly having to enter them.
Moreover, users access an app when they are relatively more sure of purchasing from the brand or business and indicating a high buyer intent and less chance of abandoning the process midway.
A mobile app helps with brand recognition
When an app is already present on the phone, users notice it more frequently on their screens and hence are likely to access it more often. It also ensures a high recall value of the brand, its logo and design which means that buyers are aware of you and your offerings when they are making a purchase.
Regular app notifications also add to brand awareness in addition to keeping the users updated about the latest and upcoming products at your store.
A mobile app can boost customer loyalty
If users have downloaded your app, they are naturally more inclined towards your brand and want to shop with you more frequently and easily. It is faster and more convenient to open an already downloaded app and proceed with a purchase when compared to looking for your store online on a browser.
Users are also driven to continue to transact with the app once they are satisfied with the experience you offer. Continued interactions build a relationship of trust and security which in turn boosts customer loyalty.
A mobile app offers a personalised shopping experience
A personalised shopping experience is highly essential to retain customers and eventually grow the business. Since mobile apps identify shopping patterns and store preferences they are able to offer customised recommendations based on past shopping history, simplifying the task for the user.
A mobile app offers businesses the opportunity to also personalise marketing campaigns for users by understanding what products are likely to interest them most.
Also read: Tips to Find The Best Payment Gateway For E-commerce in India
Conclusion
The benefits of building a mobile app are numerous as seen in this article, moreover, as more and more people are moving from desktop to mobile for their e-commerce purchases, it is almost mandatory to build a mobile e-commerce app.
Seamless transactions are equally important and as your business focuses on building a robust app, you can depend on a reliable solution provider for all your payment-related needs.
Paytm Payment Gateway for instance is able to personalise the shopping experience for users along with safe and secure transactions. Its advanced tools and techniques can help your business offer a seamless customer experience on a mobile app and drive it towards growth.
