Taking your business to the world can be one of the biggest challenges. This is especially true if you are a budding business. But, with the assistance of the Internet, a wide number of possibilities open up. For example, if you can take your business to the customer through a mobile app. The app store opens the door of possibility for your business to reach to the customer’s favourite shopping device- the mobile phone.
Today everyone owns a smartphone around you. And there is no way that they have not opened or looked up the apps on the app store. The app store, whether on popular platforms such as Android or Apple, hosts a ton of apps. This opens up a plethora of opportunities for businesses. Today anyone can create an app and host it on the app store without any issues. All they have to do is stick to the guidelines and create an engaging app.
Since customers love to shop on the mobile phones, creating an app can help you get those extra sales. It actually helps you create an edge in the market by providing the customer with a distinguished customer experience. Creating an app is after all more than just making sales. No doubt that your sales are amplified with an app. But, it goes more than that to having a home in the customers’ devices. And who wouldn’t want that?
But, for a small business the idea of approval on the app store and creating an app can be a big hassle. Not if you are reading this! We understand that creating your first ecommerce app can be scary. For this reason, we’ve compiled all the information you need to get started with it. Read on to find out more.
What is an eCommerce App?
Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart are some of the popular names when it comes to ecommerce. And not only this, but today some of the word famous brands also have their very own eCommerce store for the customer.
While the Internet has made shopping a tad easier for the customer, mobile phones have taken it to a whole new level. With mobile phones, people can now shop on their favourite devices with better controls and customized options. While browsing the web on mobile phones is one option. Another impressive option are apps. If you have ever used a mobile app, you know that its pretty convenient to do whatever you want with it. Suppose you have a shopping app, a lot of things are sorted out for you-
- You no longer have to keep remembering the website or browse it repeatedly on the browser
- No worry of remembering your shopping id and password after logging into your account
- One tap access to your purchase history and more
- Notifications about sales and more
- Easier returns and updates about orders
Therefore, an ecommerce app is a type of software application that is made specifically for your mobile phone. Be it its design or functionalities, everything is suited for the mobile phone and the user. Therefore, it gives added convenience to the customer to go through the utility of the app.
What is the Need for an eCommerce App?
When you just sell via an eCommerce store, there are no chances that you can reach your complete potential. If you look around, you will find that everyone is glued to the devices. As an online business owner you need to capitalize on this opportunity and make the most of it. Here’s why you need an ecommerce mobile app-
Mobile App is Trending
If you look at the statistics, you will find the number of mobile app users constantly growing up. Start by taking a look at your customers and the devices they shop from. If a large number of your customers are shopping from mobile, it means that they’d prefer using an app. Statistics suggest that within the next two years, mobile commerce will become as much as 73 percent of the total ecommerce market around the globe
Customer’s Favourite
Every customer’s phone is filled with mobile applications. And ever since ecommerce has become so popular, customers love having shopping apps on their mobile. While some sellers might feel like they need not have a dedicated mobile app, the numbers suggest otherwise. The idea is that customers love mobile apps. And no amount of browsing on the web can change that experience.
Competitive Advantage
Gaining a competitive advantage is every online sellers’ desire. But with so many new businesses emerging in the market, it becomes difficult to catch the customer’s eye. Mobile apps when published on the app store can drastically change all of this for you. If you tell your customers to shop on your app, they would be drawn to your business. Because you are not only providing them with a distinguished experience but also constant engagement.
Greater Conversions
A mobile app on the app store guarantees you higher conversions. That’s because you provide your customers with unparalleled experience, competitive prices as well as an engagement source. Customers are more likely to add products to their carts. Moreover, they might also browse through your products and respond to updates more than before.
Better Engagement
With a mobile app you can work on your marketing communication. This will help you keep your customers engaged in the long run. One of the best things you can do is send your customers push notifications. Be it offers, latest updates, information on new products or more. Mobile apps can have everything for your customers. Once you start engaging them more, they will more likely purchase from your store.
How Can You Create an eCommerce App?
If you want to create your ecommerce app, you first need to analyze your needs. Before you start looking for platforms to shop, take a look at the series of steps below-
Find out Your Niche
The first and foremost thing you need to do is find your niche. Research the market well before you land on any conclusion. Find out the niches that have the scope in the time to come. Moreover, you can come up with a vertical niche instead of a horizontal one. This means instead of ending up like an Amazon like store where there are less chances of raking, create something like a store only for crockeries.
Write Down Your Essential Features
Once you think about your niche, you need to think about your app. Before you host it on the app store, the next thing to do is think about the features. Step into your customer’s shoes. Think about the features they’d like to have in your app. At the same time, look at your competitor’s apps. If something is working out for them, they’ll work out for you.
Plot the Design Carefully
Design your app carefully. Take a look at the top ranking applications on the app store. By looking at these, you must design your features. Understand what would work out for your niche and how your customers are likely to respond to it.
Select and Develop the Platform Wisely
The only technical work you will have to do is while developing your app. Make sure you select the right platform for your app. Today, there are many new technologies in the market that will help you build an app without any hassle. Other than that you can hire a team of developers to help you build your app. If you are starting small, outsourcing this job would be another great idea.
Test
No matter what you do, never forget to test your mobile application. It will be a representation of your business on the app store. Therefore, you need to present your best foot forward. Test the app with different features. Alternatively, also ensure that it doesn’t crash when a lot of your customers use it.
Launch the App on the App Store
Next, all you have left to do is launch your app on the app store. Make sure that you fulfill the criteria mentioned in the app store. Then move onto the next step of creating your account on the app store.
Customer Support
Make sure your app has a customer support option. Since your customers might face problems while making purchases or more, there are chances that they’ll need help. Be it a calling option or chat support, make sure you add a functionality in your app.
Conclusion
Creating your app on the app store can have a profound impact on your business. It can help you skyrocket your sales, provide your customers with a distinguished experience and engage your customers. Apart from that, it can also help you gain an edge in the market. As you launch your ecommerce app on the app store, make sure you don’t forget the web version. For example, Dash101 can help you kickstart your dream eCommerce website within minutes. So, what are you waiting for?